Whale & Dolphin Encounter in Costa Rica

These dolphin encounters have already been featured by several TV programs incl. Animal Planet, the Travel Channel, the BBC and more!

This part of Costa Rica enjoys one of the most biologically diverse ocean ecosystems in the world. This is mainly because the heart of a vast habitat known as the Costa Rican Thermal Convection Dome (named for its proximity to this country), lies here. Shallow, warm waters lie on top of low-oxygen cold water, creating the perfect ecosystem for a vast variety of marine life. The dome off the coast of Costa Rica is the only one in the world that is constant. Whales, wild dolphins, tuna, marlin, manta rays, sea turtles, sailfish and more all congregate near the Costa Rican coasts, taking advantage of this year-round dome of ecologically rich waters.

Every day we go out on the ocean is different. On some occasions we encounter large pods of spotted dolphins close to shore,  other times we are offshore in the middle of pods of more than 1000 bottlenose, spotted and/or spinner dolphins. We also encounter Rough Tooth and Common Dolphins as well as Pilot Whales, Orcas, Pseudo Orcas, Sei Whales, Brydes Whales, Beaked Whales, giant manta rays, sea turtles and more. This area also features the longest season of Humpback Whales worldwide, as the Humpbacks of both Hemispheres migrate in these waters.

The Pantropical Spotted Dolphins are the ones we encounter most commonly. There's small groups of 10-30 who stay close to shore that been named "The Homeboys" by the staff of Divine Dolphin. A bit further (10-15 miles from the Eco Lodge hotel) there is a huge resident pod of spotted dolphins, sometimes numbering over 1500. We call this pod "No-Fin's Group" after a dolphin we have identified within the group. There is another large pod of resident Spotted Dolphins behind the island whom we call the "295 Pod" after the direction we go to find them. This pod numbers between 500 and 1000. Encounters with either pod are always amazing and we feel incredibly lucky that on any given day, we can encounter such large groups of dolphins in a relatively short period of time (some days it takes longer to find them than other days!)

We are also very lucky to have a large resident pod of bottlenose dolphins, numbering around 1000. This pod is sometimes up to 30 miles offshore, and other times they come in to feed, close to the island. Our encounters with these bottlenose will certainly make you smile as they ride the bow of our boat and jump many feet into the air. And they are huge!!!

The Rough Tooth Dolphins are a favorite of ours. They look different than other dolphins, almost reptilean. We have seen the Rough Tooth Dolphins all over the area we cover, close to shore and very far out too.

We also encounter the incredible Costa Rican Spinner Dolphins and the Common Dolphins. These pods of dolphins are usually 20-30 miles offshore and are spectacular to see with their high leaps, spins and bow riding.

When the dolphins invite us, we get into the water for up close and personal encounters with them. That will enable us to experience the dolphins in their environment. If they feel like they might come up to you and scan you closely while keeping eye-contact with you. This might be a life-changing experience to you - but in any case it'll be one of those moments you'll never forget!

At any time we can encounter whales. Most often, we encounter Humpback Whales, almost year round. The Humpbacks are most abundant from late July to November, when the Southern Humpbacks are here and are also plentiful in December through March when the Northern Humpbacks are here to birth and breed. We have encountered the Orcas both right by the shore, and many miles offshore. The same goes with the Sei Whales, Pilot Whales, Brydes Whales and Pseudo Orcas. The beaked whales are usually seen at least 20 miles offshore.

Also on our tours, our marine biologists and staff members collect data, photos and video. Our goal is to create a marine sanctuary here through our non-profit foundation, Fundacion Vida Marina, so that this area will be protected for the future. When you go on our tours, you are helping to support this goal. Our 28' boat is specially equipped with comfortable seats, twin 115 Yamaha 4 stroke motors (for quiet and fumeless operation!), a stereo, and a hydrophone to listen to the dolphins' and whales' sounds.

Our staff has combined over 30 years experience in dolphin and whale encounters and research. We do not chase, feed or harass the dolphins and whales.

While viewing all the dolphins and whales, stay at our very own Delfin Amor Eco Lodge set on ten acres of rainforest and beaches. We are so very excited to offer this amazing eco-adventure to you and invite you to experience the rich land and sea of Costa Rica for yourself!!

This is true magic taking place in reality!