The start of this year’s southern Pacific Whale and Dolphin Festival coincides with Costa Rica’s Independence Day. The 9th edition of the festival will be held from September 15 to October 1 at Punta Uvita’s Marino Ballena National Park.

Community members and especially tour operators got some additional good news for their festival week when the Costa Rican Tourism Institute announced the approval of plans for a tourist wharf which they hope will be ready in time to make next year’s festival an even greater success.

The wharf will be built in coordination with the Costa Rican Institute of Pacific Ports (INCOP) and the  National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC).

“The Whale and Dolphin Festival is an example of success in articulating efforts that promote the well-being of all citizens; therefore, this cooperation agreement between the ICT and INCOP for the construction of a tourist wharf is extremely important because this infrastructure will contribute significantly to the development of this tourist activity, as well as aid in the protection of natural resources, and the generation of employment,” said Costa Rican President Solís who spoke at the unveiling of the wharf plans last week.

Whale and dolphin watching tours during the festival will be available from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m for ages 3 and up. The  1.5 hour tour costs ¢15 000 for anyone over 10 years and ¢10 000 for children aged 3 – 9.

Information and reservations can be made with the Association of Tour Operators (ASOTU) in the Marino Ballena National Park at the following numbers: 2743-8562 and 8729-3624.

In 2016, the Osa region received approximately 5,000 visitors for the festival, which continues to grow each year.

The National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC) is also soliciting support from the Regional Development Board of the Southern Zone (JUDESUR) to improve infrastructure inside the park to include additional bridges and first aid posts for tourists, said festival organizers.

Local tour operators follow best practices guidelines established by international conservation groups, the Keto Foundation and Conservation International, for their whale and dolphin tours to carry out the activity with the least possible impact.