Home » Costa Rica Travel News » Whale Watching In Costa Rica: Marino Ballena National Park Hosts Whale And Dolphin Festival Attracting Global Tourists Published on
September 6, 2025Marino Ballena National Park is preparing for the peak of humpback whale watching season, drawing nature lovers from around the globe to witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. The park, known for its incredible biodiversity, ranks as one of the world’s top destinations for whale watching. With a vast expanse of ocean and an ideal setting for whale observation, Marino Ballena offers unparalleled opportunities to witness the awe-inspiring sight of humpback whales in action. Costa Rica’s strategic position along the migratory routes of these whales has made it a rare and unique location where both southern and northern humpback whales cross paths. These incredible migrations make Costa Rica a must-visit for marine wildlife enthusiasts.A Peak at the Whales’ JourneyCosta Rica boasts the longest whale migration period in the world, extending over ten months. The migration is divided into two distinct peaks: from July to November, when the southern humpback whales make their way from the Antarctic region, and from December to April, when the northern humpback whales migrate from the North Pacific. Humpback whales, which can grow as long as a school bus and weigh as much as 36,000 kilograms, travel up to 8,400 kilometers from both the northern and southern hemispheres. Their goal? To mate and give birth in the warm, calm waters of the South Pacific. This remarkable overlap of whale populations from both hemispheres is what makes Costa Rica’s coastline a rare meeting place for these ocean giants. The arrival of the whales at Marino Ballena National Park marks a significant event for locals and visitors alike, offering a chance to observe the magnificence of these creatures in a peaceful and protected environment.Advertisement September Marks the Peak of the Southern Whale MigrationCurrently, in early September, the southern whale migration is in full swing, offering the best opportunity for whale watching in the area. The waters off Costa Rica’s coast are teeming with southern humpbacks as they travel toward the park, making this the perfect time for travelers to get up close to these extraordinary animals. The Southern Migration sees humpbacks from the southern hemisphere traveling northward, while the northern migration brings in the humpbacks from the north. This convergence allows visitors to witness two whale populations at once, making it a truly rare and enriching experience for those who choose to visit.The 15th Annual Whale and Dolphin FestivalFrom September 5 to 7, the 15th ed …
