Whale Watching Tour in Costa Rica – Explore the Nicoya Peninsula’s Majestic Giants
Join our unforgettable whale watching tour in Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula. Spot humpback whales, dolphins, and marine wildlife while enjoying breathtaking coastal views.
Our marine life tour sets sail from the charming fishing village of Cabuya Beach, at the entrance to Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve on the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula. Choose between a sunrise departure, when the ocean is calm and wildlife is most active, or an afternoon adventure along the scenic Pacific Coast.
From July to October and again from December to March, the warm waters around Nicoya become a sanctuary for migrating humpback whales, who travel thousands of kilometers from both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres to breed and raise their calves. Along the way, you may also spot playful dolphins, majestic manta rays, whale sharks, sea turtles, and coastal birds soaring overhead.
This 3-hour experience is more than just whale watching — it’s a journey into the heart of Costa Rica’s marine biodiversity. Depending on sea conditions, you’ll have the chance to swim or snorkel in crystalline waters, discovering vibrant reef fish and underwater life.
Perfect for families with children or anyone with a passion for the ocean, this tour offers the chance to witness nature’s most extraordinary spectacles up close. Don’t forget your camera — these magical encounters deserve to be remembered forever.
Experience this tour exclusively during the breeding season, available from July to October and December to March.
What to Bring
Comfortable clothing, swimsuit & towel (you may get splashed)
Sandals or water shoes with good grip
Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses (shade on the boat is limited)
Reusable water bottle to stay hydrated
Light snacks (optional – small cooler welcome)
Camera or binoculars (a must for wildlife viewing!)
Snorkel gear if you’d like to explore the reefs after the tour
Age Range
Suitable for ages
Families welcome — children must be supervised by an adult
Tour Duration & Schedule: 3 hours
Departure Times: Sunrise (8:00 am) or Afternoon (2:00 pm) — best times for whale activity (All our tours are private and fully customizable. Feel free to reach out with any questions or special requests).
Seasonability: July to October and December to March are peak whale season, Dolphins, manta rays, whale sharks, turtles, and coastal birds can be seen year-round
Meeting point and end point 👉 📍 Cabuya Island Parking
Availability: Experience this tour exclusively during the breeding season, available from July to October and December to March. We ask, however, that you, email us or WhatsApp us to verify availability before making your purchase.
PRICING:
Group of 1-5 people $375
Group of 1-8 people $625
Book our Whale Watching Tour with us today!
Highlights:
Experience one of nature’s greatest spectacles during peak seasons: July–October (northern migration) and December–March (southern migration). Up-Close Encounters
Encounter playful dolphins, manta rays, whale sharks, sea turtles, and a variety of seabirds.
Sail from Cabuya Beach along the stunning Pacific coast, with breathtaking views of the Nicoya Peninsula’s rugged beauty.
Sunrise or Afternoon Departures – Choose between the golden glow of morning light or a magical sunset experience.
Perfect for Families – Safe, fun, and educational for kids and adults alike.
Included:
Round trip transportation from Cabuya Beach
Boat Tour (3–4 hours) – Scenic ride along the Pacific coast, departing from Cabuya Beach.
Expert Bilingual Guide – Naturalist guide providing insights on marine life, whales, and coastal ecosystems.
Snorkeling Stop (conditions permitting) – Explore reefs and marine life (snorkel gear provided)
Life jackets and emergency gear onboard.
Photography Moments
Water, Sodas, Tropical Juice, Beer
Fresh Fruit
Important to know!
-
We understand that travel plans may change, so we do our best to offer a fair and flexible policy:
Full Refund: Cancel up to 48 hours before departure and receive a full refund.
Partial Refund: Cancellations made between 24–48 hours before departure will incur a 50% charge to cover costs already incurred.
No Refund: Unfortunately, cancellations made within 24 hours of the tour are non-refundable, as we are unable to resell the space.
💡 If unexpected circumstances arise within 24 hours, please contact us—we will do our best to reschedule your experience, subject to availability.
-
Our tours operate rain or shine, but if conditions are unsafe, we will reschedule or provide a refund according to our cancellation policy.
-
Departure is from Cabuya Beach. Please arrive 30 minutes before departure to meet Captain Douglas and board our boat, The Tipsy Gaul.
-
We recommend that all participants have personal travel or health insurance that covers outdoor activities such as boat rides and snorkeling. Our company carries civil liability insurance, but this does not replace your personal coverage.
-
This tour is not recommended for pregnant women, people with serious back or heart conditions, or travelers with limited mobility, as boat rides and snorkeling may be physically demanding.
-
Rezdy Bookings
When booking through the Rezdy platform on our website, full payment (100%) is required at the time of booking.Direct Bookings
For reservations made directly with us, you may secure your spot with a 20% deposit via PayPal or Venmo and pay the remaining balance in cash on the day of the tour.