Between July and November, the Colombian Pacific becomes the setting for a great natural spectacle in the country: the arrival of humpback whales. These cetaceans travel nearly 8,500 kilometers from the cold waters of Antarctica to the Colombian coast to mate and give birth to their calves, making whale watching in Colombia a unique experience for all travelers.
If you are wondering where to see whales in Colombia, destinations such as Bahía Solano, Nuquí, and Gorgona Island are some of the places to see whales during the season. In addition to whale watching, these destinations are perfect for exploring the biodiversity of the Colombian Pacific and offer activities such as birdwatching, hiking, diving, and tours through ecosystems inhabited by dolphins, turtles, and a wide variety of wildlife and flora. Learn more about these destinations waiting for you in Colombia.
Bahía Málaga
Why visit Bahía Málaga during whale season?
Every year, thousands of humpback whales arrive in the Colombian Pacific to breed and give birth to their calves. Thanks to this natural phenomenon, Bahía Málaga has become a great destination for observing humpback whales in Colombia and one of the main places to see whales during the season, which runs from July to November.
Reasons to visit Bahía Málaga
In addition to whale watching, Bahía Málaga is known for its natural richness. This area is home to a great diversity of marine and coastal ecosystems inhabited by numerous species of birds, reptiles, amphibians, mammals, mollusks, crustaceans, and marine algae, making it an ideal destination for those looking to connect with nature and discover the biodiversity of the Colombian Pacific.
What activities can you do in Bahía Málaga?
Uramba Bahía Málaga National Natural Park offers experiences for different types of travelers. Some of the activities include kayaking, boat rides, walks along nature trails, and exploring caves and coastal formations, all surrounded by the characteristic landscapes of the Colombian Pacific.
How to get to Bahía Málaga?
To get to Bahía Málaga, you must first travel to Buenaventura by air or land. From the port, boats depart for Juanchaco, where you can begin exploring this Colombian Pacific destination surrounded by mangroves, beaches, and abundant biodiversity.
Nuquí
Why visit Nuquí during whale season?
Located in the Gulf of Tribugá, in the department of Chocó, Nuquí is a renowned destination for observing humpback whales in Colombia. Its waters serve as a refuge for these cetaceans during their breeding season, offering travelers the opportunity to witness one of the country's most impressive natural spectacles.
Reasons to visit Nuquí
Nuquí is known for its natural and cultural richness. It is surrounded by tropical rainforest, beaches, and mangroves. In addition, it is an ideal destination for those who want to connect with nature and discover the biodiversity characteristic of this part of the country. Thanks to its ecosystems and landscapes, Nuquí is recognized as one of the leading destinations for nature tourism in Colombia.
What activities can you do in Nuquí?
In addition to whale watching, Nuquí is a place to enjoy other experiences such as mangrove tours, hiking, visits to waterfalls, thermal baths, artisanal fishing activities, and diving in unique natural environments.
How to get to Nuquí?
The most common way to get there is by air through Reyes Murillo Airport, with flights from cities such as Medellín and Quibdó. It is also possible to reach Nuquí by sea from other destinations such as Bahía Solano or Buenaventura.
Gorgona
Why visit Gorgona during whale season?
Located 46 kilometers from Guapi, in the department of Cauca, Gorgona National Natural Park is an iconic destination for whale watching. Known by many travelers as a place where whales are born, this island is part of the areas these animals use during their breeding and rearing season. During these months, different tourists arrive to enjoy an extraordinary experience in an environment where tropical rainforest and ocean converge.
Reasons to visit Gorgona
Gorgona is recognized for its extraordinary biodiversity. The park is home to coral reefs, migratory birds, reptiles, and a wide variety of flora, making it an ideal natural refuge for those who wish to explore different types of ecosystems.
What activities can you do in Gorgona?
In addition to whale watching, visitors can go hiking, snorkeling, diving, and take interpretive tours around the island. These activities allow you to discover the natural and cultural richness of this part of the country.
How to get to Gorgona?
To visit the island, you can take a flight from Cali to Guapi. From there, the journey continues by boat to Gorgona National Natural Park. Depending on the conditions and the departure point, the sea journey can take between two and four hours.
Every year, the whales that arrive in the Colombian Pacific offer an unforgettable natural spectacle. Whether in Bahía Málaga, Nuquí, or Gorgona, these destinations allow you to connect with the region's biodiversity, landscapes, and cultural richness while observing the migration of humpback whales up close. Plan your trip and enjoy a unique experience in Colombia.
