Ocean Safari & Whale Watching in Costa Rica
From the new Flamingo Marina, set out on a premier wildlife safari through one of the world's best humpback whale-watching waters. Search the Pacific for whales, dolphins, sea turtles, and manta rays, then dive in for a guided snorkel around the Catalinas Islands — the perfect marine-life adventure for the whole family.
About the Costa Rica Ocean Safari & Whale Watching Tour
Your Ocean Safari begins at the new Flamingo Marina, where you'll board a private boat for a comprehensive wildlife adventure along the Guanacaste coast. The primary objective is the whale watching — Costa Rica's Pacific coast is one of the best places on earth to see majestic humpback whales (seasonal), and along the way your knowledgeable guide keeps watch for dolphins, manta rays, and sea turtles while sharing insights into the coastline's rock formations and picturesque beaches.
After the safari, the tour shifts to snorkeling and relaxation. You'll anchor near the Catalinas Islands for a guided snorkel — some of the finest in Costa Rica, teeming with tropical fish — before pulling in at a secluded white-sand beach for a tranquil break. Refreshments, fresh local fruit, and snacks are served before the return trip.
Because it's a private charter for your group, the whole experience is personalized and unhurried — a perfect family adventure that combines two of Costa Rica's best marine experiences in one day. Prefer to add a little fishing? Light inshore fishing can be worked into your tour time on request.
Ocean Safari Schedule & What to Expect
- Duration
- 4 hours
- Departure Times
- Morning 7:00 AM–11:00 AM · Afternoon 1:00 PM–5:00 PM
- Departure Point
- Flamingo Beach Marina
- Transportation
- Round-trip shuttle available on request — just share your location and group size
- Highlights
- Humpback whale watching (seasonal), Catalinas Islands snorkeling, dolphins, turtles & manta rays, secluded beach stop
Ocean Safari Rates & Private Charter
Private Ocean Safari
$550
Private charter — the whole boat, up to 5 people.
What's Included on Your Ocean Safari & Whale Watching Tour
What's Included on Your Private Ocean Safari
- Private Charter & Expert Crew: Enjoy the privacy of a dedicated boat for your full four-hour tour, with a captain and knowledgeable marine guide providing seamless service and expert commentary throughout.
- Whale & Marine Life Watching: The heart of the tour — searching the Pacific for humpback whales (seasonal), dolphins, sea turtles, and manta rays, with your guide sharing insights into the wildlife and coastline along the way.
- Guided Snorkeling: All snorkel equipment and guiding for the stop around the secluded coves near the Catalinas Islands, some of the finest snorkeling in Costa Rica.
- Refreshments Aboard: Complimentary snacks, fresh local fruit, and cold drinks served throughout your safari, including a break at a secluded white-sand beach.
- Optional Light Fishing: Light inshore fishing can be worked into your tour time on request, if you'd like to add a little angling to the adventure.
Preparing for Your Ocean Safari
- Sun Protection: The sun is strong on the water. Bring a hat and lotion-based sunscreen only — spray sunscreens are hard to control and leave residue on the deck.
- Towels: Bring towels for drying off after snorkeling and swimming.
- Camera: To capture the whale breaches and wildlife encounters, bring a camera or phone — we recommend a waterproof bag or case.
- Smiles: Most importantly, bring your enthusiasm for a spectacular day on the Pacific Ocean.
- Fishing License (optional fishing only): If you plan to add the optional fishing, a $15 Costa Rica government fishing license is required — how to obtain a fishing license. (Not required if you're not fishing.)
Have Questions About This Tour?
Ask us anything about Ocean Safari — what the day looks like, what to expect, or whether it suits your group. We reply fast, and nothing is booked or paid for here.
