Top Costa Rica Dolphin Watching in 2026

Part of what makes Costa Rica a destination for ecotourism is its extensive coastlines. Explore the waters off Guanacaste aboard the Blue Dolphin, a 40-foot catamaran that slices through the surf and offers a fully stocked bar, paddle boards and kayaks for your enjoyment. Breathe in the salt spray and keep a lookout for dolphins, turtles, whales, and spectacular coastal views.

Board an artisan panga for a scenic dolphin-watching tour of the Playa Samara coast. As you cruise along, look for sea turtles, dolphins, stingrays, and even whales during migration season. Relax on board as nature unfolds around you, and enjoy delicious snacks served by your crew to complete this unforgettable experience.

Humpback whales swim thousands of miles every year to spawn in Drake Bay’s tropical waters, while several species of dolphins reside here year-round. This family-friendly boat tour allows you to see these marine mammals up close and provides an onboard hydrophone, so you can hear their song-like noises. During the tour, your guide provides helpful information on topics such as ocean conservation and marine biology.

Explore the breathtaking Marino Ballena National Park on this guided boat tour from Uvita. Known as one of the world's premier locations for whale watching, this tour offers a chance to spot humpback whales during their migration seasons (January–April and July–November), as well as other marine life such as false-killer whales, bottlenose dolphins, Pacific spotted dolphins, and sea turtles. Bird enthusiasts can look out for species like white ibis, pelicans, and brown boobies. Depending on the time of year, you may also enjoy snorkeling in the park’s pristine waters. Please note that snorkeling is available only during the dry season when water conditions are suitable, ensuring an enjoyable and safe experience. Our expert guide will share fascinating insights about the park’s unique marine ecosystem, history, and conservation efforts, making this a memorable adventure for nature lovers.

Our tour begins at the Curú Wildlife Refuge, a place where you can observe a large number of wild animals before departure time or after the tour. We are local people who know the coast and the behavior of cetaceans and marine animals very well, which allows us to provide a quality service without affecting the marine life of the place, with more than twenty years of experience. We carried out the sightings in the Paquera Responsible Fishing Marine Area, a place that Humpback whales visit to have their calves and take care of them for 2 or 3 months.

Fishing in our waters is one of the best in Latin America, Costa Rica is famous for its large number of billfish and pelagic fish in general. With our great experience and professional team we will make your fishing day the best of your lives. Our 30 foot long boat will make you feel very comfortable and safe while taking you to where the fish you want to catch are: Sailfish, Marlin, Mahí Mahí, Yellowfin Tuna. Everyone could be part of your Fishing and make your dream come true. With the most experience in the area, we are sure that we will do our best so that you have a great day at sea. Our Fishing equipment is of the highest range and will not disappoint you. Not only is fishing an attraction, we can also see Turtles, Manta Rays and Dolphins during our Fishing trips and depending on the season we also see Whales. So fun is guaranteed, come and enjoy, it will be a pleasure for us to have you on board.

We offer a more familiar, educational and relaxing trip which allow you to enjoy the nature as well as fun for the whole family and visitors. We have some music on board to listen, but when there is an opportunity to have some fun dancing our guides and crew will be always ready to. Our delicious lunch or dinner prepare fresh onboard are always well recommended and people just love it. Sunset during the dry season are stunning. Our crew will make a big difference also all the time.

Tour de pesca alrededor de la costa de Mal País y Santa Teresa. También podemos observar mucha vida Mariana cómo Delfines, Manta rayas, Tortugas, Ballenas etc.. Los pescados capturados los pueden llevar para la cena y disfrutar de su frescura. Nunca comerás un pescado tan fresco. Si sueñas con pescar un Atún, Mahí Mahí, Roosterfish y algún otro pez del pacífico está es tu opción.

There’s a good reason why Tamarindo is known as a top surf destination for beginners. In just one lesson, you can pop up on your board and ride a wave when you take a private or group lesson. Or, even upgrade to a 3-day mini-surf camp—the choice is yours when you book. No matter what you choose, hang easy knowing that all equipment and a qualified instructor are included with all packages.

Snorkeling stops, sunshine, and unobstructed views of Costa Rica's shoreline make this sunset catamaran cruise the ideal way to end your day—and the open bar doesn't hurt. Join a friendly crew (as well as dolphins, turtles, and flying fish) to make the most of the day's last rays on this perfectly timed tour, which ends just as the sun sinks below the horizon. Hotel pickup is included for added convenience.

