Golfo Dulce, a natural gem in the southern Pacific coast of Costa Rica, has achieved a remarkable milestone – it is now officially recognized as a Whale Heritage Site by the World Cetacean Alliance (WCA). This prestigious designation signifies a first in Latin America and places Golfo Dulce among the elite group of eight fully accredited Whale Heritage Sites worldwide. This accomplishment is part of the Whale Heritage program, an initiative initiated by the WCA and supported by World Animal Protection. It identifies and accredits outstanding destinations that prioritize community-led cetacean conservation and responsible whale and dolphin watching.
Spanning the southern reaches of the Province of Puntarenas, approximately seven hours from Las Catalinas, Golfo Dulce is considered a tropical fjord, a rarity on our planet. This region, covering three percent of Costa Rica's land area, boasts seventeen protected reserves, safeguarding half of Costa Rica's remarkable flora and fauna.
Golfo Dulce has already been acknowledged as a sanctuary for the hammerhead shark, and is home to the bottlenose dolphin, the pantropical spotted dolphin, false killer whales and humpback whales. The gulf accommodates humpback whale populations from both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, welcoming these creatures for the birth of their calves.
"The WCA is pleased to grant Whale Heritage Site status to Golfo Dulce in recognition of the community's commitment to supporting and demonstrating the importance of cetaceans through conservation, sustainability, research, and cultural events," declared the WCA.
Interestingly, Costa Rica offers the world's lengthiest humpback whale watching season, thanks to the migration of both Northern and Southern hemisphere whales through its waters. Keep a watchful eye, as you may even spot these magnificent creatures from the shores of Playa Danta or join their journey with care from kayaks, paddle boards, or small watercraft. Witnessing these giants of the sea is an experience that will stay with you forever.
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