The Humpback Migration: Why Golfo Dulce is a Perfect Stopover

Each year, humpback whales embark on one of nature’s most extraordinary journeys, migrating from distant waters to the warm, calm seas of Golfo Dulce. Known for its unique geography and sheltered waters, Golfo Dulce is an ideal breeding ground for these majestic creatures. At Changing Tide Tours, we’re honored to offer our guests a front-row seat to witness this incredible phenomenon.

Why Humpbacks Migrate to Golfo Dulce
Humpback whales migrate to Golfo Dulce from both the northern and southern hemispheres, creating an overlap of whale populations that is rare and exciting to observe. The calm, warm waters of the gulf provide a safe environment for mothers to nurse and bond with their calves, giving them the strength they need for the long journey back.

What to Expect on a Whale-Watching Tour
Our tours provide a unique opportunity to observe humpbacks in their natural habitat. Guests often witness playful breaches, tail slaps, and perhaps even the tender sight of a mother whale guiding her newborn calf. Our guides are knowledgeable about whale behavior, ready to share fascinating insights that deepen your connection to these magnificent animals.

Respectful Wildlife Viewing
Our tours prioritize the well-being of the whales, maintaining a respectful distance and ensuring minimal disturbance. We educate our guests on responsible wildlife viewing, so every encounter is safe and enriching for both animals and people.

Witness the Magic of Migration with Changing Tide Tours
For anyone passionate about marine life, seeing the humpback migration in Golfo Dulce is a dream come true. Join us for an unforgettable experience that celebrates these incredible creatures and helps support their protection.

Sustainable Tourism in Golfito: How Changing Tide Tours Contributes to Conservation

At Changing Tide Tours, we believe tourism should be a force for good, benefiting not only visitors but also the environment and local community. We are committed to sustainable practices that protect Golfo Dulce’s ecosystems while offering visitors an authentic, eco-friendly experience.

Eco-Friendly Operations
Our tours are designed to minimize environmental impact. We carefully manage fuel consumption, operate at low speeds in sensitive areas, and ensure that all waste is responsibly handled. We also encourage guests to avoid single-use plastics and provide information on how to travel sustainably in Costa Rica.

Supporting Local Conservation Projects
We proudly support local initiatives, including sea turtle rescue, coral and mangrove restoration, and education programs aimed at inspiring the next generation of conservationists. Every tour contributes to these efforts, meaning that every guest plays a part in protecting Golfo Dulce’s fragile ecosystem.

Empowering the Local Community
Our team is mostly made up of locals who are passionate about marine conservation and protecting Golfo Dulce’s heritage. By choosing Changing Tide Tours, visitors are also supporting local jobs and promoting sustainable economic development in the region.

Join Us in Sustainable Travel
We invite travelers to experience the magic of Golfo Dulce responsibly. Join us on a journey that supports conservation and respects the environment, and discover the impact you can make through mindful travel.

Spotlight on Golfo Dulce’s Marine Life: Discover the Rich Biodiversity

Introduction
Golfo Dulce is one of the most unique and diverse marine ecosystems on the planet, offering visitors an opportunity to encounter an array of remarkable sea creatures, from graceful dolphins to endangered sea turtles. At Changing Tide Tours, we’re passionate about connecting people with this incredible biodiversity, allowing them to experience the magic of Golfo Dulce while fostering a deeper respect for marine life.

The Whales of Golfo Dulce
One of the highlights of visiting Golfo Dulce is the chance to see humpback whales, which migrate thousands of miles each year to mate and give birth in these warm, protected waters. Visitors can witness these gentle giants during specific times of the year, and our tours are designed to provide safe, respectful encounters that leave a lasting impression.

Dolphins and Playful Encounters
Golfo Dulce is home to resident populations of bottlenose and spotted dolphins. Known for their friendly nature, these dolphins often approach our boats, creating unforgettable experiences for guests. We’re mindful of giving these animals the space they need, always aiming for respectful interactions that allow guests to learn about dolphin behavior.

Sea Turtles and Coral Reefs
For those passionate about conservation, Golfo Dulce is a haven. We often encounter green and hawksbill sea turtles, both of which are species of concern. Additionally, the region’s coral reefs provide vital habitat for countless marine organisms. Changing Tide Tours supports marine restoration projects to help protect and rejuvenate these reefs, and our guests have the chance to participate in these initiatives.

