Golfo Dulce, Costa Rica, is a rare gem where pristine beaches meet untouched rainforest. Here, you can witness both northern and southern humpback whales nurturing their calves and see playful dolphins year-round.
Golfo Dulce is a tropical fjord located on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Is one of the few areas in the world where untouched rainforest habitat meets pristine beaches, with some of the world’s most interesting biodiversity. Year-round resident dolphins and migrant calving humpback whales call these waters “home”.
Top photo: Dave Hamilton
Golfo Dulce is a rich and important marine area for whales and dolphins. There are 7 cetacean species recorded, including bottlenose dolphins, pantropical spotted dolphins, false killer whales and humpback whales. Occasionally other species are seen, such as Bryde's whale, spinner dolphins and killer whales.
Golfo Dulce provides a suitable breeding and calving ground for Northeast and Southeast Pacific populations of humpback whales. The calving seasons run from July to November (Southern populations) and November to March (Northern populations).
There are also year-round resident and non-resident dolphin populations. Bottlenose dolphins are more likely to be seen close to shore compared to the pantropical spotted dolphins.
The threats faced by cetaceans in Golfo Dulce include global issues like climate change, in addition to localised threats such as water contamination and increasing boat traffic (noise pollution and risk of propellor strikes).
The bottlenose dolphin population is an “inshore” ecotype, with fewer than 500 individuals along the Pacific coast of Costa Rica and Panama. Numerous individuals show signs of a skin disease (lacaziosis-like disease).
Building development is also potential threat, as there is a new marina proposed in one of the hotspot areas for humpback whales.
Several local and regional programmes and projects are working to address these threats, including some carried out by research institutes, universities, or NGOs.
Visitors to Wildlife Heritage Areas can take part in outstanding wildlife watching experiences that put wildlife first. Staying in a Wildlife Heritage Area helps local communities invest in animal welfare and wildlife conservation, benefitting community well-being and driving forward sustainable practices.
Communities achieve Wildlife Heritage Area designation by playing a central role in protecting wild animals and their habitats. With support from responsible travel organisations and wildlife experts, these communities are committed to help turn the tide on biodiversity loss and the climate crisis, adopt a zero tolerance for wildlife suffering in tourism, and advocate for positive change through a willingness to collaborate.
National regulation guidelines and strategies for whale and dolphin watching have been developed to ensure responsible interactions.
The National Institute of Learning developed a free course based on the whale watching regulations, which must be re-taken every five years by everyone working in cetacean watching tourism. The course is also on track to become mandatory.
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There has been significant interest in developing Marine Protected Areas and other designations in Golfo Dulce and the surrounding area for the benefit of cetaceans, biodiversity and habitat conservation.
By law, all Costa Rican waters are deemed a whale and dolphin sanctuary, and the area of Golfo Dulce has also been declared a Marine Area of Responsible Fishing. This...
Throughout the year, education programmes, cetacean research and citizen science are carried out in the Golfo Dulce communities.
Free events are offered at the Golfito Public Library to foster an appreciation for the value and wonder of whales and dolphins. The format of these events is dynamic, incorporating slide presentations, discussions, art projects, book readings,...
In September 2023, the first annual Whale Festival was held to celebrate cetaceans at Golfito. The events include live music by Costa Rican artists, food, and whale and dolphin decorations. Educational stands provided information, played recordings of whale song and dolphin clicks, and encouraged involvement in the planning of and family participation in future WHA activities.
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Stakeholders and organisations coordinate regular clean-up events, removing debris on beaches, mangroves, and at sea to help care for the environment in and around Golfo Dulce.
Another initiative to improve and protect the environment is the Plant-a-Mangrove Programme. Operated by Osa Ecology, this initiative plants a baby mangrove for every tourist who joins a tour with...
The Golfito Whale Festival is an event held in the Golfo Dulce region, one of the most biodiverse areas of the country. The festival usually takes place in September and lasts for several days. Its main objective is to raise awareness about the importance of the conservation of whales and other marine mammals that migrate through Costa Rican waters.
The Golfito Whale Festival represents a unique fusion of nature, culture and sustainable tourism in Costa Rica. It contributes to the protection of whales, promotes local culture and benefits the local economy, while attracting travelers seeking an authentic and conscious experience with nature.
Costa Rica celebrates the longest humpback whale season in the world! The warm waters off the Southern Pacific’s Osa Peninsula are Costa Rica’s most popular destination for whale watching. In fact, the Osa is home to the longest humpback whale-watching season in the world! Golfito, Puerto Jimenez, Drake Bay and Sierpe are excellent jump-off points for your whale watching tour, where these incredible individuals spend more than 8 months a year. Not only is the crystalline Pacific home to migrating humpback whales, but there are also huge resident populations of dolphins around the Peninsula de Osa so it’s pretty likely you will catch a glimpse of these playful creatures as well.
Photo Credit: Dave Hamilton
