Humpback Whales in Their Costa Rican Haven

Humpback Whales are truly amazing creatures. These giants can reach almost 50 feet in length and weigh around forty tons. What makes them even more incredible is that they choose Golfo Dulce in Costa Rica as a special place to give birth and reproduce.

Before they arrive at Golfo Dulce, humpback whales embark on an astonishing journey. They travel all the way from the cold waters of the Antarctic. During this long trip, which takes them almost three months, they don’t eat at all. That’s quite a feat! When they finally arrive, it’s like a grand family reunion in the Gulf.

In November, when the humpbacks depart, another group of humpback whales from California takes their place. They, too, travel impressive distances, covering between 3,000 and 5,000 miles each way.

One of the most heartwarming sights in Golfo Dulce is the presence of humpback whale calves. These baby humpbacks stick close to their mothers, starting at about 4 meters in length and weighing around five tons at birth. To keep up their strength and grow, these little ones drink roughly 26 gallons of their mother’s milk every day.

Humpback whales are also famous for their “songs.” These songs are long, intricate, and full of different sounds like squeaks and grunts. Interestingly, only the male humpback whales have been recorded singing, and they seem to belt out these complex tunes primarily in warm waters. Scientists believe these songs are used as mating calls, making them even more fascinating.

What’s even more astounding is that you can witness all of this natural wonder right from the shore. Golfo Dulce is a place where you can be just a few hundred yards away from these magnificent creatures, and it’s an experience you won’t soon forget. So, if you ever find yourself near Golfo Dulce, don’t miss the chance to see these incredible humpback whales in action.