Marine · Frequently seen with a guide
Humpback whale
Ballena jorobada
Reviewed by Pura Vida Compass Editorial TeamLast reviewed How we research
Southern-hemisphere humpbacks arrive roughly July to October and northern-hemisphere animals roughly December to March, which is why Uvita's Marino Ballena park has one of the longest whale-watching windows anywhere.
Where to look
- Pacific coastal waters
- Golfo Dulce
- Bahía Ballena
When
Roughly July–October and December–March. Sightings are never guaranteed.
Watching it ethically
- Choose operators that keep legal distance, limit time with each group and never chase animals.
These are Pura Vida Compass planning estimates, not live quotes, and not guarantees about weather, availability or wildlife sightings.
Pura Vida Compass Editorial Team compiled this page from official park and operator information plus our own editorial scoring, and last reviewed it in August 2026. Costs and travel times are planning estimates, not live quotes.
Something out of date? Send us a correction — or read our editorial policy.