Explore with Changing Tide Tours
Every tour is an opportunity to connect with nature, learn about marine conservation, and leave with unforgettable memories. Join us on the water to witness the beauty of Golfo Dulce’s marine life firsthand.

Golfito Breaks Guinness World Record with Largest Human Whale Formation – A Community Effort Led by Passion and Unity

At Changing Tide Tours, we are beyond thrilled to celebrate an incredible milestone for our beloved Golfito canton. In an extraordinary display of community spirit, Golfito set a new Guinness World Record by creating the largest image of a whale made entirely by people – a monumental achievement that symbolizes our town’s deep connection to the ocean and its majestic creatures.

This event was more than just a gathering; it was a celebration of Golfito’s shared passion for marine life, bringing together locals, visitors, and conservation enthusiasts alike to raise awareness of the ocean’s beauty and importance.

An Idea That Became a Reality

The idea for this record-breaking event was born out of a collective desire to bring attention to the need for marine conservation and honor the humpback whales that visit Golfo Dulce each year to mate and give birth. The event was organized through a collaboration between the local municipality, Changing Tide Tours, Osa Ecology, and dedicated community volunteers, each bringing their energy and resources to make this vision a reality.

For months leading up to the event, plans were set in motion, logistics were arranged, and excitement buzzed through the town. The goal was not only to create a visual spectacle but also to unite our community in a meaningful cause. Every participant understood that their role in this formation represented a larger purpose – to support the marine life that is so essential to our culture and economy.

The Big Day: A Whale of an Achievement

On the big day, hundreds of people gathered at the event site, eager to take part in the record-breaking attempt. Among the participants were members of the Changing Tide Tours team, as well as previous clients who happened to be back in the area and joined us to stand together as part of the whale shape.

Guided by aerial markers and a spirited group of organizers, participants took their places to outline the form of a giant whale, creating a breathtaking scene visible from above. With arms linked, smiles shining, and hearts filled with pride, the image of the whale took shape, a tribute to the magnificent creatures that grace our waters each year. As the final formation came together, a hush fell over the crowd, followed by cheers as we learned that we had indeed set a new Guinness World Record!

Changing Tide Tours’ Role in the Event

Changing Tide Tours was honored to play a role in organizing and facilitating this monumental achievement. Our team, inspired by the vision of a unified message for conservation, worked alongside the local government and community leaders to make the event happen. From logistics planning to spreading the word in our tours and social media, we were proud to engage not only the community but also international visitors in an event that will be remembered for years to come.

Several members of our team joined the formation, proudly standing side-by-side with local residents and past clients who had traveled back to experience the magic of Golfito. Together, we all shared in the joy and pride of the moment – a lasting reminder of why we do what we do.

What This Achievement Means for Golfito and Golfo Dulce

Setting a Guinness World Record is more than just a title; it’s a powerful statement about what we can accomplish when we come together for a shared purpose. This achievement brings worldwide attention to Golfito, highlighting not only our sense of community but also our dedication to preserving the marine ecosystems we depend on.

The whales of Golfo Dulce, especially the humpbacks that visit every year, are essential to our local ecosystem, tourism industry, and way of life. This event is a testament to Golfito’s commitment to respecting and protecting these incredible creatures, and it’s a reminder to all who visit or call this place home of the importance of continued conservation efforts.

Continuing the Legacy of Conservation with Changing Tide Tours

At Changing Tide Tours, we’ve always been passionate about sharing the wonders of marine life with our guests while promoting sustainable, eco-friendly tourism. This record-breaking event reinforces our mission, and we hope it inspires others to take a more active role in supporting marine conservation.

We invite everyone to visit Golfito and experience the magic of Golfo Dulce for themselves. Whether it’s spotting a humpback whale with us on one of our tours, supporting local conservation efforts, or simply being part of a community that loves and respects the ocean, we’re here to help you connect with nature in a meaningful way.

Thank you to everyone who made this Guinness World Record possible – from the municipality and organizers to the participants and supporters who came together to make history. This achievement is a testament to what we can accomplish together, and we look forward to continuing to build a future where Golfito’s wildlife and ecosystems thrive.

