Dolphin & Whale EncountersThis tours has been featured on Animal Planet, The Travel Channel, The BBC with Steve Backshall, The Discovery Channel, The Jeff Corwin Experience on Animal Planet, Destination Wildlife, in Vegetarian Times Magazine and more.
Discover the extraordinary marine world of dolphins and whales. Immerse yourself in the phenomenal experience of observing large groups of different species come together in warm, clear tropical waters. Witness their natural behaviors in their natural habitat. Be a part of the pod as we respectfully observe feeding, socializing, traveling and playful behaviors. Hear the dolphins' and whales' clicks, whistles and singing through our on-board hydrophone. Learn about the dolphins, whales and other marine life from our experienced staff of marine biologists and guides. Come to the only country in the world that has outlawed the capture and captivity of dolphins and whales in her waters.
Costa Rica enjoys one of the most biologically diverse oceanic ecosystems in the world. This in mainly due to the fact that most of Costa Rica lies in the heart of a vast natural habitat known as the Costa Rican Thermal Convection Dome which remains constant and occurs this way in no other part of the world. Incredible numbers and kinds of marine life, including whales, manta rays, sea turtles, whale sharks and other varieties of sharks all congregate here to take advantage of such consistently rich waters.
The tour is run by the dedicated people of " Dolphin Amor", whose marine biologists and staff members have over 30 years combined experience in cetacean encounters and research. During the trip; data, photos, and video will be collected and you will be helping support this goal. The boat is specially equipped with comfortable seats, 115 hp Yamaha 4 stroke motors (for quiet and fumeless operation), a stereo and hydrophone to listen & record the whales & dolphins sound.
The most common sighting on the excursion is the Pan Tropical Spotted Dolphin. There are smaller groups close to shore and an incredible pod offshore which sometimes number over 1000.Bottlenose Dolphins are also commonly seen and will certainly make you smile as they love to ride the bow of the boat and jump into the air.
The Rough Tooth Dolphins are a favorite as they look different that other dolphins, almost reptilian. You can also encounter the incredible Costa Rican Spinner Dolphin and Common Dolphins. At any time you can encounter whales. Orcas have been encountered both right by the shore and many miles offshore.
The same goes with the Sei Whales, Pilot whales, Bryde’s Whales and Pseudorca. The Beaked Whales are usually seen at least 20 miles offshore. Often you can encounter Humpback Whales, almost year around. This area boasts the longest season of Humpbacks Whales in the world, as there are migrations from both North and South America. The Humpbacks are most abundant from late July to November when the southern Humpbacks arrive and are also plentiful from December through March when the northern Humpbacks are here to breed and give birth.
Of course there is no way to guarantee encounters with dolphins and whales but over 95% of the time there are good sightings. Often the Dolphins engage in play with the boat but the tour operators are very careful to not chase, feed or harass the dolphins and whales.
After February 28, 2006, swimming with dolphins and whales is illegal in Costa Rica, along with captivity, harassment and capture. It was necessary to take these measures because too many dolphin and whale tour operations were being run without experience or the dolphins' and whales' best interests in mind. The dolphins and whales were subjected to too much stress and disruption of their natural behaviors. Research indicates that in some areas heavily targeted by commercial swim tours, dolphins are actually leaving their traditional habitats in favor of quieter areas. While that has not happened here yet, the potential was there as the numbers of inexperienced tour operators increased. There is great concern by scientists and researchers that constant disruption to their feeding, resting, nursing and other behaviors by people constantly getting into the water at a close proximity may have a long-term impact on the health and well being of individuals and entire populations of dolphins and whales.
The tour usually leaves around 08:00 am and returns anywhere between 1:00pm and 4:00pm depending on how soon dolphins or whales are sighted, their behavior and how far offshore they are found. Lunch is included and of course so are unforgettable memories.
Click here for Dolphin and Whale
|
 |
