Gorgona National Natural Park

About the Park

Gorgona National Natural Park protects oceanic-island rainforest, rocky shores, mangroves, sandy beaches, and coral reefs off Colombia's Cauca coast. The park is open, but it is not an independent island stop: entry is exclusive to RNT-registered operators authorized by Parques Nacionales, and the current visitor program offers day trips only with advance arrangements, insurance, registration, induction, and guided activities.

Access

Fly from Cali to Guapi, continue to the tourist pier, and take the authorized operator's twin-engine boat for the 28-nautical-mile crossing, about 1 hour 30 minutes in suitable conditions. The current Buenaventura option connects by fast boat to Guapi before the onward island transfer; do not assume a direct public ferry or informal landing.

Before booking

Contact the park to confirm capacity and dates before paying, then reserve at least four days ahead; type 1 and 2 vessels require at least 15 days. Verify the operator on the current official authorized list and confirm entry fees, sea transport, guide or interpreter, accident insurance, registration, induction, meals, activities, and return plan.

Conditions and activities

The current visitor program is day-use only, with returns scheduled before 3:00 p.m. Rain, swell, trail conditions, and marine visibility can change or cancel activities, so keep a mainland buffer. Use only authorized diving equipment and visitor zones; humpback whales pass from July through October, but encounters must be fortuitous and are never guaranteed.

Wildlife

Species recorded by official park sources include:

Conservation Highlights

• Tropical rainforest, rocky shores, mangroves, sandy beaches, and extensive Pacific coral reefs
• Habitat for endemic island species, marine turtles, sharks, reef fish, and migratory humpback whales
• Forest restoration, marine monitoring, scientific research, and sustainable-use work with Bazán fishers

How to Get There

Fly from Cali to Guapi, continue to the tourist pier, and take the authorized operator's twin-engine boat for the 28-nautical-mile crossing, about 1 hour 30 minutes in suitable conditions. The current Buenaventura option connects by fast boat to Guapi before the onward island transfer; do not assume a direct public ferry or informal landing.

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