What Makes a Whale Watching Company Truly Eco-Friendly? 4 Questions You Need to Ask

Humpback Whale Tours Osa Peninsula

These days, a lot of whale watching companies label themselves as “green” or “eco-friendly.” For many of these businesses, these are just catchphrases they toss around to keep customers and environmentalists happy.

So how do you separate the not-so-green from the truly green whale watching companies? By asking the right questions.

  1. Do they follow guidelines for responsible whale watching?

When boats get too close to the whales, approach too quickly or make too much noise, they may cause the animals unnecessary stress. In some cases, these actions can cost the whales their lives.

That’s why all whale watching companies (and recreational boaters!) must follow a strict set of guidelines that protects the overall health and long-term sustainability of whales in Costa Rican waters.

  1. Are they also environmentally responsible on land?

If a company says they’re eco-friendly, then they should be environmentally responsible in all areas of their business. For whale watching companies, that means they should be as low-impact on land as they are on the water.

So, ask if their daily operations contribute to a greener planet. Look for things like recycling, composting, eco-friendly cleaners, and sustainably made uniforms.

  1. Are their boats specially designed to minimize the impact on the environment?

It’s not enough just to follow guidelines for responsible whale watching. The company should also operate boats that are environmentally friendly and that pose no threat to the whales or their habitat. Ask if their boats have:

A hull design that leaves a much smaller wake (wave). This reduces shore erosion and improves fuel efficiency
An above-water exhaust system that provides a more quiet environment for marine mammals
4-stroke engine technology that consumes less fuel and oil

  1. Are they carbon neutral?

When a business is carbon neutral, they remove just as much carbon dioxide from the atmosphere as they put in.

To become 100% carbon neutral, the business must first establish a baseline for their emissions. Then, they must find ways to counteract these negative effects on the environment.

The most common way to achieve this is to reduce emissions as much as possible through efficiency retrofits and upgrades, then balance the rest by purchasing “offsets.” These carbon offsets are financial investments in new technologies that measurably reduce greenhouse gas emissions that would have otherwise occurred.

Here at Changing Tide tours, our commitment to the environment has been in place since our conception. We go above and beyond to protect our marine ecosystem for generations to come! You can read more about our conservation initiatives or you can book a tour to experience it firsthand!

Our response to COVID-19

In these unprecedented and challenging times, we all must do what we can to support the country’s (and indeed world’s) efforts to lessen the impact of COVID-19. At Changing Tide Tours, we are closely monitoring the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization’s (WHO) statements regarding COVID-19 cases and following guidelines from these agencies and the local health departments.

The health and wellbeing of our crew members and guests is our number one priority.

Check out our boat tour health measures and guidelines below.

Our Commitment to Safety
While there have been no reported cases of the virus in our operations, in order to help slow the community spread of COVID-19 and in accordance with local and State regulations issued across the country, we have suspended all of our operations since March until further notice.

The national lockdown measures have forbidden all touristic activities and people gathering. On 15th June, when the Minister of Health of Costa Rica gives an update on the situation, we will re-evaluate the health and safety conditions at national level.

We understand how disappointing this decision may be for guests that have a tour reserved with us on board one of our vessels.

Our Commitment to Confidence
Changing Tide Tours is committed to ensuring our guests are confident in making a booking by providing them maximum flexibility during these challenging times.

We are making the following temporary changes to our rebooking and cancellation policy at this time:

  • For guests with existing bookings, if your tour is cancelled because of public health authorities’ decisions, we have waived change fees and will be happy to reschedule your tour for a future date travel at no extra cost.
  • If you are unable to join us for your experience due to an illness or because of travel to a restricted area, we will apply the deposit you have made toward any future experience offered in 2020 or 2021.
  • Guests looking to make a booking for a future date can book with confidence knowing that we will work with them to ensure maximum flexibility should the situation continue or change.

Our commitment to your Wellbeing
Changing Tide Tours has an excellent safety and sanitation track record and have always operated and maintained a rigorous process around cleanliness and hygiene. Our team is always working to ensure that they meet the latest guidance on hygiene and cleaning protocols.

