The whale watching season in Colombia is one of the most magical times of the year in our country, a completely natural spectacle where it’s possible to get respectfully close to these enormous cetaceans that visit the Pacific every year.
In this travel guide, based on our own experience, we’ll tell you the best dates for whale watching in Colombia and where to see them. Plus, we’ll recommend some travel plans departing from Bogotá, Medellín, and Cali.
Let’s begin:
Whale Watching Dates in Colombia 2024:
Whale season in Colombia begins every year, generally in July and lasts until October. During these months, humpback whales migrate from Antarctica to the warm waters of the Pacific to mate and give birth.
If you want to see humpback whales in Colombia, you should plan your trip weeks in advance, as the whale watching season coincides with the high season on the Pacific coast, meaning flights and hotels tend to sell out quickly.
What are the best dates for whale watching in Colombia? Although it’s possible to see whales in the Pacific between July and October, in our experience, August and September usually offer the highest chances of success. It’s important to remember that this is a completely natural event.
Where to See Whales in Colombia:
1. Bahía Málaga National Park, Buenaventura
The Bahía Málaga National Park, located in the Valle del Cauca department, is one of the best destinations to enjoy whale watching in Buenaventura. Besides this wonderful natural event, you can explore beautiful beaches, navigate through mangroves, and swim in natural pools.
When visiting Bahía Málaga National Park to experience the whale season in Buenaventura, be sure to also visit the waterfalls of La Sierpe, El Ostional, and Las Tres Marías. Explore the dense jungle of the Colombian Pacific and relax on the beautiful beaches of Ladrilleros, La Barra, and Juan de Dios.
To reach Bahía Málaga during the whale season in Colombia, you first need to head to Buenaventura. You can fly from Bogotá or take a bus from Cali or Medellín. From Buenaventura’s tourist dock, you’ll need to take a boat to the town of Juanchaco. Here you can inquire about available travel packages.
If you choose to arrive on your own, you can stay in Ladrilleros at the Hotel Reserva Aguamarina, Hostal Liliana, Hotel Costa Real, Surf House Estilo Libre, Wira Pora or La Salamandra. In Juanchaco, we recommend Acuarios Hostal. And in La Barra, Coco House.
Request information on all-inclusive organized trips
Find cheap flights to Buenaventura here
Tips for Booking Good, Cheap, and Cheerful Accommodation: If you wait until the last minute, it’s very likely that the best and most economical accommodations will already be booked, and you’ll have to settle for what is available.
Booking.com is our preferred website for booking accommodations without having to pay in advance. If you click here, you can get a discount of 15% or more. After entering your destination and travel date, you can filter by price, location, accommodation type, and read reviews from other travelers.
By frequently booking through Booking.com, you can access exclusive discounts, enjoy free breakfasts, and receive better rooms at no additional cost. This will help you secure more economical rates and additional benefits that will allow you to save on your trip.
Click here to book accommodation with a discount of 15% or more!
Recommended Tour: Adventure in Bahía Málaga - 4 Days / 3 Nights
Traveling to Bahía Málaga National Park is a sensory experience in the heart of the Colombian Pacific, perfect for couples or families seeking adventure while exploring one of the richest ecosystems in flora and fauna.
This 4-day plan includes round-trip transportation from Buenaventura pier, accommodation in a double room at a hotel with a pool and sea view, meals, an ecological tour through estuaries and mangroves, and medical assistance insurance.
Price per person: $976,000 COP
2. Nuquí: best places to see whales in Colombia
Nuquí is a small town located in the department of Chocó, famous for its secluded beaches, tropical rainforest, and its impressive biodiversity. Without a doubt, it is one of the best places for whale watching on the Colombian Pacific coast, offering a natural, cultural, and gastronomic experience.
Although whale season in Nuquí is well-known both nationally and internationally, you’ll be happy to know that whale watching is not the only activity available. You can also learn to surf, participate in sea turtle releases, and walk along trails connecting the beaches and the jungle.
To get to Nuquí during whale watching season, you need to take a flight from Bogotá, Medellín, or Cali, as there are no road connections to the rest of the country. Then, you’ll need to head to the dock to board a boat that will take you to your hotel. Here you can inquire about all-inclusive packages.
If you decide to travel on your own and enjoy whale watching in Nuquí, keep in mind that the best beaches are in the districts of Guachalito, Termales, and Arusí. We recommend staying at: Posada El Esfuerzo, Cabañas Salomón, Punta Brava, Casa Colibrí, and Retoño del Negro Gozón.
