Humpback whales come to the warm waters of Marino Ballena National Park to give birth and raise their calves. Whales from the southern hemisphere visit from July to November and whales from the north from December to March, so there is a chance to see them for much of the year.
The boat leaves from the beach in the morning with a bilingual guide. Besides the whales and dolphins, you pass the Whale's Tail, the sandbar at Punta Uvita that looks like a whale's tail from above, and stop to snorkel when the sea allows.
Highlights
- Humpback mothers and calves, and sometimes a whale breaching
- Dolphins, which you can see all year
- The Whale's Tail sandbar at Punta Uvita, seen from the water
- A snorkel stop when the sea allows
Know before you go
- Southern humpbacks visit from July to November, most of all in August and September. Northern humpbacks come from December to March, and some stay into April.
- Outside whale season, the trip focuses on dolphins, sea caves and snorkeling.
- Boats must keep 100 m from the whales, and swimming with them is not allowed.
- Uvita celebrates its whale and dolphin festival in early September.
- Whales are wild animals: in season the chances are good, but sightings are never guaranteed.
How the day goes
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Meet on the beach
Departures are between 7 and 8 am. You board from the beach, so wear clothes that can get wet.
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Whales and dolphins
Time at sea looking for humpbacks and dolphins, with your guide explaining what you see.
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Whale's Tail and snorkel
The boat passes the Whale's Tail and, when the sea allows, stops so you can snorkel before heading back to the beach.
Included
- Boat trip with a bilingual guide
- Marino Ballena National Park fee
- Snorkel gear
- Life jackets
Not included
- Tips
What to bring
- Swimsuit and towel
- Sunscreen and a hat
- Motion sickness tablet, if you need one
- A waterproof case for your phone