Parque Nacional Natural Gorgona

Once a notorious prison island, Gorgona is now a biodiverse haven in the Pacific. While known for its marine life (humpback whales, sharks), its dense...

Parque Nacional Natural Gorgona at a Glance

Location
Pacific Coast & Chocó Biogeográfico, Colombia, Central & South America
Coordinates
2.955694, -78.196840
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Very Quiet
Malaria Risk
Moderate

Getting to Parque Nacional Natural Gorgona

Nearest airport: Aeropuerto Antonio Nariño (PSO), 201 km away.

Nearest international airport: Aeropuerto Internacional El Edén (AXM), 317 km away.

Weather & Climate in Parque Nacional Natural Gorgona

The warmest temperatures in Parque Nacional Natural Gorgona occur in May, averaging 26.3°C (up to 27.3°C). The coolest conditions are in December at 25.4°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in March with average rainfall of 202.1mm. Average humidity: 84.8%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 25.5°C (rainfall: 606.7mm)
  • February: 25.8°C (rainfall: 467.7mm)
  • March: 25.9°C (rainfall: 202.1mm)
  • April: 26.1°C (rainfall: 407.5mm)
  • May: 26.3°C (rainfall: 772.8mm)
  • June: 25.9°C (rainfall: 830.3mm)
  • July: 25.9°C (rainfall: 708.5mm)
  • August: 25.7°C (rainfall: 661.8mm)
  • September: 25.7°C (rainfall: 769.8mm)
  • October: 25.8°C (rainfall: 509.2mm)
  • November: 25.6°C (rainfall: 448.9mm)
  • December: 25.4°C (rainfall: 672.3mm)

Best Time to Visit Parque Nacional Natural Gorgona

The best months to visit Parque Nacional Natural Gorgona are January, February, March, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Good, temperature 25.53°C, rainfall 606.7mm, sunshine 8.8 hrs, humidity 85.3%
  • February: Good, temperature 25.82°C, rainfall 467.7mm, sunshine 9.2 hrs, humidity 85.1%
  • March: Good, temperature 25.92°C, rainfall 202.1mm, sunshine 9.7 hrs, humidity 84.8%
  • April: Good, temperature 26.08°C, rainfall 407.5mm, sunshine 8.9 hrs, humidity 84.2%
  • May: Good, temperature 26.27°C, rainfall 772.8mm, sunshine 7.6 hrs, humidity 84.6%
  • June: Good, temperature 25.85°C, rainfall 830.3mm, sunshine 7.7 hrs, humidity 83.9%
  • July: Good, temperature 25.93°C, rainfall 708.5mm, sunshine 8.5 hrs, humidity 83.9%
  • August: Good, temperature 25.74°C, rainfall 661.8mm, sunshine 8.3 hrs, humidity 83.9%
  • September: Good, temperature 25.69°C, rainfall 769.8mm, sunshine 8.2 hrs, humidity 84.4%
  • October: Good, temperature 25.78°C, rainfall 509.2mm, sunshine 8 hrs, humidity 83.7%
  • November: Good, temperature 25.61°C, rainfall 448.9mm, sunshine 8.4 hrs, humidity 82.6%
  • December: Good, temperature 25.45°C, rainfall 672.3mm, sunshine 7.8 hrs, humidity 84.9%

Wildlife in Parque Nacional Natural Gorgona

Home to 5 recorded species including 2 marine & freshwater, 1 tropical birds, 1 small mammals, 1 birds of prey.

Recommended Packing List for Parque Nacional Natural Gorgona

Based on average temperature of 25.8°C, typical conditions, humidity 84%.

  • Lightweight breathable clothing - warm 26°C weather calls for light fabrics
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Parque Nacional Natural Gorgona

1 safari lodges available.

mid-range

Similar Parks in Pacific Coast & Chocó Biogeográfico

Visitor Tips - Parque Nacional Natural Gorgona

Gorgona is a truly unique destination, a wild island where the dense, humid rainforest meets the vibrant Pacific Ocean. We love the feeling of stepping back in time, exploring both the incredible biodiversity of its jungle trails and the astonishing underwater world, often with humpback whales passing by. It's a place that demands a sense of adventure and rewards it with unparalleled natural immersion.

Gate Times

Access to Parque Nacional Natural Gorgona is strictly controlled and requires prior booking and permits. We recommend arranging your visit through an authorized tour operator, as they handle the necessary park entry permits and boat transfers from Guapi or Buenaventura. There are no fixed 'gate times' as such, but boat schedules are dependent on weather and tides, typically departing early morning. Overnight stays are mandatory to truly experience the island, so ensure your booking includes accommodation.

Tipping

Tipping is appreciated for good service, though not strictly mandatory. For your main guide on Gorgona, we suggest around 30,000-50,000 COP per day per couple, depending on the quality of their insights and assistance. If you have additional boat crew or support staff, a smaller amount, perhaps 10,000-20,000 COP per person, is a thoughtful gesture. We always recommend tipping in Colombian pesos and presenting it discreetly at the end of your stay.

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Colombia

Travel advisory for Colombia

Parque Nacional Natural Gorgona FAQs

When is the optimal time to visit Parque Nacional Natural Gorgona to maximize chances of seeing both its famous humpback whales and unique terrestrial species?

The prime time for humpback whale watching is typically from July to October, when these magnificent creatures migrate to Gorgona's warm waters for breeding. For terrestrial wildlife like the blue anole and diverse birdlife, the rainforest is active year-round, though the drier months (December to March) might offer slightly easier trekking conditions.

How does one typically access the remote Parque Nacional Natural Gorgona, and what kind of facilities or accommodation can visitors expect on the island?

Access to Gorgona is primarily by boat from the mainland towns of Guapi or Buenaventura, requiring advance booking for transfers and park entry. Visitors can expect basic yet comfortable eco-lodge style accommodation, with limited amenities, emphasizing a rustic and immersive nature experience.

What specific health and safety precautions are recommended for travelers visiting Gorgona, considering its moderate malaria risk and diverse environment?

While malaria risk is moderate, it's advisable to consult a doctor about antimalarial prophylaxis and use strong insect repellent, especially during dawn and dusk. For jungle treks, always stay with your guide and wear appropriate footwear, and for marine activities, be aware of currents and follow dive/snorkel safety protocols.

What are the typical costs associated with a multi-day trip to Parque Nacional Natural Gorgona, including park fees and activities?

A trip to Gorgona can be a significant investment due to its remote location and protected status. Expect costs to include mandatory park entrance fees, round-trip boat transfers from the mainland, accommodation, and guided tours for both marine and terrestrial excursions.

Beyond its incredible biodiversity, what unique cultural or historical experiences does Gorgona offer visitors?

Gorgona uniquely blends its natural wonders with a fascinating, albeit dark, history as a former high-security prison island. Visitors can take guided tours to explore the intriguing ruins of the old penitentiary, offering a poignant contrast between its past and its current status as a vibrant ecological sanctuary.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.