No menu items!

COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

HomeNewsHumpback Whale and Calf Captivate Tourists in Costa Rica's Guanacaste

Humpback Whale and Calf Captivate Tourists in Costa Rica’s Guanacaste

A stunning video captured in Cuajiniquil Bay, Guanacaste, showcases a majestic humpback whale leaping twice into the sea, followed by the appearance of its shy calf. The video, filmed by Olger Lara, has quickly stirred excitement among locals and nature enthusiasts, marking the much-anticipated start of the whale-watching season on the Costa Rican Pacific coast.

Lucky visitors who had booked a tour for the day were pleasantly surprised by the whales at around 11 a.m.

“Humpback whales are already here, giving their spectacular show; it’s the magic of nature, impressive and unforgettable for all who witness it!” Cuajiniquil Tours, who shared the video, exclaimed.

The sight of these massive creatures is a highlight for many. This natural spectacle draws the attention of locals and tourists alike.

“Today (Friday, 11 a.m.), we were out sailing and had the incredible opportunity to observe the humpback whales. They were right in front of Cuajiniquil Bay. These whales usually visit us from August to November, and today, both the whale and its calf seemed to be thoroughly enjoying their time,” said Geannina Lara from Cuajiniquil Tours.

The whale season is a highly anticipated event each year, attracting marine life enthusiasts from around the globe. This season typically extends until the end of October, during which humpback whales migrate from both the northern and southern hemispheres to Costa Rica’s warm waters to breed and give birth.

“This year is shaping up to be truly spectacular. We warmly invite people from all over Costa Rica and beyond to come and experience this natural wonder,” added Lara. “We are a family-run business in Cuajiniquil de La Cruz, Guanacaste, dedicated to showcasing the stunning beauty of Bahía Santa Elena, Islas Murciélago, and more.”

Costa Rica is renowned as a premier destination for whale-watching, with one of the longest humpback whale-watching seasons in the world, as these magnificent animals stay in the country for a total of 10 months. Humpback whales can be observed in different areas of the country, and there are specialized tours to witness this marvelous event.

Trending Now

New 12.5% US Tariff Hits Costa Rican Exports — Here’s What’s Exempt

An additional United States tariff of 12.5% on certain Costa Rican goods took effect at 12:01 a.m. Eastern time today, at the same moment...

Costa Rica Trains Will Run 27 Hours Straight for the Romería

If you need to move between San José and Cartago this weekend, the train just became the easiest way to do it, and the...

Costa Rica Warns Tourists That Wildlife Souvenirs Can Lead to Criminal Charges

A shell picked up on a beach walk, a piece of coral, a seed pod, a carved trinket bought from a roadside stand —...

Costa Rica Ferry to Nicoya Peninsula Loses Two Daily Sailings

If you cross between Puntarenas and the southern Nicoya Peninsula in the next few weeks, expect fewer sailings, fuller boats and longer waits at...

Why “Diablo” Got Only Three Months in Costa Rica Custody

A Costa Rican court has ordered three months and 22 days of preventive detention for a man surnamed Arias, known by the alias "Diablo,"...

Costa Rica Moves to Treat Illegal Mining as Organized Crime

Costa Rican lawmakers have given initial approval to legislation that would allow authorities to pursue illegal mining and other serious environmental offenses using organized-crime...

Latin American Players to Watch at the 2026 Cincinnati Open

Latin America will send one of its deepest groups of men’s players in recent years to the 2026 Cincinnati Open, led by established Argentine...

Costa Rica Urged to Repair Early Defects on Circunvalación Norte

Cracks, open joints, drainage problems and rapidly fading road markings have appeared along the newest section of Circunvalación Norte, just 17 months after the...

Costa Rica Tourism Faces Pressure After Visitor Arrivals Fall in June

Costa Rica’s tourism industry is preparing for a more difficult second half of 2026 after international arrivals by air declined in June, ending eight...
🌴 The Weekly Pura Vida

Costa Rica, Once a Week

The week's top stories, weather & insider tips — delivered every Sunday. One email, zero clutter.

🔒 Free. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

Loading…

Latest News from Costa Rica

Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Car Rentals
Costa Rica Travel Insurance
Costa Rica Travel