They are majestical creatures that we all long to catch a glimpse of. Technically classified as dolphins, orca killer whales, pseudo orca whales, and short. If you take fishing or snorkeling trips youll most likely spot the smaller cetaceans but if you want to see the star of the show you. Costa rica is a prime whale watching destination and it is all thanks to the spectacular annual migration of two groups of humpback whales. Unfortunately, a baby humpback whale was found dead on a beach on the osa peninsula on sunday. Because of this, costa rica has the longest humpback whale season in the world a family of whales in costa rica. Wed love for you to join costa rica dive and surf on one of our tours, where the whales show off their skills regularly. In most areas, dedicated whalewatching tours are uncommon. About half are commonly spotted off the south pacific, including brydes whales, humpback whales, and sei whales. Oct 28, 2017 because of this, costa rica has the longest humpback whale season in the world a family of whales in costa rica. Humpback whale mothers give birth in the pockets of shallow temperate waters off the shores of costa rica while orcas and bottlenose dolphins troll for sushi.
These long routes make them one of the farthest migrating animals on earth. Humpback whale pattern for instant download pdf pattern etsy. When granted the opportunity you might see and hear the song of the humpback whales and or observe the acrobatic displays of the dolphins making this trip the best whale watching tour of costa rica. Apr 15, 2020 marino ballena national park directly translated to marine whale national park in english in uvita is one of the best places to go whale watching in costa rica. Humpback whales are the most commonly targeted for whale watching tours. The warm waters off the southern pacifics osa peninsula are costa ricas most popular destination for whale watching. The humpback whale has a relatively small dorsal fin, and large flippers that are white on the edges. Humpback whales are commonly seen out in the waters as both northern and southern humpback whales pass through this area, giving costa. Humpback whales are commonly seen out in the waters as both northern and southern humpback whales pass through this area, giving costa rica the longest humpback whale watching season in the world. Of the worlds 76 dolphin and whale species, an estimated 25 migrate, mate, birth and feed in costa rican waters. Study area locations in golfo dulce and at isla de1 coco, costa rica. This whale specie comes to migrate in this country whenever winter comes in the antarctica between august to october. The worlds largest whale, the blue whale is one of the countrys silent migrants.
May 14, 2015 around the months of january and february, humpback whales can be seen along the pacific coast of costa rica, and the females have come to give birth. Humpback whales make seasonal migrations between highlatitude feeding areas. We are lucky enough to have quite a few species here that you may have the opportunity to see such as the humpback whale, the pilot whale, the blue. The best place to go whale watching in costa rica is the countrys pacific coast, as humpback whales migrate through the region between late july and november and again between december and march. Sea turtles, tropical fish, dolphins, and whales all frequent the waters of costa ricas two coasts. Each group migrates to the equatorial tropics to mate and bear their young and all three send pods to costa rica.
Perhaps the best place to see these majestic creatures is the osa peninsula, located in the southern portion of puntarenas province. The utilization distribution of humpback whales in golfo dulce, costa rica. It is always a thrill for us when the humpbacks come close to our boat on our divine dolphin tours out of drake bay, costa rica on the osa peninsula on this day when we first found the whales. They can be found along both the pacific and caribbean coast, though much more reliably on the pacific side.
You may think humpback whales like the cold after all, arent they a staple experience on any alaskan cruise. Perhaps the most puzzling natural phenomenon of the park is the whales tail sandbar. Spotting the maginificent crocodile bay dolphin and. The aggregatedgroupby table updates to display the statistics for the selected costa rica area. Costa rica picture of the day humpback whale the costa. A humpback can sing its long, complicated songs and go back and start anew without any break, singing continuously. Top spots for whale watching in costa rica special places of.
