The Association of Tour Operators (ASOTU) welcomes visitors to the Marino Ballena National Park all year, but especially in September for the height of whale watching season on Costa Rica’s southern Pacific coast.

Humpback whales can be seen along many parts of Costa Rica’s southern Pacific coast from July – October each year when they give birth to their calves in the area’s warm waters.

This year marks the ninth whale and dolphin festival at the Ballena National Park, and will be held starting September 15 and running until October 1.

Special activities are planned on the following three weekends: September 15-18, 23-24, and September 30-October 1, 2017.

There will be whale watching tours, athletic competitions, bicycle rides, family walks, a sand sculpture competition, concerts, environmental workshops and talks hosted at local hotels, and much more, said ASOTU.

The festival is great opportunity for individuals and families to enjoy the country’s beautiful coastal natural resources. Event organizers carry out whale watching activities in a “peaceful, responsible and fun way.”

The Ballena National Park is recognized nationally and internationally for the arrival of various migratory sea animals including humpback whales, pilot whales, bryde whales, fake killer whales, in addition to its  three resident species of dolphins including bottlenose dolphins, spotted dolphins, and spinner dolphins.

Several species of sea turtles visit some of the park beaches to nest as well including hawksbill turtles, green turtles, and olive ridley turtles.