Every year humpback whales follow the warm water of the Central Pacific to the coast off Uvita, many with babies alongside, and this tour is built around that window: it runs July 15 to October 15, departing Manuel Antonio at 7:00 am on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. The hour-long drive south is part of the trip, with your guide narrating Dominical, Matapalo, and Uvita as you pass them.
At Marino Ballena National Park you board the boat and spend roughly three hours working the coastline for humpbacks, pilot whales, and dolphins. Along the way you pass the rock formations that give this stretch its character: Roca Ballena, Las Cavernas off Playa Ventana, Roca Viuda, and Tres Hermanas. If conditions allow, you can jump in for a swim or a snorkel before heading back.
Honest fine print: whale sightings are never guaranteed, though the odds in season are very high. Book early in your stay so there is room to try a second day if the ocean does not cooperate.
Bring a bathing suit, beach towel, sandals, waterproof camera, and sunglasses with a retainer cord. Departs 7:00 am on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, July 15 to October 15.
Before you book, one honest note. Prices, departure times, and what is included move with the season here. Rivers rise and drop, tides reset the schedule, boats come out of the water for maintenance, and operators adjust rates without telling anyone first. The details on this page are what we last confirmed directly with the operator, and we go back and check them, but your booking is with the operator and their confirmation is the final word on price, timing, pickup, and what you get. If a detail matters to your trip, whether that is a dietary need, a mobility question, a birthday, or a tight flight, ask us before you book and we will confirm it with them directly rather than guess.
Traveling with kids, limited mobility, or a tight schedule? Tell us your situation and we will match you to the right day and departure.
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