Every year, humpback whales migrate to Costa Rica's warm Pacific waters, making Guanacaste one of the best places in Central America to witness these incredible marine mammals. Departing from Playa Flamingo and Playa Potrero, our whale watching tours offer the opportunity to see whales, dolphins, sea turtles, manta rays, and other amazing marine wildlife along the beautiful Gold Coast.
Whether you're planning your first visit or returning to Costa Rica, whale watching is one of the most unforgettable ocean adventures available.
Whales migrate from Antarctica, making this the most productive season for sightings. Mothers and calves are commonly seen during these months.
A second migration arrives from the North Pacific, extending Costa Rica's whale watching season well into the winter months.
Whale watching tours are run aboard La Mojada, a 30ft custom center console equipped with a 150 hp Mercury outboard engine, cushioned seating with full Bimini shade, and a spacious open platform for spotting and photographing whales as they surface. Her center console layout lets your captain get closer to the coastline and reef areas around the Catalina Islands than larger boats can, making her equally well suited for whale watching, dolphin sightings, and guided snorkeling. Fresh fruit, snacks, and beverages are served on board throughout your tour.
Every tour is different, but guests frequently see:
Bottlenose dolphinsThe diversity of marine life makes every outing unique.
A catamaran snorkeling tour is another fantastic way to experience the Pacific coast of Playa Flamingo and Playa Potrero. Along the way, you may spot dolphins, sea turtles, rays, tropical fish, and even humpback whales during migration season. Learn more about our Catamaran Snorkeling Tours and enjoy one of the most popular ocean adventures in Guanacaste.
We recommend bringing:
SunglassesMorning departures often provide calmer ocean conditions, less wind, and excellent visibility.
Whale watching season is limited, and private tours book up fast. Reserve your spot today to see humpback whales, dolphins, and marine life along the beautiful Guanacaste coastline.
The best whale watching season is July through October, when humpback whales migrate from Antarctica, and again from December through March–April, when a second migration arrives from the North Pacific — giving Costa Rica one of the longest whale watching seasons in the world.
Our captains follow responsible wildlife viewing distances to keep whales and passengers safe, while positioning the boat for the best possible views and photo opportunities as the whales surface and breach naturally.
While no wildlife tour can guarantee sightings, our captains track recent whale activity daily along the Flamingo and Potrero coastline, and humpback whale sightings are common during peak season (July–October and December through March–April).
Yes — our private whale watching tours are family-friendly, with calm morning departures, a private captain, and a relaxed pace suited to first-time whale watchers and experienced travelers alike.
We recommend light, comfortable clothing, a swimsuit, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, and a camera or phone to capture breaching whales — morning departures tend to offer the calmest seas and best visibility for photos.
Costa Rica is one of the few destinations in the world where humpback whales arrive from both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. The warm Pacific waters provide a safe place for whales to give birth and care for their calves, creating one of the longest whale watching seasons anywhere. The coastline around Playa Flamingo, Playa Potrero, Las Catalinas, and the Catalina Islands offers excellent opportunities to encounter these magnificent animals while enjoying spectacular ocean scenery.
Everything you need to know about our tours, fishing charters, transportation, and booking — all in one place.
