Whale watching in Colombia offers a breathtaking experience in the heart of thePacific Ocean. Every year, humpback whales travel thousands of kilometers from Antarctica to reach Colombia’s warm waters. The Pacific coast is a privileged location for this experience.
As well as whales, the region is home to exceptional marine biodiversity, with dolphins, sea turtles and seabirds. The mainland is not to be outdone, with superb coastal jungle and mangrove swamps that promise amazing land animal sightings. In short, an adventure that promises wonder, connection with nature and lasting memories in the heart of Colombia’s Pacific Ocean, a place off the beaten tourist track.
Humpback whale migration
The peak whale-watching season in Colombia generally runs from early July to late October, when humpback whales migrate to Colombian waters. This migration is one ofthe longest annual migrations of marine mammals, with individuals traveling up to 8,000 kilometers to reach the Colombian coast.
Whales migrate to Colombia for several important reasons linked to their life cycle and biological needs. Here are some of the main reasons:
Reproduction: the warm waters of Colombia’s Pacific coast offer a favorable environment for whale reproduction. Females come to these waters to calve and nurse their young in areas where the calves can develop properly. The waters off the Colombian Pacific coast are generally calm and shallow, providing a safe and protected environment for whales and their calves during the breeding season. What’s more, the warmer temperatures of this region are ideal for whales seeking to avoid the cold waters of Antarctica.
Feeding: although the Colombian Pacific coast is mainly used as a breeding area, some whales can also find abundant food sources here. Waters rich in plankton and small fish can attract humpback whales, offering them the opportunity to feed and replenish their energy reserves after migration from Antarctica.
When we think of whale watching in Colombia, we often think of the imposing humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae), but the country is actually home to a wide variety of species. In addition to the humpback whale, whale watchers can also catch a glimpse of other species such as the blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus), the gray whale (Eschrichtius robustus) and Cuvier’s whale (Ziphius cavirostris). Each species has its own distinctive characteristics, offering travelers a diversity of fascinating sightings.
Precautions and ethics of whale watching
Whale watching in Colombia brings with it an important responsibility towards these marine creatures. It is essential that visitors follow established guidelines and rules to minimize impacts on whales and their environment. Among these precautions is the need to maintain a safe distance from the whales to avoid disturbing their natural behavior. Whale-watching boats must also respect speed limits and avoid excessive noise that could disturb the whales.
In addition, it is advisable to choose tour operators who are environmentally friendly and committed to the preservation of whales and their habitat. Opting for experienced guides who are aware of conservation issues ensures a responsible and ethical whale-watching experience. Unfortunately, many whale-watching tours are run by unaware people (or people who just don’t care) who are more interested in putting on a show and making money than in the welfare of wild animals.
Practical information on whale watching
For nature and adventure lovers, whale watching is an unforgettable experience. However, to enjoy it fully and responsibly, some practical information is essential. In this section, we’ll explore everything you need to know to plan a safe and successful whale-watching excursion.
When to go whale watching in Colombia?
The best time to watch whales in Colombia is generally from July to November. During these months, humpback whales migrate to the warm waters of Colombia’s Pacific coast to breed and raise their young. This period corresponds to the humpback whales’ breeding season, making it the ideal time to observe them in their natural habitat.
More specifically, the peak of the whale-watching season in Colombia is often between August and October. However, it’s important to note that weather conditions and whale behavior can vary from year to year, so it’s always advisable to consult local guides or tour operators for the latest information on the best whale-watching periods.
Where to watch whales in Colombia?
In Colombia, several places along the Pacific coast offer exceptional whale-watching opportunities. Here are a few of the most popular sites, with sufficient tourist infrastructure to plan an interesting, and also safe, trip (unfortunately not all of the Pacific coast is safe).
It’s important to understand that whale watching in Colombia involves a journey of several days, not least because of the transport needed to get to the places listed below. But the Pacific coast is incredible, both on and off the water. So you can easily plan a multi-day trip with different activities to make the most of it (snorkeling, diving, jungle trekking, waterfalls, etc.).
Foreign travellers mainly go to Nuqui or Bahia Solano or El Valle. And it’s true that these places are well worth it: variety of activities, choice of accommodation, superior safety to the region around Buenaventura.
Nuquí
Nestled in the Gulf of Tribugá, in the heart of the Chocó territory, the municipality of Nuquí stands out as the leading destination on Colombia’s Pacific coast. In addition to its unmissable whale-watching, the region is enchanted by its unspoilt nature, offering a perfect harmony between lush tropical jungle and heavenly beaches such as Guachalito, Terco, Terquito, Piedra Piedra and many others.
2 options to access Nuqui :
- By plane from Medellín: fly to Nuqui’s Reyes Murillo airport from Medellín‘s Olaya Herrera airport. Several airlines (Satena, Clicair) offer direct flights lasting 1 hour.
- By cargo boat from Buenaventura: you can also reach Nuqui by sea by taking a boat from Buenaventura, a major seaport on Colombia’s Pacific coast. The journey takes 18-20 hours, however, and you’ll need to book and check departure times, which are only 2 or 3 times a week.