You can see whales all along the pacific coast of costa rica during those months. September is an excellent time for whale watching in the southern pacific zone of costa rica. Humpback whales are commonly sighted in the waters near montezuma and tambor on the southern nicoya peninsula. Sep 01, 2016 aerial footage of humpback whales mother and calf in the pacific ocean of costa rica. Jul 15, 2012 the humpback whale, having the scientific name megaptera novaeangliae is a species of baleen whale. As you learned previously, this record corresponds to costa rica s territorial waters that are not part of any marine reserve. Costa rican waters are home to dozens of marine mammal species and spotted, or bottle nose dolphins commonly escort small craft on any offshore excursion. The osa peninsula is a nursery for humpback whales who have the longest migration of any species traveling from the warm waters of the pacific to the arctic. Scientists believe that the other behaviors may be. Interestingly enough, we dont know if the humpbacks continue on along the coast after visiting costa rica, or if they head straight to antarctica. Whales and dolphins are so exciting to see when in costa rica. Whale watching in costa rica costa rica costa rica.
Oct 23, 2012 these are the mammals of the ocean and costa rica is teaming with marine life including the endangered humpback whale. Jul 12, 2017 situated on the south pacific coast of costa rica, ballena marine national park is the destination that comes to mind first for many costa rican whale watchers. Costa rica dolphins and whales when should you come. In this post, well focus on whales, specifically humpback whales. Dyde whales are frequently seen in costa ricas northern caribbean sea. Whales migrating from both hemispheres pass by costa rica, so you have a pretty darn good chance of seeing whales if you go to hot spots like uvita, sierpe or drake bay. Northern hemisphere whales head to central america from alaska from the months of december to march. There is just something about this gentle giant that makes you want to know more and more.
Whale watching has become a very popular tour, and everyone is amazed at the sight of these amazing marine mammals. Situated on the south pacific coast of costa rica, ballena marine national park is the destination that comes to mind first for many costa rican whale watchers. From observing large pods of bottle nose, spotted, common or spinner. Apr 29, 2019 the best time to see humpback whales in costa rica is august and september. Costa rica is home to an estimated 25 whale and dolphin varieties, which migrate, mate and make their home in the pacific ocean and the caribbean sea. Thats the reason why every year, in september, is celebrated in this national park the national festival of whales and dolphins. Whale songs heard on recordings or movies are usually the beautiful, haunting sounds of the humpback whale click here to hear an example.
For more information, you can read our article on humpback whales. The marino ballena national park is home to one of the most biologically diverse marine habitats in costa rica. Costa rica is known for its diverse wildlife and among the millions of species of fauna, humpback whales are one of the favorite species of people who travel from all over the globe to observe them. Bubble net feeding is an incredible display of cooperation where one or two whales swim circles around the target while releasing a continuous stream of. Marino ballena national park directly translated to marine whale national park in english in uvita is one of the best places to go whale watching in costa rica. Whale watching in costa rica costa rica dolphin tour.
Monitor whales with a multilingual survey learn arcgis. This is one of the worlds most breathtaking sights in the very literal sense. The whales are popping above the surface to take a look around. The humpback whale is the one you can often see in costa rican waters. Drake bay, costa rica for two to four week periods in january and february between 1996 and 2000.
Costa rica celebrates the longest humpback whale season in the world. This long journey starts when temperatures in both north and south america start to cool during their respective winters. Most tours depart from drake bay, although you can catch day excursions from puerto jimenez, as well. Various dolphin species play up and down the pacific coast, while the caribbean is home mostly to the bottlenose dolphin. Humpback whale pattern, sew your own soft toy, finished size is approx 66cm 26 instantly download and print off your own humpback whale sewing pattern. Orca comun, espolante habitat open tropical, temperate, and polar seas are home to the orca. Find your own personal slice of pura vida by heading out into the pacific ocean during this halfday private boat tour from samara beach. The sounds they make are the most varied in the animal kingdom, ranging from highpitched. Spotting the maginificent crocodile bay dolphin and whale. The warm tropical waters provide a perfect nursery for humpback whales from both the northern and southern hemispheres. Humpback whales swim thousands of miles every year to spawn in. Costa rica picture of the day each day the costa rican times will be including a picture from around costa rica to see the natural beauty and amazing things that we get to see each day in the. The whale watching season is so long due to humpback whales traveling from both the north and south poles converging in costa rica, thereby extending the season. But this reputation means that places as beautiful as the nicoya peninsula can get crowded.
