Season: Guapi and Gorgona Island can be visited all year round, however, if you want to go whale watching you should travel from mid-July to mid-October. During this same whale season, rain can be very frequent, so it is important to be prepared for it. The Pacific has a tidal flow that its sailors know very well, so boat departure times can be strict, follow their recommendations and be as punctual as possible. If you want to travel during the non-whale season, you can get a quote HERE .
English: Transportation: Tours in the town of Guapi are done in mototaxis or tuk tuk adapted for the terrain conditions 3 people per vehicle. The boats that travel to Gorgona have a roof, 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 there will be an additional cost. Remember that you will be on a boat trip , your delicate personal items, keep them 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 want 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 of 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 their 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. Buying handicrafts 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, cut down trees, 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 products.
Whale watching and other wildlife watching: Keep in mind that during whale watching, you may feel nauseous or dizzy, it is recommended to take a medication to help control these symptoms. You can also wear a raincoat for yourself and your luggage as the waves can get you wet. Gorgona Park is one of the mating, breeding and feeding sites for humpback whales, for this reason chasing individuals from boats is prohibited; they can only be observed in chance encounters, during which visitors must follow the recommendations according to the regulations. Any observation of the animal is considered a successful sighting: tail, back, fins or jumps. Bird watching requires minimal disturbance, so the use of binoculars is required to admire their behavior and beauty. Under no circumstances should birds be frightened with noises to make them take flight. Do not provide food or leave waste on the trail to avoid altering the species' diet. In order not to disturb the tranquility of the animal species, the use of flash must be turned off promptly.
Activities: Always walk on the established paths and trails on land and water routes in Gorgona and always with a local guide or interpreter. For safety, you should find out in advance which places are suitable for swimming. Cultural activities are provided directly by the community, who share their traditions and knowledge. A lot of respect and empathy is requested for them, as we are guests in their territory.
Food: The menu in this area of the country is based on sea fish and seafood accompanied by rice and green plantain. Dishes such as fish stew and coconut rice are common, but chicken is also offered. The drink that accompanies lunch and dinner is usually a soft drink or bottled water. Avoid drinking fruit juices if it is not guaranteed that it is drinkable 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 depending on the 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 an additional cost such as seafood casserole or piangüa encocado. The consumption of these is under the responsibility of the traveler, avoid consuming endangered species.
Accommodation: Trips to Guapi include overnight stays in the village (rustic accommodations but with the necessary for rest), do not expect luxuries. Generally, the rooms have a private bathroom and mosquito nets. 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. There is no hot water in the showers. Staying in the village of Guapi gives you the opportunity to explore the vibrant Pacific culture, its traditions and experiences, as well as support local initiatives for accommodation, food services and activities.
Traveling with pets: This trip is not suitable for traveling with pets given the daily activities and travel times as well as the conditions of the accommodations, also because on Gorgona Island the entry of pets is prohibited due to regulations of the environmental authorities.
Travelling with children: Children aged 0 to 4 years travel free of charge but share services with their parents, but this is not a recommended trip for children of this age , given the activities and daily travel times as well as the conditions of the accommodation. Children aged 5 and up pay the adult rate as they occupy a seat in the vehicles and receive all services during the trip.
Other travel tips: It is mandatory for people visiting the island to have a medical assistance card, but the plan already includes it. It is recommended to have a current affiliation with a health company or service in case of any emergency. It is not mandatory to be vaccinated against yellow fever or tetanus , since the card is not requested at any time, but it is recommended that you get vaccinated, if you are not, at least 10 days before your trip. The use of Drones in the protected area of Gorgona Island, for recreational or sports purposes, is prohibited . If you want to take your drone to the park you must request the special permit granted directly by National Natural Parks. This recommendation also applies if your photographs will be for 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. Have an unforgettable experience!

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