The Colombian Pacific coast is one of the most important natural reserves in the region, it is located in the west of the country, it is formed by the departments of Chocó, Valle del Cauca, Cauca and Nariño. This region preserves the life of humpback whales and sea turtles, a natural spectacle that can be enjoyed every year, when these species arrive to the Pacific Coast for their mating cycle. Undoubtedly, the Pacific region is very diverse, where tourists can enjoy natural parks, virgin forests, biodiversity, animal and plant species, and most importantly, enjoy whale watching for an unforgettable vacation.   
The Pacific Coast is known for being an imposing natural reserve that covers more than a thousand kilometers in length and is also one of the wettest regions on the planet. / Photo: canva Pro
  But before enjoying whale watching in Colombia, you should know that these beautiful giants can measure up to 16 meters long and weigh up to 36 tons. They travel some 8,500 kilometers from Antarctica to the warm waters of the Colombian Pacific, where they can rest, mate and give birth to their calves. Now that we understand that humpback whales make such a long journey just to get to a quiet place, make sure your stay is quiet and that the guides you hire behave responsibly and give them enough space.  
Humpback whales of the Pacific coast can measure up to 16 meters long and weigh up to 36 tons  / Photo: Ken Griffiths, canva Pro
 

Where to enjoy whale watching?

Malaga Bay 

Annually more than 3000 humpback whales arrive to the Colombian coasts, thanks to this the country is recognized worldwide for being the destination of greatest seasonal migration of humpback whales. In addition to whale watching, Bahía Málaga has a great tourist attraction for nature lovers because it is one of the areas with more species of continental and marine fauna and flora on the planet, hosting about 1,396 species distributed among mollusks, crustaceans, seaweeds, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and coastal and aquatic mammals.  

Nuquí

Located in the Gulf of Tribugá, in the department of Chocó, Nuquí is one of the most biodiverse places on the planet and one of the best places for whale watching, because it is possible to get as close as 200 meters by boat to take incredible photographs of the mating ritual and the birth of the calves. Most of the whales arrive in this area of the country at the end of October. However, tourists visiting this municipality at other times of the year can dive, tour the mangroves, enjoy the refreshing waters of the Cascada del Amor, go hiking, visit the thermal baths and engage in artisanal fishing activities.  
Nuquí is a true Eden of the Pacific, with extensive beaches and a great variety of fauna and flora / Photo: Xué Gil, canva Pro
 

Cauca Valley 

In the department of Valle del Cauca, you can enjoy beaches, mangroves, reservoirs, forests and enjoy the majestic mating of whales in Buenaventura, in addition, there is the possibility of knowing the world capital of salsa, Cali, in this place the food, music and fashion are the language of a people.  

Gorgona

The Gorgona National Natural Park is located 46 kilometers from the municipality of Guapi, in the department of Cauca. It is a place of great natural wealth as it is home to 11 types of whales and dolphins, 12 kinds of coral reefs, 75 species of migratory birds, 41 species of reptiles and 723 species of flora including mosses, marine macroalgae and herbaceous plants. Gorgona is one of the favorite destinations for Colombian and foreign travelers to watch whales and rest in the middle of the jungle and the sea, since the park offers the possibility of hiking, snorkeling, scuba diving and participating in tours of the archaeological ruins.   
Gorgona is one of the most exotic National Parks in Colombia, and visiting this island means a natural immersion in the dense jungle and the immense Pacific Ocean / Photo: EcaterinaLeonte, canva pro
 

Tumaco, Nariño

Tumaco is known as the Pearl of the Pacific, a sensory destination where you can enjoy the sighting of humpback whales, bird watching, mangroves and some nature reserves. Tumaco and in general this part of the department of Nariño has been one of the places most affected by the armed conflict, but in spite of that, nowadays nature and culture tourism opens a path of hope that can transform the reality of hundreds of families.  

Tips for whale watching:

  • There is a greater chance of encountering humpback whales in the early morning or late in the day, when the sea is calmer and the sun is less intense.
  • If you are going to watch the whales from the shore, we recommend using binoculars.
  • If you prefer to watch them from a boat, it is best to be accompanied by a guide. 
  • Always remember to keep a safe distance and remain silent so as not to interfere with the whales' activities.
  • Be patient and enjoy the beauty of the Colombian landscape while waiting for this spectacle of nature.
Remember that between July 1 and October 20 the whales will be in the Pacific Ocean, but it is between July and August when the largest number of whales arrive and reach the coasts from Nariño to Chocó.  

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By: Nathaly Bosch, social communicator by profession and curious traveler by choice. Spanish editor for Daytours4u.