Every year, humpback whales visit Panama’s Pacific coast. Watching them breach, swim with their calves or lift their tails out of the water is one of the most special experiences you can have at sea. Majo Fishing Lodge runs private whale-watching trips in August and September, always departing from Vista Mar Marina in San Carlos.
When can you see whales in Panama?
Humpback whales come to Panama’s Pacific coast every year. They travel thousands of kilometers from cold waters to spend the season in warm water, where they mate and raise their calves. Our whale-watching trips run in August and September, the months they visit our coast.
If you are reading this outside the season, plan ahead: August and September are busy months.
What the trip is like
- Length: 4 hours.
- Private boat: for your group only.
- Guests: up to 9.
- Departure: Vista Mar Marina, San Carlos, at Km 92 of the Pan-American Highway.
- Who it is for: families, couples and small groups.
The captain looks for the whales calmly and at a respectful distance, so you can watch them and take photos without disturbing them. Dolphins and other marine life are also common along the way.
Trip prices
- Hatteras 40 “Makaira”: US$1,200 per boat.
- Stamas 39 “Majo V”: US$900 per boat.
Prices are per private boat, for up to 9 guests, and exclude ITBMS. See both boats and dates on our whale watching page.
Are whale sightings guaranteed?
No. Whales are wild animals, so sightings cannot be guaranteed. What we do know is that August and September are the months they visit our coast, and that is when we run the trip.
Tips for your trip
- Bring sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses. Polarized lenses help you see the water.
- Keep your camera or phone ready, ideally in a waterproof bag.
- If you get seasick, eat a light breakfast and take your medication before boarding.
- Listen to the crew: they will tell you where to look when a whale appears.
Getting to Vista Mar Marina
Vista Mar Marina is a short drive from Coronado and Río Hato and about an hour and a half from Panama City. You can add round-trip transportation: US$300 from Panama City or US$100 from Buenaventura or Río Hato.
What if the weather is bad?
The captain decides whether conditions are safe. If he cancels, you choose a new date at no cost; if no new date works before you leave Panama, we refund your deposit.
More boat tours
If you visit at another time of year, see our boat tours: Farallón Island, Boná and Otoque, sunset cruise and Booze Cruise, all from Vista Mar Marina.
Book your whale-watching trip
Choose your boat and date at majoyachtgroup.com and pay a 30% deposit by card; the balance is paid before departure. You can also message us on WhatsApp at +507 6306-0690.
Private whale watching · August and September
4 hours · Hatteras 40 “Makaira” US$1,200 or Stamas 39 “Majo V” US$900 · up to 9 guests.
Private boat; prices per boat, taxes (ITBMS) not included.
Frequently asked questions
When can you see whales in Panama?
Humpback whales visit Panama’s Pacific coast every year. Our whale-watching trips run in August and September.
How long is the trip and how much does it cost?
It is a private 4-hour trip: US$1,200 per boat on the Hatteras 40 “Makaira” or US$900 on the Stamas 39 “Majo V”, for up to 9 guests, excluding ITBMS.
Where does the trip depart from?
From Vista Mar Marina in San Carlos, a short drive from Coronado and about an hour and a half from Panama City.
Are whale sightings guaranteed?
No, because whales are wild animals, but August and September are the months they visit our coast.