The Uvita region, located in the canton of Osa, on Costa Rica’s southern Pacific coast, is a preferred destination for humpback whales, which migrate from distant latitudes to the warm waters of the area.
This occurs between July and October, when humpback whales migrate from the South Pacific of South America (off the coast of Chile), and during the months of January and February, when humpback whales migrate from the coasts of the North Pacific (off the coasts of Oregon, Washington State, and British Columbia).
Normally, the males of the species migrate first, followed by the females, who come to give birth in the warm waters of Costa Rica, as well as to stay in the region for a while and raise their newborns.
Why These Waters?
Costa Rica’s southern Pacific coast, especially around Uvita and Marino Ballena National Park, forms a critical meeting point for humpback whales from both hemispheres. These whales migrate long distances—often thousands of miles—to reach these warm, protected waters to breed, mate, and nurse calves.
The calm seas, abundant food sources, and protected channels make Marino Ballena National Park especially appealing. Its name—“Ballena” means whale in Spanish—is a nod to these giants, reminding us how the park was created to safeguard these migrations.
Best Seasons to See the Whales
Costa Rica enjoys one of the longest whale-watching seasons globally, thanks to dual migrations:
- Southern Hemisphere humpbacks arrive from July to October, with August and September as peak months—especially famous for mother-calf pairs and breeding behaviors.
- Northern Hemisphere humpbacks visit from December to March, with January and February marking prime spotting opportunities. This overlap sets Uvita and Marino Ballena apart—offering nearly year-round whale watching.
The Whale and Dolphin Festival, often in September, celebrates this phenomenon with tours, cultural events, and educational programs.
How to See Them Best in Uvita / Marino Ballena National Park
Boat Tours
The most effective way to spot whales up-close. Tours usually last 2–3 hours and depart from Uvita Beach. Local guides follow responsible viewing protocols—keeping respectful distances (about 100 m), explaining whale behavior, and watching for breaches, spouts, and calf activity
Beach & Elevated Vantage Points
On calm days and low tide, the Whale’s Tail sandbar is a unique vantage point to spot exhalations or breeching whales from shore. Elevated overlooks between Uvita and Dominical also offer stunning perspectives. Two of the best locations from where guests and visitors can see whales without the need of boarding a boat are La Cusinga Lodge and our Aracari restaurant.
Watching whales from our lodge
What sets La Cusinga apart isn’t just its commitment to sustainability or its serene rainforest setting — it’s the unrivaled ocean view. Nestled just minutes from Marino Ballena National Park, the lodge overlooks the famous “Whale’s Tail” sandbar and the deep blue Pacific beyond — the very waters where humpback whales gather every year to breed and give birth.
From the moment you step onto the restaurant’s terrace or your private cabin balcony, the ocean stretches out before you, wide and wild. During whale season, this panoramic vista becomes a living theater of marine life, where humpback whales can be seen breaching, tail-slapping, or cruising with their calves — all without ever leaving the lodge.
Ocean View Aracari Restaurant and our El Mirador Lookout point.
Imagine enjoying a fresh, farm-to-table breakfast of tropical fruit and Costa Rican coffee when, suddenly, a 40-ton whale breaches on the horizon. That’s the magic of Aracari Restaurant, where floor-to-ceiling windows and an open-air dining area allow guests to dine while scanning the Pacific for signs of whales, dolphins, and seabirds.
Aracari sources ingredients locally — much of it from the lodge’s own organic gardens — and the tranquil, eco-conscious setting enhances the sensory experience. During whale season, the staff even keeps binoculars and spotting scopes on hand to help guests get a closer look.
Timing & Conditions
Early morning tours are ideal—waters are calmer, visibility is better, and whales tend to be more active. Even during transitional months, dedicated tours still have high success rates—around 90% during peak seasons in major sites like Marino Ballena.
Uvita’s combination of geography, accessibility, and biodiversity makes it one of the world’s premier whale-viewing destinations—perfect for unforgettable encounters with nature’s most majestic travelers. Would you like recommendations for local tour operators, lodging, or the festival schedule?
