No menu items!

COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

HomeTopicsTravel and TourismIt's dolphin and whale season in southern Costa Rica

It’s dolphin and whale season in southern Costa Rica

As the sun rises over the stunning Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica’s southern Pacific, the waters of Golfo Dulce come alive with the graceful movements of dolphins. This tranquil scene is a daily occurrence during the peak of marine migration season, which runs from July to October. Golfo Dulce is not only one of the most serene and biodiverse locations in the country, but it also plays host to one of nature’s most awe-inspiring spectacles: the annual migration of dolphins and whales.

Dolphins are a common sight in these pristine waters, where they come to feed and socialize, much to the delight of visitors. The calm, protected bay of Golfo Dulce offers the perfect conditions for dolphins to thrive. Whether it’s a lone dolphin slicing through the water at dawn or pods playing together near the shore, these creatures are a favorite for wildlife travelers and eco travelers alike.

Whales, particularly humpbacks, also make their way to Golfo Dulce during this period. They migrate from colder waters to Costa Rica’s warm, safe bays to give birth and raise their young. Both dolphins and whales find sanctuary in this region, protected by the rich ecosystem of the gulf and the commitment to sustainable tourism.

For visitors, this is the perfect time to book a tour and witness the beauty of the Pacific Ocean’s marine life. Local tour operators offer eco-friendly excursions that provide an up-close experience with dolphins, whales, and other sea creatures while promoting conservation.

A dolphin diving against the backdrop of a peaceful sunrise in Golfo Dulce captures the magic of Costa Rica’s southern Pacific—an unforgettable moment for travelers lucky enough to witness it.

Trending Now

Coming Home to Costa Rica in a Driverless World

A week from now I’ll be back in Costa Rica. Three months gone, and I’m ready for the plane to touch down and to...

Salvadoran Military Faces Trial for El Mozote Massacre After Decades of Impunity

A group of Salvadoran military officers, including a former defense minister, will be put on trial for the massacre of nearly one thousand civilians...

Carlos Alcaraz Edges Joao Fonseca in Miami Exhibition

Carlos Alcaraz outlasted Joao Fonseca in a thrilling exhibition match at the Miami Invitational. The world number one from Spain claimed victory with a...

Costa Rica Made BBC’s 2026 Best Destinations List

Costa Rica has earned a spot on the BBC's list of the 20 best places to travel in 2026. The recognition comes as the...

Guatemala Faces Security Crisis After Mayor’s Murder in Festive Parade

Gunmen shot and killed the mayor of Masagua during a Christmas parade in Guatemala on Saturday evening, wounding one of his bodyguards in the...

Why Visiting North America Will Cost More for Costa Ricans in July 2026

Costa Rican families planning trips to the United States, Canada, or Mexico in 2026 face higher costs as the mid-year school break overlaps with...
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Travel Insurance
Costa Rica Travel

Latest News from Costa Rica