Gorgona Island National ParkAbout Gorgona Island National Park
Gorgona Island National Park protects Isla Gorgona and its adjacent marine habitats off Colombia’s Pacific coast in Valle del Cauca Department. The park conserves tropical rainforest on the island together with surrounding coral and rocky reef environments.
The protected area is known for marine wildlife and diving opportunities around reefs and rocky outcrops, and for forested trails on the island that support birdlife and coastal wildlife. Visitor activities are primarily guided day visits, snorkeling and diving in the marine zone, and short hikes on marked trails.
The island was previously used as a penal colony until the late 20th century; after the prison closed the area was set aside for conservation and managed as a national park to protect its terrestrial and marine ecosystems. Management focuses on limiting impacts from tourism and protecting native species.
Geographically the park sits in the eastern Pacific off the coast of Valle del Cauca, accessible only by boat from the Colombian mainland. The island lies several tens of kilometers offshore and is administered as part of the national park network.
- Access: Visits are regulated and usually arranged by licensed tour operators or park authorities; overnight stays and dive trips require permits.
- History: The island was used as a high security penal colony until the early 1980s before being converted to a protected area for conservation.
What to See#
- Isla Gorgona (main island): The main island contains dense rainforest, a small visitor zone with marked trails, beaches and rocky shores that are the focus of most day visits.
- Marine protected area: The surrounding marine zone is part of the protected area and includes reef habitats used for snorkeling and diving, with seasonal pelagic species offshore.
Nearby Attractions to Gorgona Island National Park
Best Time to Visit Gorgona Island National Park
Visits to Gorgona are controlled and typically made via day or multi-day tours from Buenaventura. Weather and sea conditions determine availability; plan through an authorized operator.
Weather & Climate near Gorgona Island National Park
Gorgona Island National Park's climate is classified as Tropical Rainforest - Tropical Rainforest climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 22°C to 29°C. Heavy rainfall (4583 mm/year), wettest in October.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Good | 22° - 29° | 25° | 313 mm | overcast | 87% | 1.6 m/s | 1.9 very high | 11.9h |
| February | Good | 22° - 29° | 25° | 207 mm | overcast | 87% | 1.6 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 11.9h |
| March | Good | 22° - 29° | 26° | 195 mm | overcast | 87% | 1.6 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 12.0h |
| April | Good | 22° - 29° | 26° | 278 mm | overcast | 87% | 1.7 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 12.1h |
| May | Good | 22° - 29° | 26° | 466 mm | overcast | 87% | 1.7 m/s | 1.9 very high | 12.1h |
| June | Good | 22° - 28° | 25° | 498 mm | overcast | 87% | 1.7 m/s | 1.7 very high | 12.1h |
| July | Good | 22° - 29° | 25° | 419 mm | overcast | 86% | 1.8 m/s | 1.8 very high | 12.1h |
| August | Good | 22° - 28° | 25° | 429 mm | overcast | 85% | 2.0 m/s | 1.8 very high | 12.1h |
| September | Good | 22° - 28° | 25° | 514 mm | overcast | 86% | 1.7 m/s | 1.9 very high | 12.0h |
| October | Good | 22° - 28° | 25° | 529 mm | overcast | 85% | 1.7 m/s | 1.9 very high | 12.0h |
| November | Good | 22° - 28° | 25° | 375 mm | overcast | 86% | 1.6 m/s | 1.8 very high | 11.9h |
| December | Good | 22° - 28° | 25° | 360 mm | overcast | 87% | 1.6 m/s | 1.8 very high | 11.9h |
How to Get to Gorgona Island National Park
Regular public transport does not reach the island. Day trips and overnight visits depart from Buenaventura - book through an authorized tour operator. Boat rides take about 1-2 hours depending on sea conditions; landing may be restricted during rough weather or for conservation reasons.
Tips for Visiting Gorgona Island National Park
- Book a licensed tour from Buenaventura in advance; boats are the only regular public access to the island.
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen and a wetsuit if planning to dive - currents can be cold for long swims.
- Ask the operator about the prison history briefing - most guides include a short talk about the island's penal past.