✈️ Find cheap flights to Nuquí
How to Find Last-Minute Cheap Flights? While it is important to plan your trip in advance, we understand that it’s not always possible. So, if you are looking for affordable tickets to travel soon and save some money, we recommend using Skyscanner.
Skyscanner.com is a tool that allows you to compare flights from different airlines to find the best rates. To use it, click here, enter the departure and destination cities, and the travel date. With this information, it will search for the most affordable options, and you can choose based on price or layovers.
Is it safe to buy flights on Skyscanner? It depends. After selecting a flight, you’ll see a list of links from various airlines and agencies. The safest way is to purchase your tickets through the airline´s link. If you decide to buy from an agency, you should be a bit more cautious.
Search Now for Last-Minute Flight Deals
Travel Package: Total disconnection in Nuquí - 4 days / 3 nights
Discover the magic of Nuquí, a destination that invites you to completely disconnect while enjoying breathtaking landscapes. If you’re looking for peaceful beaches, jungle adventures, and unique encounters with nature, this trip is for you.
It includes accommodation in a comfortable private room by the sea, full meals, a beach walk to the Cascada del Amor, and a relaxing soak in natural hot springs. Flights from Bogotá, Medellín, or Cali are not included, but if you’d like, we can arrange them for you!
Price per person from: $1,484,000 COP
3. Bahía Solano, Chocó
Bahía Solano is another place to see whales in Colombia. However, it is surprisingly underrated, which is unfortunate since it is a safe place, full of natural and cultural charm, and on par with its neighboring town, Nuquí.
Even though Bahía Solano has remained unexplored and has had to deal with the stigma of violence, it is slowly showing the world the treasures hidden in its beaches, rivers, and jungles, as well as the cultural value of its Afro-Colombian people and their roots.
We consider Bahía Solano one of the best places to see whales in Colombia, not only because it is home to hundreds of humpback whales, but also for its stunning beaches like Huina, El Almejal, and Los Deseos, and as the gateway to the Ensenada de Utría National Park.
Keep in mind that Bahía Solano is isolated from the rest of the country, and fortunately, there is no road that cuts through the tropical rainforest to reach this beautiful place. Therefore, you must take a flight from Medellín or Bogotá. Click here to get quotes for all-inclusive packages.
If you decide to travel on your own, keep in mind that the best accommodations are located on the outskirts of the town. Our recommendations are: The Pelican House Hostel, The Humpback Turtle, Hakuna Matata Hostel, Tortuga Bay, Coco Loco Lodge, and Utría Hostel.
Get a quote for an all-inclusive trip from Bogotá or Medellín
Find cheap flights to Bahía Solano
Why book a whale watching tour in Colombia? Although it is possible to plan and take the trip on your own, booking an organized trip is an excellent idea, as it allows you to include flights, activities, accommodation, meals, and the guidance of local guides in one package.
Additionally, as you may have noticed, finding flights to destinations like Nuquí, Bahía Solano, and Gorgona can be tricky due to limited route availability and frequencies. So, if you want to enjoy the whale-watching season without complications, an organized tour will take care of all the details.
In these links, you can request prices and more information about whale watching tours in Colombia:
Request info on trips to Nuquí
Request info on trips to Gorgona
Request info on trips to Bahía Málaga
Recommended: Turtle release in Bahía Solano, Chocó - 4 Days / 3 Nights
In this unforgettable trip to Bahía Solano, you will enjoy a natural and cultural environment that offers you the chance to discover the rich diversity of the Chocó Pacific and participate in the exciting activity of sea turtle release.
This package includes accommodation in a comfortable double room by the beach, meals, a hike through the tropical rainforest to Los Deseos Beach and the Riachuelos de Juná, as well as an excursion to El Valle for the turtle release. Flights are not included, but we can arrange them for you.
Price per person starting at $1,787,000 COP
4. Isla Gorgona: Best whale-watching tours
Isla Gorgona is one of the most fascinating national parks in Colombia, located about 50 kilometers off the coast of Guapi, in the department of Cauca. This island in the Colombian Pacific captivates with its vast marine and terrestrial diversity, reflected in its tropical jungle and coral reefs.
The island is famous for having housed one of the country’s most feared prisons for 25 years. Today, the prison has been transformed into a protected area where life has thrived, now standing out as one of the best destinations for diving and whale watching.
If you’re still wondering when whale-watching season in Colombia is, remember that it’s between July and October. When visiting Gorgona, be sure to also explore the ruins of the old prison, hike through the jungle to Playa Palmeras, and, if possible, dive or snorkel at Playa Yundigua.
To reach Isla Gorgona, you must first take a flight from Cali to Guapi, a trip that lasts less than an hour. Once in Guapi, you’ll board a boat that will take you to Gorgona in 2 hours. If you want to travel during whale-watching season, you can check the available tours here.
