Whale watching in Buenaventura, Colombia.

One of the most outstanding experiences is whale watching. With more than 3,000 humpback whales arriving to the Colombian Pacific coast each year, the country is recognized worldwide as a destination for the seasonal migration of humpback whales.

Whale watching season in buenaventura

Between the months of July and October, the Pacific coast of Valle del Cauca is transformed into a true natural spectacle when humpback whales arrive in the region. This event is truly impressive, and is a unique opportunity for those who wish to witness the majesty of these creatures in their natural habitat.

Humpback humpback whales travel a distance of 8500 km from Antarctica and southern Chile to reach the Colombian coast. Once here, they begin their reproductive stage, which includes fertilization, gestation and birth of calves.

Characteristics of whales

Each great whale captures 33 tons of CO2 on average. For perspective, each tree in the world absorbs up to 48 pounds of CO2 (21 kg). In other words, each whale captures the same CO2 as about 1,500 trees.

When they dive they arch, showing off a small hump, hence their common name. They do not see very well, but they have hairs that look like sensors and warn them what is around them. They are cetaceans, they have baleen instead of teeth.

They live from 50 to 100 years. They swim at speeds between 5 and 15 kilometers per hour, with a maximum speed of up to 25 km/h. Their pectoral fins measure between 5 and 7 meters, which represents approximately one third of their body.

Adults measure 12 to 16 meters and weigh up to 40 tons. They can remain underwater for up to 30 minutes. Males sing in order to conquer females.

Travel, feeding and mating

They feed only during the summer in polar regions. During the polar winter, they migrate to tropical waters to mate and reproduce. During the winter, they fast and subsist on their fat reserves. They only feed the calves with about 50 gallons of milk per day.

Whales have an 11-month gestation period, during which they breed in warm waters before returning to colder areas to feed. After a year, adult whales return to the tropics to give birth.

The milk has such a thick consistency that it looks like toothpaste or yogurt in water. Whale calves gain an average of 100 pounds per day.

The main spots for whale watching are: Buenaventura, Juanchaco, Ladrilleros and La Barra.

Value and duration

From the Buenaventura pier it costs approximately COP $ 100,000 per person. From the other beaches, the value ranges between COP $60,000 and COP $ 100,000. The other beaches can be reached from the Buenaventura pier at a cost of COP $ 80,000. Travel time is 2 to 3 hours.

Dates and best time for whale watching in Buenaventura

• JUN – JUL: the first whales arrive
• AUG – SEP Increased presence of whales, mating and birth of calves
  The best time to see adult whale jumps and newborn calves.
• OCT – Return to Antarctica begins, mainly males. Some mothers remain with their young.
• NOV – Small groups of 74 whales remain. Mainly males. Some mothers stay with their calves.
• DEC – Sometimes the last whales are left on the coast.

Responsible sighting and recommendations

• Attend an induction on the importance of the area and the significance of the role it plays in ecological processes such as reproduction, parturition, breeding, lactation, socialization.
• There is a greater chance of encountering whales in the early morning or late in the day, when the sea is calmer.
• Be accompanied by a guide.
• Always keep a safe distance and remain silent so as not to interfere with the activities of the whales and their calves.
• All vessels must carry a sighting authorization pennant or tag.
• Whale watching for each group should be in the range of 15 to 30 minutes.
• The approach should be slow, parallel and always from behind.