Whale Watching with Tony Expeditions
Just imagine, you are enjoying a fun day on the water with your friends and family. Sunbathing on the boat, sipping on a beverage, taking pictures and all of a sudden in the distance you witness a spray of water sprouting up from the ocean. Everyone is at attention, the captain drives the boat closer, and to your belief, you and your group have just observed the astounding Humpback Whale!
There is nothing more beautiful than to witness an animal, wild and free, in its natural environment. Costa Rica is one of the best places in the world to spot the amazing Humpback Whale. There are a couple of theories why; scientists believe that Humpbacks migrate towards the equator where the waters are warmer to give birth to their calves. These milder water temperatures allow the calves to grow more quickly. Another theory is that the waters are safer in Costa Rica because of a lower number of predators such as the Orca.
During the summer season, Humpbacks can be found in the North Pacific waters of British Columbia, Alaska, and Eastern Russia. These waters are their perfect feeding grounds. Due to the warmer waters that time of year, these polar areas produce an abundance of krill, plankton, and small fish for the whales to feed on. During the winter months, the waters of these polar regions become too cold and harsh, and the food source becomes too scarce. The Humpbacks then begin their incredible journey starting in late August to the warmer waters of Hawaii, Asia, Mexico, and Central America- Costa Rica! An amazing fact about this migration is that it is the longest of any mammal in the world, spanning a distance of 8,300 km (5,160 miles). Humpbacks are also very fast; one recently recorded making a 5000 km trip in only 36 days! Once in the warm, safe waters of Costa Rica, the Humpbacks are ready to give birth to their calves.
If you are planning a trip to Costa Rica with the sole purpose of whale watching, the best time to do so is late August to early March; the Central and North Pacific and the Osa Peninsula are the best locations where these creatures thrive. Let Tony Expeditions help you cross whale watching off your bucket list!
