And They Come to the Gulf of Nicoya Too!
If you have been watching Costa Rican television recently, you may have seen the new El Planeta Azul documentary “Costa Rica: Cuna de Ballenas.”
Produced by Teletica’s 7 Días, the documentary follows the fascinating life of humpback whales in Costa Rica. Much of the filming took place in Golfo Dulce and Bahía Ballena, areas famous for their importance to these enormous visitors.
But this story isn’t limited to southern Costa Rica. The same humpback whales also make their way into the Gulf of Nicoya – right into our waters here in Paquera.
A long journey to Costa Rica
Every year, mainly from August through October and sometimes into November, humpback whales can be spotted in the Gulf of Nicoya.
After travelling thousands of kilometres, they come to Costa Rica’s warm Pacific waters to mate, give birth and care for their calves. This means some of our most special encounters are with mothers and their young.
For us at Bahía Rica Adventures, whale season is one of the highlights of the year.
From the television screen to the Gulf of Nicoya
Seeing these magnificent animals in a documentary is impressive. Seeing one surface beside you in the Gulf is something else entirely.
We scan the horizon for that first unmistakable blow. A dark back appears, followed perhaps by the enormous tail slowly rising before the whale disappears beneath the surface.
Sometimes we see mothers calmly travelling with their calves. On particularly lucky days, we might witness tail slapping or even a spectacular breach.
Nothing is guaranteed with wildlife – and that’s part of what makes every trip different.
Whale watching with Bahía Rica
Our Whale & Dolphin Watching Tour leaves directly from Bahía Rica in Paquera and takes us into the Gulf of Nicoya in search of these seasonal visitors.
With small groups and a maximum of eight guests per boat, we focus on respectful wildlife encounters. Dolphins are present throughout the year, and turtles, rays and seabirds often add to the experience.
The new documentary beautifully highlights why Costa Rica truly deserves to be called a cradle for humpback whales.
And you don’t have to travel all the way to southern Costa Rica to experience their incredible story.
Every whale season, the humpbacks come to the Gulf of Nicoya too.
Come out on the water with Bahía Rica Adventures and meet some of Costa Rica’s most extraordinary seasonal visitors.