The main species of whale that you will see in costa rica is the humpback whale, pseudo orca whale, and pilot whales. All of this and more can be seen on dolphin and whale watching excursions into costa ricas ocean habitats some of the most biologically diverse marine habitats in the world. The table shows the best times and places to add a humpback whale watching expedition to your costa rica vacation. Because of this, costa rica has the longest humpback whale season in the world. The humpback whale watching season is approaching, so book today for an unforgettable tour. From august to november we are visited by the southern pacific humpbacks who travel thousands of miles from antarctica to mate and give birth in the warm shallow waters off our coast. Whales and dolphins festival costa rica real estate. Baby humpback whale found dead on beach in costa rica.
This dolphin and whale map shows the species that either migrate to or inhabit the waters of costa rica. Costa rica is the number one place to go whale watching in central america and the fastest growing whale watching industry in latin america. In this post, well focus on whales, specifically humpback whales, and let you know when and where you can spot these gigantic, mystical mammals. Pdf the utilization distribution of humpback whales in golfo dulce. The humpback has a different body shape, with unusually long pectoral fins and a knobby head. The humpback whale, having the scientific name megaptera novaeangliae is a species of baleen whale. You can start by downloading our free costa rica travel tips ebook and joining our newsletter which is a great first start to your trip planning. Come december to april, other whales come in to costa rica from antarctica to mate and nest. Known for their beautiful songs, humpbacks are black or gray with white areas on the underbellys, chest, tail also known as a fluke, and their long flippers that resemble wings. Apr 30, 2017 it is always a thrill for us when the humpbacks come close to our boat on our divine dolphin tours out of drake bay, costa rica on the osa peninsula on this day when we first found the whales. Costa rica is one of the best places in the world to spot humpback whales.
We are lucky enough to have quite a few species here that you may have the opportunity to see such as the humpback whale, the pilot whale, the blue whale, and the sei whale. Whales arrive to reproduce and give birth in the warm waters of. They trap schools of small shrimp using a hunting technique unique in the sea. Pdf first records of humpback whales including calves at golfo. Around the months of january and february, humpback whales can be seen along the pacific coast of costa rica, and the females have come to give birth. These are the mammals of the ocean and costa rica is teaming with marine life including the endangered humpback whale. Photograph of the same humpback whale calf shown in figure 2. While it is impossible to guaranty you will see these species during the months outlined below, we have provided the months that they are most commonly sited in the waters of costa rica. Costa rica whales and dolphins map, tour operator in costa rica.
Whale watching costa rica the best times and places. Costa ricas best whale watching drake bay on the osa. Costa rica had just celebrated the longest humpback whale season in the world where hundreds of humpback whales migrated from the arctic seas to mate in costa rican waters. Whale watching how to see humpback whales in montezuma. Costa rica waters are home to dozens of marine species and we provide private small boat tours for you to observe them in their natural habitat. Bottlenose and spotted dolphins frequently escort boats a few kilometers offshore. Do you want to see for yourself the amazing breaching action of the humpback whales. There are 30 species of whale, dolphin and porpoise that pass through costa ricas waters, but many of them move only through deeper water and thus are more rarely seen, except with a deep sea boat and a spot of luck. In panama between the months of august and october something magical happens, thousands of humpback whales arrive after a 5000mile migration from the distant and frigid waters of antarctica where they have been feeding for several months on krill. Spectacular humpback whale breaching off the coast of marino ballena national park.
