Whales and Farewells in Jacó

All good adventures must end, but ours finished with a whale of a tale. On our last day in Costa Rica we boarded a small boat off Jacó and soon spotted humpbacks breaching on the horizon. The boys gasped as tails slapped and spouts sprayed like geysers. Later we wandered Jacó’s lively strip for souvenirs and sunset smoothies, reflecting on how far we’d come since our first surf lesson weeks earlier. Saying goodbye is never easy, but ending with whales made the farewell feel special.

Family travel tip: Whale‑watching tours run seasonally from Jacó—go in August to October for the best chances. Bring binoculars, seasickness bands and a waterproof jacket. Afterwards, treat yourselves to frozen fruit bars from a local vendor as you debrief your sightings.

Have you ended a trip with a memorable wildlife encounter? We’d love to hear about it. For help planning your own Costa Rica itinerary with whale watching and surf lessons, check out our travel guide services.