When can I see humpback whales in Guanacaste Costa Rica?

Humpback whales visit the waters off Playa El Jobo from July through October each year. Dolphins are present year-round.

How long is a whale watching tour from Playa El Jobo?

Tours typically run 3 to 4 hours with morning departures when seas are calmest and wildlife is most active.

What is included on a whale watching charter?

Snacks, beverages, safety gear and a bilingual naturalist guide. Every tour is a private charter for your group only.

Can children join whale watching tours?

Yes. Whale watching is family-friendly. Child-sized life jackets are available and crews are experienced with families.

Do you see dolphins year-round near JW Marriott Costa Elena?

Bottlenose, spotted and spinner dolphins are commonly seen throughout the year, often riding the bow wave.

Where do whale watching boats depart?

From Playa El Jobo beach in front of JW Marriott Costa Elena Resort and Spa — a short walk from the hotel.

July – October · Humpback Season

Whale & Dolphin Watching

Private 3–4 hour wildlife tours from Playa El Jobo — humpback whales, dolphins, manta rays and sea turtles with a bilingual naturalist guide, snacks and safety gear included.

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Wildlife on your doorstep

Humpbacks & dolphins off JW Marriott Costa Elena

From July through October, southern-hemisphere humpback whales migrate into the warm waters off Playa El Jobo to breed and nurse their calves — often breaching just miles from shore.

Year-round you'll see bottlenose, spotted and spinner dolphins, plus manta rays and sea turtles. Every tour is private with a naturalist guide — ideal for families and photographers.

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Ocean wildlife tour near Playa El Jobo Guanacaste Costa Rica

What you'll see

Marine life of Guanacaste

Peak humpback season is July–October; dolphins and other wildlife appear throughout the year.

Humpback whales

Southern-hemisphere humpbacks visit July–October to breed and nurse calves. Breaching and tail-slapping are common on calm mornings.

Jul–OctHumpbacks

Dolphins

Bottlenose, spotted and spinner dolphins travel in pods year-round. They often ride the bow wave — a highlight for kids.

Year-roundFamily friendly

Included on every tour

Snacks, beverages, safety gear and a bilingual naturalist guide. Depart from the beach at JW Marriott Costa Elena.

3–4 hoursPrivate boat

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Trip options

Typical whale watching tour

Duration (3–4 hours) Morning departures when seas are calmest and wildlife is most active.
Naturalist guide Bilingual crew explains behavior, conservation and photo tips.
All six boats Private charter only — your group, your pace. Available on every vessel in our fleet.

Wildlife calendar

Whale & dolphin season

Plan your visit around humpback migration and year-round dolphin pods.

Wildlife	Season	Experience
Humpback whales	Jul – Oct	Breaching, calves, tail-slapping
Bottlenose dolphins	Year-round	Bow riding, pods
Spinner & spotted dolphins	Year-round	Acrobatic displays
Manta rays & turtles	Common	Often on same tour

Your morning on the bay

What happens on a whale tour

We depart Playa El Jobo in calm morning seas. Your naturalist guide explains humpback behavior, migration and how to photograph breaches responsibly.

We scan for spouts and dorsal fins, then move quietly when whales are near. Dolphins often appear mid-tour — a favorite moment for kids. Snacks and drinks are always within reach.