Whale Watching in Costa Rica

This is a story about my first trip to Drake Bay, Costa Rica in 2014. The first time I journeyed to Drake Bay I was in search of wildlife and whales! While it was not my first time in Costa Rica, it was my first time as an adult traveling alone (last minute my wonderful friend in California joined me to my absolute pleasure!) I knew what I wanted, I wanted to photograph humpback whales! I did extensive research online, and found out the Osa Peninsula was a hotspot for both terrestrial and marine life.

I came in September knowing this was a very active time for the whales, even though it was the rainy season. I am from Florida, rain doesn’t affect me too much. It had been a long standing mission of mine to watch wild whales, and my research led my to Drake Bay, Costa Rica for their fall migratory spectacle. It was my first whale watching experience, but certainly not my last!

The whales were everywhere! Rowdy males, mothers with their calves, some hanging with us, others breaching and racing!

While this is not a love story, I do want to mention that it was on this trip that I met Walter, my now husband and business parter. He guided my trip to Sirena Ranger Station, and the next day got us on a wonderful afternoon private whale watching excursion.

When we got out on the water, it was a bit choppy so I did miss some great shots, but nonetheless I got some great images to share with my peeps back home. I also took the time to put my camera down and just be present in the moment, with the whales, with the sea, and with the wonderful energies of the rainforest. Once we spotted our first, I realized the whales were everywhere! Rowdy males, mothers with their calves, some hanging with us, others breaching and racing! While this doesn’t happen all the time when you go out, we did get super lucky with loads of action!