Few things in life compare to seeing a humpback whale breach — its massive body launching out of the sea and crashing back in a burst of white spray. It happens right here, in the warm waters off Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula, and I get to share it with visitors from all over the world. This is one of my favorite tours to guide, and every season it takes my breath away.
When Can You See Whales in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica has one of the longest whale-watching seasons in the world — because humpbacks from both hemispheres visit our Pacific coast. Southern humpbacks arrive from July to November (the peak is mid-July to October), and Northern humpbacks come from December to April. During these months they migrate to our warm, calm waters to mate, give birth, and care for their calves.
The Gulf of Nicoya — the protected bay on the eastern side of our peninsula — is one of the best places in the whole country to see them. On a good day you'll spot their spouts, their broad backs rolling at the surface, and if you're lucky, a full breach or a tail slap.
Dolphins All Year Round
Even outside whale season, the ocean puts on a show. Pantropical spotted dolphins and bottlenose dolphins live in these waters year-round. The spotted dolphins travel in large, playful pods and love to ride the bow wave of the boat — you'll have them leaping just a few metres away.
What the Tour Looks Like
We set out by boat from Bahía de Tambor with a local captain who knows where the animals gather in the Gulf of Nicoya. I keep the groups small, so everyone gets a clear view and a calm, respectful experience — we never chase or crowd the animals. It pairs beautifully with a day at Isla Tortuga, so many guests combine the two.
🐋 Best time: For whales, aim for August–October or January–March. For dolphins, any time of year works. Calm mornings usually offer the best sightings and the smoothest ride. These are wild animals, so sightings are never guaranteed — but the Gulf rarely disappoints.
What to Expect
- Duration: about 3–4 hours on the water
- Difficulty: easy — suitable for all ages and families
- Included: local captain, boat, life jackets, and your guide
- What to bring: sunscreen, hat, water, and a camera
- Small groups · Spanish and English
Why Book with Me
I'm José Cardoza, a local guide and Spanish teacher who lives on the Nicoya Peninsula. I work with trusted local captains, I know the seasons and the spots, and I care about doing this the right way — respecting the animals and keeping groups small. You'll get a personal, unforgettable day on the water, not a crowded tourist boat.
How to Book
Send me a message on WhatsApp and tell me your dates. I'll check the season, the tides, and the weather, and set up the perfect day. Bring your sense of wonder — the ocean will do the rest.