Recommended: 5 Islands to Visit in Colombia
Get a quote for a trip to Gorgona
Are you planning to travel abroad? When planning an international trip, we tend to focus on choosing destinations, accommodations, and tours, but we forget that we can get sick, have an accident, be robbed, or need to return home earlier than expected due to a family member’s hospitalization.
If you want to travel with peace of mind and avoid worrying about excessive medical expenses or unexpected logistical issues, it’s essential to purchase international travel insurance. Moreover, in many Latin American and European countries, having travel insurance is mandatory to enter.
With this international insurance, you’ll have extensive coverage and 24/7 assistance via phone, email, or WhatsApp. To purchase the insurance, click here, choose the start date of your trip and its duration. The insurance is valid for any destination and can be purchased up to 72 hours before the departure date.
Click here to purchase the insurance and get a 5% discount!
Package: Cultural and Natural Immersion in Gorgona - 4 days / 3 nights
Embark on an unforgettable adventure in the Colombian Pacific! Discover Gorgona Island, a natural paradise with pristine beaches and fascinating marine life, and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Guapi.
This plan includes accommodation in a private room for couples in Guapi, meals, a hike to Yundigua Beach on Gorgona Island, a tour of the old prison, and a cultural tour featuring an artisan and marimba workshop. Flights are not included, but we can arrange them for you if desired.
Price per person from: $2,944,000 COP
5. Tumaco, Nariño
The municipality of Tumaco, located in the department of Nariño, is one of the best destinations for humpback whale watching in Colombia. Commonly known as the “Pearl of the Pacific”, it stands out for its natural beauty and cultural richness.
Although it was affected by armed conflict for many years, nature and cultural tourism have emerged as a path of hope, offering opportunities to transform the lives of many communities. To get there, you can take a flight from Bogotá or Cali, and stay at the Nabu Hotel or Colón Plaza Hotel.
Tip: If you’re planning to travel to Colombia from abroad, with this Holafly eSIM, you’ll have unlimited data and keep your number for calls and WhatsApp without worrying about expensive roaming fees. Also, remember to get international medical insurance.
Get your international eSIM with a 5% discount here
Get your travel insurance here with 5% OFF!
Frequently Asked Questions
When do whales arrive in Colombia? The humpback whale watching season in Colombia typically begins around July 15 and extends until mid-October 2024.
Where can whales be seen in Colombia? While it is possible to see them in many coastal towns along the Colombian Pacific, the destinations with the greatest ecotourism focus are Bahía Málaga, Nuquí, Bahía Solano, Gorgona Island, and Tumaco.
What is the best place to see whales in Colombia? Although each destination has its own charm, you can enjoy similar landscapes and ecosystems in all of them. The most important thing is to immerse yourself in the experience and learn from nature.
Now that you know all about the whale season in Colombia…
It is essential to understand that, regardless of the destination you choose for humpback whale watching in Colombia, it is necessary to be patient and very responsible during the experience.
Avoid feeding the whales and do not throw waste into the sea. It is crucial to remember that whale watching is a natural event, and therefore, it is vital to respect the space of these majestic beings.
Other trips that may interest you:
Recommended tour: Ciudad Perdida from Santa Marta - 4 days / 3 nights
This 4-day trip to Ciudad Perdida includes 4x4 transportation from Santa Marta. We can pick you up in the historic center, El Rodadero, Taganga, or downtown Minca, and drop you off at the entrance of Tayrona on the way back.
The tour also includes accommodation in local campesino and indigenous camps, all meals, hydration, a bilingual guide (English and Spanish), a guided tour, entrance fees, and medical assistance insurance.
Guaranteed departures every day!
Discounted price per person: $1,800,000 COP
Sale valid for travel until December 31, 2024. After that, the regular rate will be $2,150,000 COP.
Recommended Tour: Nevado El Cocuy from Bogotá - 4 Days / 3 Nights
This guided tour starts in Bogotá, from where you will travel overnight to El Cocuy. Upon arrival, you will take an acclimatization hike. The next day, you will visit one of the three authorized trails in the National Park. On the last day, you can explore the small towns of Güicán and Guacamayas or visit the hot springs.
The trip includes round-trip transportation from Bogotá, accommodation in a private room, meals, entry fees and permits for the national park, experienced guides, and travel insurance. Please note that the guides only speak Spanish.
Scheduled Dates: November 21-24, November 28-December 1, December 5-8, December 12-15, December 19-22, and January 3-6.
Price per person starting from: $818,000 COP
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