|
|
| 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 tour has been featured on Animal Planet, The Travel Channel, and Discovery Channel. 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 and when they show interest you can get into the water using snorkeling gear for an incredible up close encounter. 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 |