Isla Gorgona, Colombia

Isla Gorgona is situated about 50km off the Pacific coast of southern Colombia. It was once a penal colony but is now a national park and nature preserve with richly varied wildlife, sub-tropical forest and coral reefs offshore. The island is best known for the annual visit by humpback whales and their newborn from August to October. Gorgona is also a snorkeling and diving paradise.

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

Things to See & Do

* Beaches
* El Antiguo Muelle the old dock
* Prison Buildings
* Diving & snorkeling
* Nature trails

Cruise Season – Jan - Dec
Currency – Peso (COP)
Language – Spanish
Land Area – 26 km²
Electricity – 2 perpendicular flat pins USA style
Time – GMT minus five hours
International Country Telephone Code – + 57

Transport Links - The only way to the island is by cargo boat from Buenaventura the main seaport on the Pacific coast, which leaves at 4pm and arrives 2am or later. Alternatively groups of ten or more can charter a faster boat from Buenaventura.

Isla Gorgona can also be accessed from Guapi, which is only a four hour trip, however, you'll have to fly to Guapi from Bogota or Buenaventura.