When the national lockdown impositions are suspended, we will adopt safety and hygienic measures for each employee and customer. For the health of all aboard with us, returning to our activities with all the precautions necessary will be mandatory. We believe hygienic measures and social distancing may allow you to enjoy the experiences with wildlife we have prepared for you:

  • Before each tour, all crew will proceed to a safety and health briefing with all the information on how to comply with basic infection prevention and control precautions regarding the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak.
  • The temperature of all employees will be checked before each tour to ensure they do not have a fever.
  • Thorough boat cleaning before and after each tour with proper antiseptic solutions, with focus on high-touch areas like handrails and other surfaces.
  • No physical contact with customers (hand-shakes, kisses or hugs), which includes a safety distance of at least 1 meter when possible.
  • Proper and frequent hand washing of guests and crew during tours.
  • Full face masks and latex gloves available for each customer and employee to use during our boat tours in the Golfo Dulce, Osa Peninsula and Golfito.
  • Disinfection of all customer’s hands and feet with 80% alcohol before entering our boats.
  • Available closed-lid bin on board for litter.
  • Cardboard disposable cups for any drinks on board.

Let’s get through the Covid-19 all together!

For the most updated information, please refer to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or your local health authority.

Safety first! We look forward to welcoming you aboard soon.

A NOTE ON SUNSCREEN

Sunscreen might help to protect your skin, but most are deadly to coral. When you go for a dip in the sea, some of your suntan lotion rinses off. And that’s a big problem when it contains ingredients such as oxybenzone, octinoxate or parabens (which most sun lotions do), because harsh chemicals can kill coral and other marine life.

Up to 6,000 tons of sunscreen are estimated to wash into coral reefs around the globe each year. And as the National Park Service cautions, rather than being evenly distributed, much of that sunscreen is concentrated at popular diving, swimming, and snorkeling sites—such as national Parks like Piedras Blancas here in the Golfo Dulce. 

We can all still make a difference. By putting our awareness into action, we can make different choices that lessen our impact on the ocean.

  1. You’ve already taken the first step—becoming informed!
  2. Choose mineral sunscreens, especially lotions containing non-nano zinc dioxide as the primary active ingredient.
  3. Look for reef safe sunscreens which are becoming increasingly available.
  4. Avoid aerosol sunscreen. Much of what you spray leaves a residue on the sand which is then washed back into the ocean. Your lungs will be healthier too, as aerosol sunscreens are easily inhaled.
  5. If you can, apply less personal care products before you go swimming; the fewer chemicals you bring into the ocean, the better. Some ways to protect your skin from harmful UV radiation without lots of sunscreen while on tour with us could be to use protective clothing and a hat.  Dermatologists say clothing is just as effective as sunscreen at protecting from the sun, with the only downside being it doesn’t completely cover the body.

If we lose coral reefs, we will have lost a vital ecosystem. We could also hurt our global economy—coral reefs are a major tourist attraction and source of income for Costa Rica. Be a part of the solution!

Sustainable Tourism

Tourism, one of the world’s largest industries, employs more than 235 million people worldwide and generates some 9.2 percent of the global GDP. While tourism is a vital source of income for many developing countries, it can also result in pollution, deforestation, inefficient energy use and cultural exploitation.

Be a Sustainable Traveler!

Your travel choices make a difference. By choosing sustainable businesses like Changing Tide Tours you will support businesses that conserve natural resources, protect plants and wildlife, and contribute to the well-being of local communities. You will also help to ensure that these treasures will also be there for future generations to enjoy.

What is Sustainable Tourism?

Sustainable tourism businesses are those that are profitable while conserving natural resources and benefitting local communities. Examples of sustainable business practices include conserving water and energy, supporting community conservation projects, recycling and treating wastes, hiring staff from neighboring towns, paying them just wages and providing additional training, and, sourcing locally-produced products in restaurants and gift shops.

Changing Tide Tours was recently awarded the prestigious place on Top Responsible Costa Rica Eco Tours 2019 by Terra Incognita. The list contains tours who go the extra mile by contributing to conservation, communities and education. You are welcome to join our community that promotes travel for good!

How Can You Make A Difference?