How to watch whales :
As far as we know, there is no agency that stands out from the crowd when it comes to whale watching. Most lodges offer this activity, for a price of 140,000 to 180,000 COP per person.
Bahía Solano
Bahía Solano is a remarkable destination for nature lovers and adventure-seeking travellers. This small coastal town offers a unique blend of marine and terrestrial biodiversity, as well as spectacular landscapes that captivate visitors from all over the world. Surrounded by lush jungle, this region is a natural paradise home to exceptional flora and fauna.
2 options to reach Bahia Solano:
- By plane from Medellín: you can fly to José Celestino Mutis de Bahía Solano airport from Medellín‘s Olaya Herrera airport. Several airlines (Satena, Clicair) offer direct flights lasting 1 hour.
- By cargo boat from Buenaventura: you can also reach Bahía Solano by sea by boat, again from Buenaventura. The journey takes 22 hours, however, and you’ll need to book and check departure times, which are only 2 or 3 times a week.
How to watch whales :
For whale watching, we recommend the Madre Agua association, dedicated to marine conservation and sustainable development in Bahía Solano. Their mission includes the protection of marine ecosystems, environmental education, community development and research. A trip with them costs around 200,000 COP per person, a little more than the competition (around 150,000 COP), but you can be sure of having animal-friendly guides who will give you lots of (correct) information.
Utría National Nature Park (El Valle and Nuqui)
Utría National Park, located between Nuqui and El Valle, is a natural jewel on the Pacific coast. Renowned for its exceptional biodiversity, it is home to lush mangroves, colorful coral reefs and a variety of flora and fauna. It is a vital refuge for the humpback whales that migrate here each year to breed. Visitors can explore its trails winding through dense jungle, dive into its crystal-clear waters to discover its diverse marine life and take part in whale-watching excursions. The park offers an immersive experience in the unspoilt nature of Colombia’s Pacific coast.
2 options for accessing the Utria park:
- From El Valle: take either a boat for a journey of around an hour and a half, or hike through the jungle for 3 hours.
- From Nuqui: by boat, a journey of around 1h30 minutes.
How to watch whales :
Access to the park requires payment of 72,000 COP per person, including a guided tour of the mangrove trail. Many agencies and lodges offer day tours of the park. I advise you to check directly with the staff at your accommodation to plan this activity.
Uramba Bahía Málaga National Nature Park (Ladrilleros, La Barra, Juanchaco)
Close to Buenaventura is the Bahía Malaga, renowned as one of the privileged sites where whales gather for their mating rituals. Every year, around 800 of these majestic marine mammals are counted in this region. Bahía Malaga is a hotbed of activity, offering visitors a multitude of experiences. Whether aboard a boat for up-close observation, in a kayak for a more intimate adventure, or on foot on hikes through the jungle and along the cliffs, not forgetting the chance to explore caves on caving sessions, the region abounds in opportunities to soak up its natural beauty and rich biodiversity.
This is the economical solution, as the area is easily accessible by lancha from the villages of Ladrilleros, La Barra and Juanchaco. The large city of Buenaventura (the country’s main port) is the gateway to the whole zone, and only 3 hours by bus from Cali.
How to get to Uramba Bahía Málaga :
To reach Bahía Malaga from Buenaventura, you must first go to the tourist pier to buy boat tickets to the beaches of Juanchaco, Ladrilleros or La Barra, with fares varying according to distance. The round trip by boat to these beaches costs an average of 80,000 COP and takes about an hour.
How to watch whales :
At the Buenaventura pier, you can also buy a guided tour of the Uramba Bahía Málaga National Nature Park, or book it directly with your accommodation in Juanchaco, Ladrilleros or La Barra. We strongly recommend the second option. It’s more interesting to stay in a village for better immersion, especially as the city of Buenaventura, in addition to not being beautiful, faces security problems.
Isla Gorgona National Nature Park
The lesser-known option, but one whose experience must be truly insane!
In the Cauca Valley, around four hours by boat from Buenaventura, lies a hidden treasure: the island of Gorgona, home to the National Natural Park of the same name. This island, both discreet and magnificent, remains untouched by mass tourism, making it one of the region’s most attractive destinations. Its biodiversity is quite simply exceptional: from coral reefs to whales and dolphins, migratory birds, reptiles and mammals, every corner of the island reveals a unique natural wealth.
2 options to reach Isla Gorgona :
- From Guapi: take a flight from Cali to Guapi, for example with Satena (journey time approx. 1h). Once in Guapi, you’ll need to board a boat bound for the island (approx. 1h30 journey). Check boat timetables for punctual journeys.
- From Buenaventura: on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, you can take a lancha from Buenaventura to the island. Journey time is approximately 3 hours.
How to watch whales :
To discover the Isla Gorgona nature park, you need to go through the official organization that manages this fabulous natural site. It’s best to contact them directly to plan your stay. Here’s their website: https: //islagorgona.co/
