Whale Watching in the North Pacific of Costa Rica
During the past years Costa Rica has become a famous tourist destination around the world for its natural wealth both marine and terrestrial. One of the biggest attractions for eco tourism has been the observation of whales and dolphins on the shores of the country, mainly in the Pacific coast.
Eco-tourists and wildlife enthusiasts delight in Costa Rica’s amazing dolphin and whale watching tours. The country’s warm seas are home to one of the most biologically diverse marine habitats in the world.
The humpback whale and all species of dolphins and whales are considered endangered species and are protected in Costa Rica. In the case of the humpback whale, are already very low individual in the world. There are several tours of half-day and full day to observe whales and dolphins in the area.
In the North Pacific of Costa Rica 3 species of whales can be seen in the area: the False Orca, the pilot whale and the humpback whale that is very acrobatic and measured 15-17 meters (49 to 56 feet) long and migrates to tropical and subtropical waters during the winter - making the observation of whales and dolphins a wonderful experience.
That is due temperate waters and others conditions that create the ideal ecosystem for Humpback Whale and other cetaceous like spinner and spotted dolphins. Also you can see other examples of marine life of the zone but the favorites of the tourist are the whales without a doubt.
Almost every town along the beach Nicoya Peninsula will offer day trips for dolphin and whale watching. But there are two beaches in particular, Tambor and Pochote, will allow you to see, on occasion, the Humpback Whale. Carrillo Beach, just south of Samara, is a popular launching point for dolphin watching and snorkeling tours. Another interesting place to see whales is Papagayo that is located in the northern of Guanacaste.
Protected by Bahia Ballena (Whale Bay) on the southeastern Nicoya Peninsula, the beaches of Tambor and Pochote offer occasional sightings of Humpback whales but they are not compared with the south Pacific of Costa Rica. Both beaches are nestled against mangrove forests and are relatively undeveloped. Another good spot to see dolphins in the area is the gray-black sandy beach of Playa Ocotal that is confined by steep cliffs on both sides. The dolphins often swim in front of the boats crossing in front of the beach. Between the months of December and April humpback whales and pilot whales frequent these waters.
Near Playa Hermosa divers have seen many times huge whale sharks over 35 feet long, as well as dolphins, humpback whales, pilot whales, killer whales, false killer whales and giant jellyfish groups.
