Whale Season in Costa Rica: When and Where to See Humpback Whales

Whale season is underway on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. For travelers hoping to see humpback whales, the South Pacific—especially Uvita and Marino Ballena National Park—is one of the country’s best known places to plan a trip.

When is whale season in Costa Rica?

Costa Rica has two main humpback whale migration periods. Whales from the Southern Hemisphere are generally present from late July into early November, while the northern migration runs roughly from late December to early April. Costa Rica’s tourism board highlights September and October as especially promising months around Uvita. These are seasonal windows, not a guarantee of a sighting.

Where should you go?

Marino Ballena National Park in Uvita is the classic starting point. Its shoreline includes the famous natural formation called the Whale’s Tail, and boat trips explore the nearby waters. Drake Bay and the Osa Peninsula are also popular bases for whale watching. Sightings can happen elsewhere along the Pacific coast, including Guanacaste, but Uvita is the focus of this guide.

A few tips before you book

Leave some flexibility in your itinerary, since ocean conditions can affect departures. Choose a responsible local operator, listen to the guide’s wildlife instructions, and bring sun protection and a dry bag. Whales are wild animals, so even during the peak season every outing is different.

Getting there

If you are arriving at Liberia Guanacaste Airport (LIR) and continuing to Uvita, Drake Bay, or another Pacific destination, Liberia Airport Shuttle Service can help arrange a private transfer that fits your route and flight arrival. Contact us at shuttleservice@liberiacrairport.com or WhatsApp +506 8354 4787 to plan your ground transportation. Whale-watching excursions are arranged separately.

Photo: Giles Laurent, “Humpback whale tail in Ballena Marine National Park, Costa Rica,” Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0. Image unchanged. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:073_Humpback_whale_tail_in_Ballena_Marine_National_Park_Photo_by_Giles_Laurent.jpg | License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

Seasonal information: Costa Rica Tourism Board, https://www.visitcostarica.com/where-to-go/protected-areas/ballena-national-marine-park and https://www.visitcostarica.com/sites/default/files/legacy/pdf/2.2.4.7.1%20Ballenas%20y%20Mantarayas.pdf