Season: All year round it is possible to visit Guapi and Gorgona Island, however, if you want to watch humpback whales you should travel from mid-July to mid-October. During this same whale season, rains can be very frequent, so it is important to be prepared for them. The Pacific has a flow of tides that its sailors know very well, so boat departure times can be strict, heed their recommendations and be as punctual as possible. If you want to travel during whale season (July to mid-October) you can quote HERE .
Transportation: Tours in the town of Guapi are carried out in motorcycle taxis or tuk tuk adapted to the terrain conditions, 3 people per vehicle. The boats that travel to Gorgona have roofs, seats and life jackets, and are monitored by local maritime authorities. The trip from Guapi to Gorgona lasts between 1.5 to 2 hours depending on weather and sea conditions. This service is usually shared with other travelers at the destination. If a private or express boat is required, it will have an additional cost. Remember that you will be on a boat trip , keep your delicate personal items in waterproof bags or suitcases to prevent them from getting wet. The airlines that travel to Guapi from Cali are Satena and Clic Air , there are no direct flights from other cities to the destination. If you wish to make air connections from Cali to other destinations, it is recommended to leave a difference of 3 to 6 hours between the arrival or departure times from Guapi as there are usually delays in them.
Sustainability: Guapi and Gorgona are fragile and vulnerable territories. It is important to be a responsible traveler and contribute to its conservation. Avoid generating or throwing garbage, take it back home. Make responsible use of natural resources (water, electricity), which are scarce in the area. Respect wildlife and ecosystems. Purchasing crafts is a way to support local communities. Respect the culture and traditions of the community. Avoid taking photographs of people without their permission. In Gorgona it is prohibited to make bonfires, throw cigarette butts, burn garbage, carry out logging, capture wild animals and consume alcohol or psychoactive substances, as well as the entry of single-use plastics and products such as aerosols and/or non-biodegradable ones.
Sighting of fauna species: Bird watching requires minimal disturbance, which is why the use of binoculars is required to admire their behavior and beauty. Under no circumstances should birds be frightened with noises so that they take flight. Do not provide food or leave waste along the way so as not to alter the species' diet. In order not to disturb the tranquility of animal species, the use of flash must be turned off in a timely manner.
Activities: Always travel along the established roads and trails on land and water routes in Gorgona and always with a local guide or interpreter. For safety, you must find out in advance about places suitable for swimming. The cultural activities are provided directly by the community, who share their traditions and knowledge, a lot of respect and empathy is requested for them, we are guests in their territory.
Food: The menu of dishes in this area of the country is based on sea fish and shellfish accompanied by rice and green plantains. Dishes such as fish sancocho and coconut rice are common, but chicken is also offered. The drink that accompanies lunch and dinner is usually a soda or bottled water. Avoid drinking fruit juices if it is not guaranteed to be drinking water. Restaurants usually sell beer and other drinks at an additional cost to the package. Vegetarian and vegan menus are scarce but can be organized according to availability of ingredients (generally many grains). These types of menus must be requested when confirming the reservation. In some restaurants there is the option of dishes with additional cost such as seafood casserole or piangüa encocado, the consumption of these is under the traveler's responsibility, avoid consuming endangered species.
Accommodation: Trips to Guapi include nights spent in the town (rustic accommodations but with what is necessary for rest), generally with a private bathroom, there may be restrictions on the supply of water and electricity, as well as other services such as Wifi. Some rooms have a fan, there is no air conditioning or TV in the rooms, nor showers with hot water. In Gorgona, accommodation is provided in single-story cabins, each room has the capacity to accommodate between 1 to 5 people (double beds, single beds and cabins), with a private bathroom. There is no cell signal on the island, there is occasional WiFi service and it costs approximately 4,000 COP per hour. The cabins have electricity generated by solar panels, necessary to charge your camera and cell phone. There is no hot water in the showers.
Trips with pets: This trip is not suitable for traveling with pets given the activities and daily travel times as well as the conditions of the accommodations, also because the entry of pets is prohibited on Gorgona Island due to regulations of the environmental authorities. .
Trips with children: Children from 0 to 4 years old go free but share services with their parents, but it is not really a recommended trip for children of these ages , given the activities and daily travel times as well as the conditions of the accommodations. From 5 years old, children pay an adult rate as they occupy a seat in the vehicles and receive all the services during the trip.
Other travel tips: It is mandatory for people who visit the island to have a medical assistance card, but the plan already includes it. It is recommended to have a current affiliation with a company or health service for any emergency. It is not mandatory that you be vaccinated against yellow fever or tetanus , since the card is not required at any time, but it is recommended that you get vaccinated, if you are not already vaccinated, at least 10 days before your trip. The use of Drones in the protected area of Gorgona Island, for recreational or sporting purposes, is prohibited . If you want to take your drone to the park, you must request the special permit granted directly by the National Natural Parks. This recommendation also applies if your photographs will be of commercial use or if you are going to make recordings for television programs, documentaries, among others.

We hope these recommendations help you prepare your trip to Guapi and Gorgona Island. May you have an unforgettable experience!

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