Snorkel Gear, Accessible Boat

Whales and Dolphins watching Tour From Uvita

★ 4.4 · 153 reviews

from $95 per person

Opens the operator's official listing with live dates. Book there; nothing is charged on this site. Free cancellation.

Duration: 3 hours to 4 hours
Meeting point: Whale-shaped office, Uvita
Cancellation: Free cancellation
On board: Snacks included
Run by: Agencia de Viajes Costa Rica te Enamora

Overview

This half-day trip from Uvita puts you on a boat to look for humpback whales, dolphins, sea turtles and seabirds, with a stop for swimming and snorkeling along the way. It runs between three and four hours, sets off at 08:30, and ends back where it started. The boat carries a maximum of 30 travellers, and a guide rides along to explain what you are seeing.

The shape of the day varies with conditions. Fresh fruit and water are handed out on board, and reviewers often describe a beach stop with time to swim and use the included snorkeling gear. A guide explains the wildlife throughout, and several reviewers mention learning a lot about the whales from the commentary.

The listing pitches it at nature observers and adventurers, and states the tour and transport are wheelchair accessible, with pushchairs allowed too. One point to weigh: boarding involves getting from the office to the beach, and one reviewer described it as a very far walk. Sightings are never guaranteed, so anyone booking should be comfortable with the possibility of dolphins and birds but no whales.

What's Included

Included

Fruits and water
Transport by boat
Tourist guide
Insurance
Snorkeling equipment
Entrance fees

Not Included

Tips

Itinerary

Meet at the officeArrive at the operator's whale-shaped office in Uvita, about 290 metres west of the gas station. Crew brief the group 15 minutes before departure.
Walk to the beachThe group walks from the office to the beach to board the boat. One reviewer described this as a very far walk.
Boat tour, 3 hoursThe main activity, admission ticket included. Time on the water looking for whales, dolphins and other wildlife, with a guide explaining throughout.
Snorkel and beach stopA swim and snorkeling break using the included equipment, with fresh fruit and water served. Snorkeling depends on conditions and may be shortened or skipped.
Return to the officeThe activity ends back at the meeting point in Uvita.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points worth knowing before booking this trip.

What to bring. The listing recommends a swimming suit, towel, sandals, sunscreen and a hat. Tips are not included in the price.
Getting to the boat. Expect a walk from the office to the beach before boarding, which one reviewer described as very far.
Group and boat. Up to 30 travellers share the boat. Reviewers describe the crew as safety conscious, with everything explained step by step.
Food and drink. Fruit and water are included, with reviewers mentioning fresh fruit served during the trip. Entrance fees and snorkeling equipment are also covered, so there is little to pay on the day beyond tips.
Sightings vary. Whale sightings are not certain. Reviewers who saw no whales still reported dolphins and birds on some trips.
Timing and pace. The tour starts at 08:30 and lasts three to four hours. Reviewers noted the boat ride can be fast at times, and the day also includes a swim stop and time on a beach.

Common issues. Whales are wild animals and some departures see none, a frustration several reviewers voiced given the price. The walk to the boat adds friction, and one reviewer with mobility restrictions found the boarding process difficult despite the listing stating wheelchair accessibility. Conditions sometimes rule out snorkeling altogether. The operator can cancel for weather or if a minimum number of travellers is not met, offering a different date or a full refund in those cases. Some reviewers also wished for more time with the whales and less time at the beach.

Common Questions

What is included in the price?

The tour includes transport by boat, a tourist guide, insurance, snorkeling equipment, entrance fees, and fruit and water. Tips are the only listed exclusion.

Where does the tour meet and when does it start?

Meet at the operator's office in Uvita, about 290 metres west of the gas station, in the distinctive whale-shaped building. The tour starts at 08:30, and the crew brief the group 15 minutes before departure. The trip ends back at the same point.

How long is the tour?

The whole experience runs three to four hours, starting at 08:30. The listing gives this as the total duration for the activity.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users or families with strollers?

The listing states the experience is wheelchair accessible, transportation is wheelchair accessible, and pushchairs are allowed. However, boarding requires walking from the office to the beach, which one reviewer found difficult with mobility challenges.

What is the cancellation policy?

Cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes inside that window are not refunded or accepted. Weather cancellations or a shortfall in the minimum number of travellers come with the option of a different date or a full refund.

Will I definitely see whales?

No. Many reviewers report humpbacks, often mothers with calves, plus dolphins and turtles, but others saw no whales at all. Snorkeling and beach time depend on conditions and the day.