
Whales and Dolphins watching Tour From Manuel Antonio
Traveler rating
4.0/5
Based on 7 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Whales and Dolphins watching Tour From Manuel Antonio worth booking?
Whales and Dolphins watching Tour From Manuel Antonio is a 3-hour experience in Quepos, Costa Rica, from $220 per person. It scores 47 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4/5 rating across 7 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 47 / 100
- Rating
- 4/5 (7)
- Duration
- 3 hours
- From
- $220 per person
You will enjoy a tour in the first marine park in Costa Rica, the Marino Ballena National Park in the South Pacific, where the big humpback whales are dating, as well as dolphins, turtles and more. You will also have the opportunity to Snorkel (weather permitting), visit caverns and more to live more closely the unique experience that gives you this wonderful park. We have two different seasons to see whales, one is from July to October, and the next from January to March!
What you get
About this experience
You will enjoy a tour in the first marine park in Costa Rica, the Marino Ballena National Park in the South Pacific, where the big humpback whales are dating, as well as dolphins, turtles and more. You will also have the opportunity to Snorkel (weather permitting), visit caverns and more to live more closely the unique experience that gives you this wonderful park. We have two different seasons to see whales, one is from July to October, and the next from January to March!
What's included
Included
- Snacks
- Entrance fees
- Transportation by boat
- Snorkeling equipment
- Tour Guide
- Transport by car
Not included
- Tips
What you'll see and do
Parque Nacional Marino Ballena
Itinerary 7:00 am Hotel pick-up in Manuel Antonio 8:20 am You meet your tour guide at our office where the tour departs from 8:30 am Arrival at Marino Ballena National Park and start off the boat tour: Whale watching in the waters of Marino Ballena National Park with snorkeling, swimming, caves visit and high probability to see whales, dolphins and turtles. If the water is clear you practice snorkeling otherwise you have time to swim 12:00 pm End of the boat tour and free time 02:00 pm Departure to Manuel Antonio 3:00pm Arrival your hotel Included: Boat transfer, Guide, Park Entrance, Snorkeling equipment, Water and Fruits during the tour. It is the first marine park of Costa Rica, recognized since its beach has the form of a whale's tail and ironically it is the best place to see whales. It is located in the South Pacific, just 1 hour from Manuel Antonio. We have 2 seasons of whales, the first of the year is from January to March and the following from July to October
240 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 90 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Agencia de Viajes Costa Rica te Enamora
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 7 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
3 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Traveler reviews
7 verified traveler reviews for Whales and Dolphins watching Tour From Manuel Antonio. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Underwhelming
The office space is nice, but then you walk ~15min to the beach where there is not a marina so you have to get into the water to board the boat. They do arrange your ticket for the national park which is helpful. It wasn’t a strong whale season this year so we only saw a male come up for air. No dolphins or turtles were seen. There was no snorkelling gear, although it was very cloudy water so wouldn’t have seen much. There also weren’t caverns. It seemed like swimming was forgotten about and included at the very end when someone asked. The staff were very young (co-op students maybe?) and not very professional. I felt like I was looking harder for whales than the staff were. At the end, you’re left on the beach to enjoy the national park. If you don’t want to stay, you have to find your way back to their office to meet your driver or get your car. This was our honeymoon and this was a gifted excursion. It’s sad to us that our love one’s money went towards this and it didn’t deliver everything that it was supposed to.
Response from the operator: Hola, Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback with us. We are sorry to hear that the experience did not fully meet your expectations. We would like to clarify that time on the beach is intentionally left for guests to enjoy at their own pace and with greater privacy, without the guide accompanying them. Swimming and other water activities also depend on sea and weather conditions, as guest safety is always our priority. We appreciate your comments, as they help us continue improving the information we provide to our guests before and during the tour. Our goal is always to offer an enjoyable experience while respecting nature and prioritizing the safety of our guests. Your comments are valuable and help us continue improving our communication and service. Thank you
via Tripadvisor
Correct journey
Right, within the expectations I had. To my mind, a lot of people, in little space, but an acceptable experience.
via Viator (translated)
Lovely and relaxing tour
Mariella was a very nice and pleasant lady who made the trip very enjoyable. Although we were not able to see whales it was worth doing it. At least dolphins came along.
via Viator
One for thebphoto slbum
What a day. And yes we did get to see a Humpback Whale and her calf. Very special.. The visit to the beach and time out on the water was so relaxing.
via Viator
Great experience
Excellent trip with great guide and captain, saw mum and baby whale. Well organised and safe, life jackets provided for everyone and boat safety was good. Snorkelling equipment provided was of good standard
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $220 to $335
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 2
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Agencia de Viajes Costa Rica te Enamora, who run 3 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 48.1.
See everything Agencia de Viajes Costa Rica te Enamora runsWhy this scores 47
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Whales and Dolphins watching Tour From Manuel Antonio: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Quepos.
How much does Whales and Dolphins watching Tour From Manuel Antonio cost?
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Prices start at $220 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Quepos usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Whales and Dolphins watching Tour From Manuel Antonio take?
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Plan for about 3 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Quepos is not rushed.
Is Whales and Dolphins watching Tour From Manuel Antonio worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 47 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4/5 across 7 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Quepos, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Whales and Dolphins watching Tour From Manuel Antonio?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Whales and Dolphins watching Tour From Manuel Antonio suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Whales and Dolphins watching Tour From Manuel Antonio?
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Around 2 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Quepos can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Quepos and add a light layer if any part of the 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Whales and Dolphins watching Tour From Manuel Antonio start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Quepos within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Quepos?
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On Outty we rank every Quepos experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Full Day Waterfall Adventure, Manuel Antonio Canopy Tour - Longest Twin Zip Line in Central America, Manuel Antonio Park Tour and its Amazing Wildlife and Beaches. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Quepos?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Quepos?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Whales and Dolphins watching Tour From Manuel Antonio?
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Included: Snacks; Entrance fees; Transportation by boat; Snorkeling equipment; and Tour Guide. Not included: Tips. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Whales and Dolphins watching Tour From Manuel Antonio include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 1 listed pickup location in and around Quepos. Be ready about 90 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Whales and Dolphins watching Tour From Manuel Antonio offered in?
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It is offered in English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Whales and Dolphins watching Tour From Manuel Antonio?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Whales and Dolphins watching Tour From Manuel Antonio wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; Specialized infant seats are available; and Transportation options are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Whales and Dolphins watching Tour From Manuel Antonio if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Whales and Dolphins watching Tour From Manuel Antonio?
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Across 7 reviews averaging 4.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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