What is the Best Season to See Whales in San Juan del Sur?
There are few places on Earth as stunning as the Pacific Coast of Nicaragua. When you choose to visit the San Juan Del Sur area, you’ll be near several of the area’s top exotic and tropical destinations. This includes world-renown favorites, like Playa Trébol, Isla Anciana, Playa Blanca, or Playa Brasilito.
There’s a lot more to do in this area than lay in a lounge chair and soak up the sun, although that’s certainly not a bad way to spend the day. Beyond the crashing waves and perfect sun, Nicaragua is also home to many fabulous animal species. Our country is a popular ecotourism destination for nature lovers because of our extensive biodiversity and spectacular scenery. You may expect to see sea turtles and monkeys, and you will, but this is far from the only animals worth getting an up-close look at. You can also see whales!
Get an Up-Close View of the Whales in San Juan del Sur
When you imagine whales, do you picture them in cold water, like off the coast of Alaska or Antarctica? If so, you’re not alone. You may not realize it, but our warm tropical waters are the perfect home for several species of whales.
There are several species of whales found in Nicaraguan waters. You could see the Humpback Whale, Blue Whale, Blainville’s Beaked Whale, and a Pygmy Beaked Whale. We provide you with binoculars to see them in person. It’s an experience you won’t soon forget!
Blue Whale
The best place to leave for a whale watching tour is out of San Juan Del Sur. The best time to do so, if you want to see Blue Whales, is during the winter. The peak whale watching season is typically from December or January to March. It is possible to see them anytime from November to April though.
Humpback Whale
Humpback Whales don’t live in our waters, but they do pass through. Every year, Humpback Whales migrate past our part of the world to breed, letting you get a good glimpse at these huge giants. Sometimes you can also see their babies if you get extra lucky. Humpback Whales are known for “tail lobbing,” with a huge whale tail peeking out above the ocean waves to smack the surface of the water, allowing you to get that iconic picture you’ve been dreaming of.
Blainville’s Beaked Whale
Blainville’s Beaked Whales have a medium-sized, round body with a small, wide-based, and slightly hooked dorsal fin located far down its back. If you think this sounds a lot like a dolphin, you’re right! They’re often confused for a dolphin, but they are, in fact, a type of whale. This species lives in tropical to temperate waters. It is typically found in deep, offshore waters, precisely where we will be going.
Pygmy Beaked Whale
The Pygmy Beaked Whale has a slender, spindle-shaped body, a small head, and curved mouthline. It also looks quite similar to a dolphin. They have rarely been encountered in the wild. However, confirmed sightings have found them almost always in pairs or small groups. If we happen to come across a group of Pygmy Beaked Whales, you’ll want to have your camera ready!
Of course, it’s important to point out that this isn’t a zoo; it’s the real ocean. There’s not a 100% guarantee you will see whales on your catamaran charter. Your chances are much higher if you go during the peak season. Even if you don’t end up seeing any, you’re sure to enjoy the day on the water anyway.
Go Whale Watching on Our Catamaran
Esmeralda Sailing is a chartered catamaran boat that provides a unique sailing experience through the area of San Juan Del Sur. As you travel up and down the Pacific Coast on our boat, you can fish, drink wine, go whale watching, dance to your favorite music, get a massage, or simply lay in the sun and relax. You’ve never seen the Pacific Ocean quite like this before!