Explore on a boat perfect for photography
Experience one of nature’s most moving spectacles on our Humpback Whale Watching Tour in Drake Bay. Ride just above the surface in our customized, low-profile boat designed to bring you almost eye-level with whales and dolphins. With the right weather and a little luck, this can be one of your most unforgettable days on the Osa Peninsula.
When is the best Humpback Whale Watching?
Humpback whales travel thousands of kilometers to the tropical waters of the Osa Peninsula to breed and give birth. Here in Drake Bay, we are fortunate to welcome both Northern and Southern Hemisphere humpback populations. Truly a rarity in the whale-watching world.
December-April – During these mostly sunny, clear months, whales from the Northern Hemisphere arrive. Water visibility can be excellent for wildlife, though sightings can be less frequent. In some years, whales depart by January – but in 2025, a few individuals lingered through April. July–October is prime whale season, when the Southern Hemisphere whales return. Expect cooler days, with more rain and more whale activity. August and September are definitely the best months for Whale Watching. A day spent with whales and dolphins can be one of the most emotional and exhilarating days on the ocean. Obviously the massiveness, grace and culture of these mammals is no less than extraordinary.
Whale identification for conservation science
Photography plays a vital role on this tour-not just for memories, but for conservation science. We proudly partner with Happywhale, a global database that tracks humpbacks through photos of their unique tail flukes. Each fluke is as distinct as a fingerprint, helping scientists map migration patterns and individual stories.
In April 2025, we encountered a remarkable whale named, ‘La Cóbaneña’ – a survivor of an entanglement. Living with only half a fluke, it was first identified in 2005 off Northern California after its injury. This whale has continued to return to its breeding grounds in Drake Bay across two decades. The adaptation and resilience of this humpback is astounding. Sharing its story and our images with Happywhale added one more thread to a global conversation effort. It also created a lasting connection between us and wildlife. It was remarkable to see this whale breaching and actively escorting a mother and calf. Visit Happywhale and explore their global conservation efforts for whale protection and science.
Why Drake Bay for Humpback Whale Watching?
Drake Bay is where you can see humpbacks in their tropical breeding and mating grounds. A stunning environment surrounded by lush, jungle coastline and the Pacific Ocean. This isn’t just a tour – it’s a rare opportunity to witness whale culture, emotion and power up close. Intimate moments come from a curious calf approaching the boat or seeing a mother gently nudge her baby to the surface. It’s a rare privilege to witness such vulnerable, intelligent animals so close. We do find these vulnerable pairs alone, but also with male and female escorts for protection and company. Surface behavior includes breaching, lob-tailing and flipper slapping, all signature humpback behaviors. Heat runs are also seen – intense, high-speed chases of males competing for a female. Finally, male songs, captured live with our onboard hydrophone, are incredible sounds heard in nature.
The humpback fluke is a fierce weapon
These elusive mammals are hard to photograph, but one of the most rewarding in nature. This tour focuses on humpbacks, but this is also an opportunity to see coastal dolphins. If you are interested in seeing larger dolphin pods or even super-pods, please inquire about our Private Offshore Dolphin Tour or Private Offshore Photography Tour. Perfect tours for adventurers and photographers alike.
BOOK YOUR TOUR HERE
This intimate tour runs seasonally from December-April & July-October, including lunch at local restaurant. Please contact us before booking to confirm if the whales are here!
Testimonials
“If you want the best guides for a Whale Watching Tour, book with Captain David and his lovely wife Paloma. Their knowledge of the whales and dolphins and their positive energy made this a trip of a lifetime.”
Marta M.
Mexico
Humpback Whale Watching Tour Details
- 7:30-12:30 (approx.) with lunch at restaurant after tour
- Bring water bottle and consider sun & rain protection
- Suitable for all fitness levels
- Not recommended for children under 4
- Please consider seasick medication if you can be sensitive
- All pickups are wet landings on main beach unless otherwise organized
- Humpback whale season is December-April and July-October