3 places in Colombia where you can see humpback whales

Between July and November each year, the Colombian Pacific coast becomes the setting for an unparalleled spectacle: the visit of the humpback whales, which travel around 8,500 kilometers from Antarctica to the warm waters of this region to mate and give birth to their calves.

Bahía Solano and Nuquí in Chocó, Gorgona Island in the Colombian Pacific, and Bahía Málaga in Valle del Cauca are the favorite spots for hundreds of Colombian and foreign tourists looking to enjoy this unique experience amidst breathtaking landscapes rich in beauty and biodiversity. Additionally, due to the characteristics of this region, various ecotourism and adventure activities can be practiced, such as diving in natural parks, birdwatching, exploring marine caves where different species of fish, dolphins, and turtles hide, ecological hikes, and enjoying the versatile landscape with its variety of fauna and flora.

Learn more about the best destinations in Colombia for whale watching.

Bahía Málaga

Each year, more than 3,000 humpback whales arrive at the Colombian coasts, making the country globally recognized as the destination for the largest seasonal migration of humpback whales.

In addition to whale watching, Bahía Málaga is a major tourist attraction for nature lovers because it is one of the areas with the highest number of continental and marine species on the planet, housing around 1,396 species ranging from mollusks and crustaceans to marine algae, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and coastal and aquatic mammals.

The Uramba Bahía Málaga National Natural Park is also a popular tourist destination for adventure enthusiasts, offering opportunities for kayaking, boat rides, cliff hiking, and spelunking.

You can reach Buenaventura by air or land, and from there take a boat to Juanchaco in Valle del Cauca.

Enjoy this natural spectacle in the Colombian Pacific.

Nuquí

Located in the Gulf of Tribugá in Chocó, Nuquí is one of the most biodiverse places on the planet and one of the best sites for whale watching, because you can get within 200 meters by boat to take incredible photographs of the mating rituals and the birth of calves.

Most whales arrive in this part of the country by late October. However, tourists visiting this municipality at other times of the year can dive, explore mangroves, enjoy the refreshing waters of the Cascada del Amor, hike, visit hot springs, and engage in artisanal fishing.

There are two ways to get there: by air, taking a 10 to 15-minute flight from Medellín or Quibdó to Reyes Murillo Airport, or by sea from Buenaventura or Bahía Solano.

Gorgona - Where Whales Are Born

The Gorgona National Natural Park is located 46 kilometers from the municipality of Guapi in Cauca. It is a place of great natural wealth, home to 11 types of whales and dolphins, 12 classes of coral reefs, 75 species of migratory birds, 41 species of reptiles, and 723 species of flora including mosses, macroalgae, and herbaceous plants.

Whale watching is a must-do activity in the region.

Gorgona is one of the preferred destinations for Colombian and foreign travelers to spot whales and relax amidst the jungle and the sea, as the park offers opportunities for hiking, snorkeling, scuba diving, and participating in tours of archaeological ruins.

To get there, take a flight from Cali to Guapi or Buenaventura, then travel by boat to enter open water and continue the journey to the island, which takes between two to four hours.

Recommendations for whale watching:

• There is a higher chance of spotting humpback whales in the early morning or late afternoon when the sea is calmer and the sun is less intense.
• If you are observing whales from the shore, we recommend using binoculars.
• If you prefer to see them from a boat, it is best to go with a guide. Always remember to keep a safe distance and remain quiet to avoid interfering with the activities of whales and their calves.
• Be patient and enjoy the beauty of the Colombian landscape while you wait for this natural spectacle.