travel-tips
4 Recommended Places for Whale Watching Season in Colombia
Between July and October Colombia receives the privileged visit of the giant and majestic humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae), which each year, for around four months, adorn the Pacific coast with breaches, playful behaviour and the miracle of life as they breed their young in the warm waters of the Ensenada de Utría. Here we present the recommended places in Colombia for the whale-watching season. There are no more excuses to miss this fabulous natural spectacle.
20 May 2026
Nuquí, Chocó
With direct small-plane flights from Bogotá or Medellín, arrive at one of the most charming beaches of the Colombian Pacific. Here you will find top-level beachfront accommodation with hammocks and exquisite seafood menus. You can do different activities such as kayaking in the mangroves, surfing and paddleboarding. Additionally, visit a mineral hot spring and immerse yourself in the lush jungle towards the Cascada del Amor on a guided hike led by native guides. Ideal for those seeking a total break from routine and a complete rest for body, mind and spirit.
How to get there? By air from Bogotá or Medellín.
Where to stay? Packages from $ 1.960.000 per person including meals and accommodation in beautiful beachfront cabins.
Plus: Try different water activities.
Bahía Solano, Chocó
With direct flights from Medellín on small planes carrying 6 to 19 passengers you arrive in Bahía Solano, located in Chocó. In this piece of paradise the tropical humid rainforest reaches its fullest expression, where it is also possible to observe, depending on the season, dolphins and turtle hatchlings. Bahía Solano offers several beachfront accommodation options, from where it is possible to watch whales while resting in your hammock. Sunset is one of the most special moments, as birds increase their activity while seeking shelter for the night. Likewise, nature and adventure lovers must not miss visiting Utría National Natural Park, which encloses four of the planet's most fertile — and at the same time most fragile — ecosystems: coral formations, mangroves, tropical moist forest and maritime forest.
How to get there? By air from Medellín.
Where to stay? Packages from $ 1.500.000 per person including meals and accommodation in beautiful cabins with sustainability certification.
Plus: Visit Utría National Natural Park.
Buenaventura, Valle del Cauca
The beaches of Ladrilleros in Buenaventura offer an interesting alternative for whale watching, departing by boat for about 30 minutes to reach the points of interest. You can enjoy nature in a less exuberant setting but with pleasant walks to waterfalls and trips through the mangroves. Accommodation options are varied: they have a pool and all the necessary comforts to rest, plus attentive service that will make you want to return. Additionally, the local gastronomy is notable and dishes such as ceviche and fresh fish are offered daily; vegetarian and vegan menus are also available.
How to get there? By land from Cali.
Where to stay? Packages from $ 890.000 per person including meals and accommodation in rooms with air conditioning and pool.
Plus: Walks to nearby waterfalls.
Parque Nacional Natural Isla Gorgona
Gorgona National Natural Park currently allows only day visits. The trip starts from the Guapi pier, two hours by land from Cali, and from there you depart by boat to the exotic Gorgona Island, which lies 35 kilometers off the coast. Additionally, for those who want to try diving for the first time or for certified diving experts, daytime and nighttime dives can be undertaken to behold the magnificent marine life surrounding the island, since Gorgona Island is ranked as one of the best places for diving due to the diversity of species that can be seen and its good state of conservation.
How to get there? By sea from Guapi. Day trips only.
Where to stay? At the moment there is no accommodation on the island.
Plus: Diving enthusiasts can enjoy fabulous dives.
Tips for the Whale-Watching Season
Book in advance. Holiday long weekends fill up easily and flight seats can sell out quickly.
Learn about whales. Their behavior is fascinating and your experience will be greatly enriched; you can find more information here about whale species, their routes, behavior and other points of interest.
Follow the rules of tour guides to avoid disturbing the whales.
Interesting Facts about the Colombian Pacific
In the Colombian Pacific region there are 210 cataloged species of reptiles. The blue lizard (Anolis gorgonae) is a reptile species endemic to Gorgona National Natural Park.
