Where to See Whales in Colombie?
Seeing whales in Colombie is an extraordinary spectacle! Drawn by the warm waters of the Pacific, thousands of humpback whales flock each year off the Colombian coast,
Seeing whales in Colombie is an extraordinary spectacle! Drawn by the warm waters of the Pacific, thousands of humpback whales flock each year off the Colombian coast, to mate or give birth! Do you want to witness the great migration of cetaceans? Discover 5 must-see viewing spots – and the period when to encounter them!
Seeing whales in Colombie: 5 places to spot them
1 - Bahía Solano – The coastal resort of El Valle
Located in the beach town of El Valle, Solano Bay is renowned for its distinctive black sand beaches. Blessed with many natural treasures (such as El Tigre Waterfall or the Jardín Botánico del Pacífico), Bahía Solano promises unforgettable walks, along the Pacific coast or deep into the jungle…
Accessible only by boat or plane, it is an area spared from mass tourism. The perfect opportunity to admire whales far from tourist crowds! Its special feature? This spot is also a privileged place to witness the birth of baby sea turtles in July.
2 - Utría National Natural Park
Between Solano Bay and the town of Nuquí, you will find Utría National Natural Park. This protected area in Chocó (the only Colombian department shared between the Atlantic and Pacific coasts) is a migration zone favored by many animals (sea turtles, birds, etc.).
Utría cove is nicknamed "the whale room," because of the high number of cetaceans that come there to give birth! Note that the presence of a guide is mandatory to enter the park.
3 - The town of Nuquí
The coastal town of Nuquí is an essential observation destination: during migration season, boat outings allow you to approach whales within 200 meters! Late October is ideal to spot them, as they arrive in large numbers in this part of Colombie.
More generally, Nuquí is a paradise for nature lovers. Known worldwide for its biodiversity, the coast is home to marine fauna and flora highly appreciated by divers and snorkeling enthusiasts…
4 - Uramba Bahía Málaga Natural Park – Buenaventura
Bahía Málaga Park
Located one hour's boat ride from Buenaventura, Uramba Bahía Málaga National Natural Park is a protected area of over 470 km2. Appreciated for its waterfalls, mangroves and lush vegetation, this natural gem is also considered one of the favorite sites for whale migration. Each year, 800 specimens come to reproduce there!
The city of Buenaventura
Buenaventura is probably the most budget-friendly option to see whales, since the city has (in addition to Málaga Bay) three other observation posts:
Ladrilleros beach;
Juanchao beach;
La Barra beach.
Many lanchas (typical boats) offer boat outings to approach them.
5 - Gorgona Island Natural Park
Humpback whales can also be observed from Gorgona Island National Natural Park. Want a memory that's truly unforgettable? Go snorkeling or scuba diving… You won't see the whales but you'll hear their song once underwater!
The parque Nacional Natural Isla Gorgona is managed by the PNN Gorgona Concession. This organization – which works to conserve all natural resources in the region – offers green tourism alongside Destino Pacífico (the direct operator of the concession). Park visits, activities, accommodation, etc.: everything goes through the park's official office.
Observing humpback whales: the period to see them on the Colombian coast
The period to observe whales in Colombie falls between June and October. Note that July to September are considered the "whale high season." After traveling 8,000 kilometers from Chilean Patagonia and Antarctica, cetaceans come to mate and give birth in Colombian waters, due to the warm water temperatures (around 28°C).
During this migratory flow, you can admire the aquatic dance of these magnificent mammals measuring about fifteen meters, as well as the first leaps of their calves – weighing around 2 tons!
4 recommendations for whale watching…
It is forbidden to track mammals by boat to spot them: encounters must be incidental!
Whales are most visible early in the morning or at the end of the day, when the sun is less intense and the ocean is calmer.
If you wish to approach them offshore, the presence of a guide is advised.
To witness this natural spectacle and protect the environment: choose green tourism and responsible agencies!
Colombie is filled with paradise-like locations. To discover all the beauty of its natural heritage, opt for a tour dedicated to the country's wildlife and flora – and to whales !
Frequently asked questions
The best period to observe whales in Colombie runs from June to October. July, August, and September constitute the high season, with the highest number of humpback whales present in Colombian waters. It is during this period that the chances of witnessing spectacular leaps and calf births are highest.
The whales primarily observed in Colombie are humpback whales (also called Megaptera novaeangliae). These marine mammals measure on average about fifteen meters and migrate from Chilean Patagonia and Antarctica to mate and give birth in the warm waters of the Colombian Pacific (around 28°C).
In Colombie, it is forbidden to track whales by boat and encounters must be incidental. Regulations also prohibit swimming directly with them. However, at Gorgona Island Natural Park, it is possible to scuba dive or snorkel and hear whale songs underwater, which is an unforgettable experience.
Nuquí is accessible primarily by plane from Medellín or Bogotá, as the town is not connected by road. Regular flights are offered by Colombian regional airlines. Once there, local boats (lanchas) offer boat outings to approach whales, particularly in late October when they are especially numerous.
A guide is mandatory to enter certain natural parks such as Utría National Park. For boat outings, a guide is strongly advised to comply with Colombian regulations on approaching cetaceans and to maximize observation chances. It is recommended to choose responsible tourism agencies to protect the marine environment.
Buenaventura is considered the most financially accessible option. In addition to Uramba Bahía Málaga Natural Park (one hour's boat ride away), the city has three other observation posts: Ladrilleros, Juanchao, and La Barra beaches. Many lanchas (typical boats) offer boat outings at competitive rates.
