About Isla Gorgona:

Parque Nacional Natural Isla Gorgona was once a penal colony, situated about 50 km off the Pacific coast of southern Colombia, and is now a national park, created in 1985, and nature preserve where strict attention is paid to preserving the richly varied wildlife of the sub-tropical forest and the coral reefs offshore.

A portion of the prison buildings have been converted for research, lodgings and a restaurant, the only one on the island.

Prior to the Spaniards' arrival, the island was inhabited by Indian tribes who left petroglyphs, artifacts, stone statues and a ceremonial site called El Templete.

Following discovery by Francisco Pizarro in the 1527, the island's sweet water supply drew sailors and the island, and the nearby small island of Gorgonilla, became a pirate's lair.

Getting There:

Refer to this interactive map to orient yourself.

The only way to the island is by boat:

cargo boat from Buenaventura the main seaport on the Pacific coast, which leaves at 4pm and arrives 2am or later. You can buy food on the boat and on arrival, the rest of the night has free lodging.

groups of ten or more can charter a faster boat from Buenaventura

from Guapi, which is only a four hour trip, however, you'll have to fly to Guapi.

Compare and select flights from your area to Bogota, or Buenaventura with connections to Guapi. You can also browse for hotels and car rentals.

Take and use motion sickness tablets or wristbands. Life vests on the boat to Isla Gorgona are mandatory.

You can book a tour like this six day Whale Watching Trip from the Corporación Clorofila Urbana (in Spanish).

Reservations and Permits are Required:

Get them in person, by phone or fax from:

Bogotá: Oficina de Ecoturismo, Carrera 10 N. 20-30 piso 4. Tel: 2431634 2433095, Fax: 2434174.

the Oficina Nacional de Parques Nacionales Naturales (www.parquesnacionales.gov.co or call 571-2431634 in Bogota).

The office in Cali can provide useful information: Territorial Suroccidente en Santiago de Cali, Avenida 3 G No. 37N-70 (Barrio Prados del Norte), Tel: (092) 6656124 / 6543719/ 6543720/ 6658084/ 6654261 (mmambiente@emcali.net.co).

Starying There::

The accommodations are limited in El Poblado, the living quarters on the island. There is an inn for 80 persons, with shared four person room at the old prison facility. Lodging must be paid in advance. You can make reservations with Aviatur.

Cautions:

Isla Gorgona is a tropical environment known for its poisonous snakes. Wear boots!

You'll need proof of vaccination against yellow fever and vaccinations against hepatitis B and tetanus are recommended.

You may not take alcoholic beverages to the island.

Your luggage may be searched for contraband, particularly coral from the reefs on departure.

Camping and fires are not permitted.

Be on time for meals at the restaurant or miss one. Take snacks with you.

Each arriving group is assigned a park guide who will accompany your group everywhere. Protecting the "living laboratory" of the wildlife on Gorgona is their prime function. Take advantage of all the nature walks.

The only place you can go without your guide is the beach and the area directly around the accommodations.

High humidity and rain are a factor in tropical climates. Be prepared also for blazing sun and heat. Hats and sunscreen, plus a waterproof jacket are recommended.

Things to Do and See:

The primary attraction of Isla Gorgona is the wildife, both on the island and under water.

Beaches - Playa Blanca, Playa Pizarro, La Azufrada, Playa Palmeras and Playa Yundigua

El Antiguo Muelle the old dock

Prison buildings, including the sleeping quarters and the dining hall, and a museum

La Ecotienda - books, handicrafts, shirts but no food

Salón de Arqueología, Salón de Historia del penal, Centro de Interpretación Ambiental, Instalación Científica, Estación Metereológica y Estación de Buceo

Diving - see the map (above) for the nine recommended diving locations. There is a a diving station that rents the necessary equipment and teaches diving courses

Snorkeling

Take a boat trip around the island. In whale mating season, this is an excellent way to view the whales up close

Nature trails - follow the one to fantastic Bahia Cocal from where you can see Gorgonilla.
Isla Gorgona is off the beaten track, and takes a bit of effort to get there, but you'll be rewarded with nature, superb diving and a total absence of city noises and distractions.

Buen viaje!