Zipline through Costa Rican rainforest on a canopy tour that goes over the spectacular La Fortuna Waterfall—an exciting opportunity not offered on similar excursions. Between cables, take in views of Arenal Volcano and Cerro Chato and talk to your guides about the La Fortuna area. No experience is needed and almost anyone who is interested in Costa Rica’s biodiversity will enjoy this immersive adventure.

Set sail in Playas del Coco, a tropical paradise with tranquil waters perfect for swimming. On this four-hour cruise, enjoy stops for snorkeling and spot local sea life such as dolphins, whales, and turtles. Sunbathe on board, take in the beautiful scenery, and sip on refreshing drinks along the way.

Set sail on the big blue Pacific with this deluxe catamaran cruise from Tamarindo. Sunbathe on the spacious deck and stop to swim and snorkel in the warm tropical waters. Enjoy lunch freshly prepared onboard by an attentive crew, and stay hydrated with unlimited drinks from an open bar. Cruise back into port just as the sun is setting for a memorable end to another day in paradise.

We are the only sunset tour that operates in Puntarenas with a classic sailboat with soft music and living a real and pleasant experience of Pura Vida in one of the best sunsets in the world. The sunsets in Puntarenas are spectacular with stunning colors and the boat provides a calm and safe sailing experience, you can connect with nature and the beauty of the sea and the Gulf of Nicoya.

Book the whole boat for a private, fully customizable sunset cruise off Tamarindo. Your local guide plays your music, keeps the vibe and smiles going, and serves a relaxed apero on board with beer, wine, and guacamole. Snorkel stops let you spot colorful reef fish, rays, turtles, and even dolphins or whales, and trip photos are included to take home.

Anna Holala offers a fully private catamaran experience in Guanacaste, focused on quality, comfort, and authenticity. Unlike crowned tours, every trip is designed for a small group, with fresh homemade food, carefully prepared drinks, and a relaxed atmosphere. This experience is ideal for couples, families, and travelers looking for a more personal and premium way to explore the coastline of Playa del Coco and Papagayo Bay.

Explore Costa Rica's rainforests whilst getting a dose of adrenaline during this group activity package. Enjoy a comphrensive experience that includes logistics, lunch, and activities, allowing you to relax and fully immerse yourself in the day. Go ziplining and river tubing, and unwind in natural hot springs and volcanic mud baths afterwards.

Discover Ortega and the National Reserve Cipanci on this guided boat tour along the Tempisque River. Home to a wide variety of birds including the Scarlet Macaws and the Jabiru (the largest storks in the world), the wildlife refuge is an important nesting site. Following the tour, enjoy a traditionally made lunch with local cultivated ingredients.

Grab your passport and head over the border for a full-day tour of Nicaragua’s highlights from Costa Rica. Start with a scenic Nicaraguan breakfast and then take in the views from Catarina Volcano. Visit the active Masaya Volcano and stand near the crater. Explore the colonial town of Granada, where you can marvel over the historic architecture and admire views from La Merced Church, followed by a delicious lunch of typical Nicaraguan cuisine. Finally, set sail across Lake Nicaragua for a scenic cruise.

Try your hand at catching rooster fish, jacks, bonito, and more on this private inshore fishing trip in Playa Flamingo, and then get a chance to snorkel at the reef, too. This is a private tour, so you can enjoy this with just your family/friends. After your snorkel, you’ll be served juice, beer, fruit, and burritos. You won’t be going away hungry.

Head out onto the ocean on this private half-day charter from Playa Hermosa that lets you customize your adventure to include activities such as fishing, snorkeling, dolphin and whale watching. However you choose to spend your time on board, you can look forward to finishing up with a tasty BBQ on a secluded beach for a relaxed coastal experience.

Get into the clear waters off Playa Flamingo on this private snorkel adventure. All your snorkel gear will be provided, so you don’t need to organize that separately. The purchase of this tour helps to support reef conservation. Keep your eyes peeled for whales, sea turtles, manta rays, seabirds, and much more. Lunch and beer is also provided to keep your energy and spirits up.

Discover the incredible birds and biodiversity of Palo Verde National Park on this boat tour with lunch. Spot native wildlife such as crocodiles, iguanas, monkeys, and a colorful parade of bird species during a 1-hour and 20 minutes cruise down the Tempisque River led by a naturalist guide. Afterward, discuss your sightings with fellow travelers over a traditional Costa Rican lunch at a local restaurant.