  • At the hotel: Ask about environmental policies and practices. Does the hotel support community development or conservation projects?
  • Language: Learn a few words of the local language and use them.
  • Dress: Learn about local conventions and dress appropriately. In many countries, modest dress is important.
  • Behaviour: Be respectful of local citizens’ privacy. Ask permission before entering sacred places, homes, or private lands.
  • Photographs: Be sensitive to when and where you take photos/video of people. Always ask first.
  • Environment: Respect the natural environment. Never touch or harass wildlife. Always follow designated trails. Support conservation by paying entrance fees to parks and protected sites or making a donation.
  • Wildlife or forest products: Never purchase crafts, clothing, furniture, or other products that are derived from protected or endangered wildlife or plant species. In many countries it is illegal to bring these goods back home.
  • Pay a fair price: Don’t engage in overly aggressive bargaining for souvenirs. Don’t short-change on tips for services.
  • Buy local: Choose locally-owned lodges and hotels. Use local buses, car rental agencies, and airlines. Eat in local restaurants, shop in local markets, and attend local events. Hire local guides: Enrich your experience and support the local economy. Ask guides if they are licensed and live nearby. Are they recommended by tour operators?

Feel free to get in touch with CHANGING TIDE TOURS to help you in your sustainable tourism decisions in Costa Rica!

A Dolphin´s Tale

Tours with Integrity

At Changing Tide Tours, we understand how important it is to have trustworthy, reliable and quality services. Changing Tide Tours considers each tour and guest unique. Our professionally trained crew are passionate about sharing their knowledge and excitement for Costa Rica’s marine life. That is what makes our tours one of the best in the region.

Fun tour!

Passengers on our intimate journeys are considered our personal guests, who by the end of their journey should be joyful, enlightened, sensitive to the fragility of Costa Rica´s marine environment, and have a true sense of place.

We do not seek volume on our tours; we aim only to provide a quality, thought-provoking and potentially life-changing experience. Everyone is welcome, whether you want to simply sight see from the deck or explore in the water to your heart’s content. Our charters are for anyone who hears the call of the ocean.

In a global climate of “loving nature to death” Changing Tide Tours educates guests about the plight of our local marine life, promote environmental awareness and stewardship to people from around the world, and leave them with compassion for our incredible sea life. Every member of our team works hard daily to make sure our guests are safe, having the time of their life, and leave with a better understanding of our host culture and precious resources. As a Company we strive to make sure our Guests leave the boat with a smile on their faces and an understanding of why we love what we do.

Our wildlife tours focus on education and conservation so that an interactive relationship can be maintained in the best interest of both humans and dolphins. We strive to foster admiration and deep respect for these wonderful marine mammals.

Reserve your tour TODAY!

Our Mission:

“Offer our clients safe and responsible travel experiences to natural areas that are sustainable, helping to conserve the environment and improve the well-being of local people in and around the Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica.”

 

Changing Tide Tours are the Golfo Dulce’s longest running tour operator. The Golfo Dulce is an area that is highly threatened by large-scale development interests as it enjoys a beautiful stretch of pristine beach and good road access. Part of the challenge we face is to accommodate the best interests and needs of the Osa’s communities, including developmental interests, while preserving the ecosystems and natural beauty of the Osa and Golfo Dulce. We feel it is our responsibility to protect and conserve the marine environment, for which we care so passionately about and have dedicated our lives to. We believe that it is everyone’s responsibility to reduce their impact on the environment as much as possible. We are proud to offer unparalleled service and safe, eco-friendly, unforgettable experiences for our guests while on vacation in Costa Rica on our shared and private boat tours.

To maintain this highest quality, Changing Tide Tours is a sustainable company with strict regulations in our operations and sustainable policies with the ecosystem, human development and community support in Costa Rica. We offer our guests dolphin and whale watching, snorkelling, mangrove, diving, costa rican fishing, as well as kayak tours. By setting the standard for high quality service, Changing Tide Tours will continue to be one of the Top Costa Rica Attractions.

Our Vision:

We strive to set a positive example within the Tourist Industry in Costa Rica based on our excellent service and healthy sustainable practices. We aspire to be the ideal model for sustainable and maximum efficiency in the maritime category.

Our Values:

  • Excellence
  • Sustainable Practices
  • Courtesy
  • Helpfulness
  • Respect
  • Commitment
  • Partnership
  • Solidarity
  • Community Support

Our Sustainable Practices:

We use the term ‘eco tour’ because we cover all of these points by:

-Using local captains, guides and helpers

-Paying for our employees to go on educational courses

-Our boats are made and brought locally, as well as maintained by locals

-Recycling

-Conducting beach and sea trash collections

-Buying our fruits from local sources

-Not printing paper flyers or posters, all marketing is done online

– We try to use quieter motors and less destructive gas

-We work with the local college, inviting students to learn about the different jobs involved with boat tours