Whales Arrive to the Riviera Pacifica

Embark on the Riviera Pacifica beaches and move towards the horizon to enjoy the arrival of the whales in Panamá. Live the experience of seeing the majestic jump of a humpback whale in front of your boat and sail patiently to discover the loving care a mother whale gives her baby of about 2000 pounds (900 kilos).

Every year, about 2,000 humpback whales set out on a migratory journey from the cold South Pole to the cozy shores of the Panamanian Pacific. Here, they are welcomed by warm waters that provide the perfect environment to mate, give birth, and teach their calves to swim without fear of encountering their super-predators, the killer whales.

A person looking at the motor of a boat that is stationary at a beach, Golfo de Panamá.

Humpback Whale Watching

Humpback whales arrive in Panamá during the southern winter, from July to October. You can see them during the whole season, but the chances multiply during August when there is an increased number in the same place.

A minuscule boat gently meandering along the serene river.

In the Riviera Pacifica, the best place to experience this begins in Punta Chame, two hours from downtown Panamá City. We recommend hiring a certified tour operator to take you around the Otoque, Estivá, and Boná islands.

This route is little known. Therefore, you can navigate with much more tranquility in search of the sea giants. The deep and calm waters around the islands are perfect for mother whales that teach their calves to swim.

Humpback whale slaps flippers into ocean

After your whale-watching experience, do not miss the chance to visit the islands. Otoque will surprise you with crystal clear water, a beautiful beach, and colorful houses that charmingly paint the landscape. Estivá and Boná will leave you speechless with their large cliffs full of birds that follow the boat from the air. These protected areas are key conservation points in this region. Enjoy these paradises as carefully as they deserve. You can complement your expedition with sport fishing or snorkeling.

These tours are usually done in private boats rented for groups of at least 4 people and start at $105 per person, depending on the route and type of tour you choose. Be sure to hire a tour guide with all the necessary certifications and safety measures for your trip.

Responsible Whale Watching

You will be pleased to know that humpback whales are easy to see, as they are very peaceful and spend much time on the surface. But just because they are friendly does not mean you should not be cautious.

Remember that they are mothers caring for their calves and may react if they sense danger. It is essential to follow some basic rules to take care of them, you and the large number of visitors that come to Panamá.

The first rule is to go with a certified guide who will slow down when approaching a whale and stop about 300 meters away. Keeping your distance is crucial, as you cannot predict which way they will swim, and you do not want to run into any of them.

Remember that the maximum whale watching time is 30 minutes, and that you should never try to swim or dive near the whales. This is not only dangerous, but invasive to the whales and is prohibited by Panamanian law.

Whale watching is one of the several exciting activities that the Riviera Pacifica has for you. Stay on its beaches, enjoy nature, and get ready to create unforgettable memories.