There are huge resident populations of dolphins up and down both of costa ricas coasts, so its pretty likely you. Because they spend so much time above the surface spy hopping, fin slapping, breaching and fluke flipping humpback whales are by far the most popular subjects for whale watching tours in costa rica. Costa rica has become the worlds premier ecotourism destination, and for good reason. Whale watching in costa rica calendar and locations. The pacific coast of costa rica is a migratory location for humpback whales. Whale migration from the cold waters of alaska when they swim to warmer climates in mexico occurs during the fall months and then back north again in the spring.
Humpback whales can be seen all along the pacific west side of costa rica, but definitely the best and most consistent place to see them is out of drake bay on the osa peninsula there are many reasons to visit drake bay besides the whales, such as it being the most beautiful part of costa rica with access to costa rica s crown jewel rainforest, corcovado national park. We have costa rican guides who know these waters well and will delight with excitement right along with you when you seen one breech for the very first. Brydes whales, pilot whales, false killer whales and other marine life. There are many tours for whale watching in costa rica along the pacific coast. Jun 17, 2018 join a tour to see the humpback whales. Why humpback whales breach costa rica dive and surf.
The best time to see humpback whales in costa rica is august and september. Costa rica whales and dolphins map, tour operator in costa. Costa rica wildlife 9 fun facts about the humpback whale. There are two sizes of humpback whales, ones from the northern hemisphere and southern hemisphere. Whale watching in costa rica two weeks in costa rica. The official humpback season in costa rica is december to march and.
Toothed whales of costa rica shortfinned pilot whale globicephala macrorhynchus max. Costa rica is home to many species of marine mammals. Dec 01, 2016 costa rica had just celebrated the longest humpback whale season in the world where hundreds of humpback whales migrated from the arctic seas to mate in costa rican waters. The festival is a great place to find a whale watching tour, learn more. Based on the updated table, 52 humpback whales were observed outside of national parks. Though the land of costa rica gets most of the glory for the countrys. Interesting biology the humpback can be seen breaching in coastal waters, lunging out of the water and smashing its huge back onto the water.
Of course the whales are wild and there is never any guarantee that youll see them, but your captain and guides will be in constant contact by radio with other boats all. After having made the longest known migration of any mammal, they rejoice in the warm soothing waters. Humpback whales are friendly and amusing creatures and many humpback whales are commonly sighted in the waters near montezuma and tambor on the southern nicoya peninsula. You can see them by going whale watching in costa rica with a tour. Until these studies began in 1996, little information was available on humpback whales and other marine mammals that inhabit the waters off the west coast of costa rica. Humpback whales can be found in every ocean of the world from north to south. Costa rica holds the longest season for humpback whale watching in the world. Pdf humpback whales megaptera novaeangliae aggregate in winter breeding and calving grounds along continental margins, coastal. Costa rica whale watching ecotourists and wildlife enthusiasts will be blown away in our exhilarating whale watching and dolphin encounter costa rica combo tour. Aerial footage of humpback whales mother and calf in the pacific ocean of costa rica. Sep 06, 2011 costa rica holds the longest season for humpback whale watching in the world. The humpback whale migrates to bahia ballena twice a year.
This is when they come to breed and raise their young and is the best time to go on a costa rica whale watching tour. The inner sea of golfo dulce, known as a tropical fjord, on costa rica s southern pacific coast by the osa peninsula is a critical habitat for humpback whales and is key to the species survival, according to the center of cetacean investigation of costa rica ceic. Known for their beautiful songs, humpbacks are black or gray with white areas on the underbellys, chest, tail also known as a fluke, and their long. Others species that are seeing occasionally during this are. Humpbacks are known for singing loud, complex songs lasting up to 30 minutes long. We are fortunate to be located in an area where we get to experience 2 seasons of humpback whales visiting our coastline.
Other whales make sounds, but only the humpback sings. Costa rica has the distinction of having more months with humpback whales in residence than any other place in the world. The adult whales are 12 to 16 meters in length and weigh approximately 36,000 kilograms that is equal to79000 lb. Humpback whales in costa rica mothers love youtube. They inhabit epipelagic and mesopelagic zones of the ocean in tropical, temperate and polar seas.
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