Catch A Glimpse Of Cetaceans In Costa Rica This Fall

Celebrate wildlife conservation as well as the region's maritime culture during its whale watching season

SAN JOSE, Costa Rica, Sept. 2, 2016 /CNW/ -- Whales and dolphins, some of the most majestic creatures on earth, put on an impressive, unforgettable show each fall in Costa Rica. Every July to November, over 700 cetaceans (the scientific name for whales) and dolphins visit Marino Ballena National Park as part of their migration patterns.

During this time of the year, the park's Ballena Bay – known for its whale-tail-shaped isthmus – becomes a sanctuary for humpback, pilot, bryde and false killer whales since its warm waters are believed to be beneficial to the generation of strong and healthy offspring. This natural phenomenon provides visitors an once-in-a-lifetime experience to see the whales up close as well as the park's resident bottle nose, spinner and spotted dolphins and turtle species.

In celebration of these awe-inspiring marine animals, the Costa Rica Tourism Board in partnership with the Association of Tourism Operators at Marino Ballena National Park, have named September Costa Rica Whales Month.

In addition to whale and dolphin watching, visitors this time of year can take advantage of special rates at a wide range of area hotels and enjoy an array of activities including hiking, running, biking, beach volleyball, traditional food and guided tours offered by the businesses from the community. Park officials are also always on hand to inform travelers on wildlife conservation and the species that call Marino Ballena National Park home.

For more information on the event, please visit, www.festivaldeballenasydelfines.com or for more information on Costa Rica, visit www.visitcostarica.com.

About Costa Rica
Costa Rica is located in Central America between Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south; it is bordered on the east by the Caribbean Sea and the west by the Pacific Ocean. With an abundance of unique wildlife, landscapes and climates this small country proudly shelters approximately five percent of the known biodiversity in the world.  In order to protect and preserve its wealth of natural resources, Costa Rica has become a global leader in sustainable practices with protected areas comprising 26 percent of its land mass. With a peaceful spirit, emphasis on education and an economy based on tourism, technology and exportation, Costa Rica offers one of the highest standards of living in Latin America. Visitors to Costa Rica enjoy a highly organized tourism infrastructure among a tropical paradise of lush rainforests, mystical volcanoes and cloud forests and beaches that meet mountains filled with monkeys and macaws. Offering a broad terrain of activities and accommodations, visitors to Costa Rica will find a range of hotel options ranging from small beachside bed & breakfasts to authentic intimate boutique mountain lodges to major international business hotel brands and everything in between. Costa Rica's accommodations offer something appealing for everyone's desires. The phrase "Pura Vida" can be heard echoing throughout Costa Rica from coast to coast.  Used as a greeting or expression of happiness, the phrase literally translates to "pure life," however its true meaning is "full of life," which accurately describes the adventure and wonder that await visitors. 

About Instituto Costarricense de Turismo (ICT)
Established in 1955, the Costa Rica Tourism Board spearheads the vital task of regulating and promoting Costa Rica's extensive of tourism offerings. The ICT and its partners in the private sector work tirelessly to garner recognition, standardize practices, provide insightful research data and foster cultural development for the country's coast to coast one-of-a-kind tourism products and resources.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160902/403877

SOURCE Costa Rica Tourism Board

Monica Kelly / Ines Cano, Cheryl Andrews Marketing Communications, P: 305-444-4033, [email protected] / [email protected], http://www.visitcostarica.com