Plan Your Trip

When to go

• Guanacaste: the dry season runs roughly December to April, according to the Guanacaste Conservation Area (ACG), which manages these waters. Strong trade winds blow mainly from December to March and can make the sea rough.
• Whales: humpback whales visit from about December to April, and again from about July to October. That's the window Costa Rica's tourism board (ICT) gives, and it falls inside the seasons listed by SINAC, the national parks agency (SINAC lists July to November for Marino Ballena). Sightings are never guaranteed.
• Weather calls: the captain decides whether a trip goes out. Ask how the operator handles a weather cancellation.

Seasickness

• Ask how long the boat ride is and whether there's a calm swim stop.
• Bigger boats and catamarans often feel steadier, and inshore trips stay closer to the coast.
• If you get seasick, talk to a pharmacist or doctor about prevention before your trip.
• Eat a light meal, drink water and keep your eyes on the horizon.

Kids on board

• Ask about life jacket sizes for your children.
• Shorter trips with shade and a swim stop suit young kids.
• Some trips set a minimum age. Check before you book.

Snorkeling or diving?

• Snorkeling needs no certification. Ask whether gear and a guide are included.
• Scuba diving: operators ask certified divers to show their card. Not certified? PADI's Discover Scuba Diving try-dive needs you to be at least 10 years old.
• Flying after diving: as general guidance, Divers Alert Network (DAN) suggests waiting at least 12 hours after a single dive and 18 hours after several dives before you fly. Follow your dive operator's advice.

Watching whales and dolphins

Costa Rica's rules for whale and dolphin watching come from Decree 32495-MINAE. They ban swimming or diving with whales and dolphins and protect mothers with calves. Boats must stay at least 50 meters from dolphins with the engine on, or 30 meters with it off. They must stay at least 100 meters from whales, or 200 meters when whales are feeding or socializing. Boats may stay with any one group for no more than 30 minutes. Pick an operator who follows the rules.

What to pack

• Reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses
• A light layer for the ride home
• Swimwear, a towel and shoes you can get wet
• A dry bag for your phone and cash
• Your fishing licence or dive card, if needed
• Cash for crew tips, if you plan to tip

Booking questions

Is the price per boat or per person?

Private charters are usually priced per boat. Shared trips are usually priced per person.

What's included?

Check food, drinks, gear, licences, park fees, tax and transport.

What if I need to cancel?

Read the operator's cancellation policy before you pay.

How do I book?

Most operators on this site take bookings direct. You can also request a charter and we'll pass it on.

Before you book in Guanacaste, read GuanacasteTour.com's boat excursion checklist.