A tiny island nestled like an emerald jewel in the brilliant blue Pacific Ocean, Isla Gorgona is now a National Natural Reservation Park; a far cry from its history as a penal colony, which was abolished in 1985. The island is isolated from the mainland and is an ecological wonderland, with a number of unique bird, reptile, and mammal species, including monkeys and bats, lizards, and tree frogs. Most visitors here come either to study the ecosystem or to dive, since life below the surface is just as astonishing as that above. Let’s take a look at some of the best sites Gorgona National Park has to offer.
Playa Yundigua
Located northeast of El Poblado, Playa Yundigua features a rocky beach, with more rock formations below the surface, plus some fantastic coral. The site is sometimes called “The Aquarium” due to its abundance of life, and as it is suitable for all divers and for snorkeling; it can be very busy at times. An excellent site for nighttime dives, it is home to all sorts of tropical fish in every color of the rainbow.
El Horno
Just as there are magnificent rock formations on Isla Gorgona itself, there are astonishing craggy castles of volcanic rock lying beneath the surface; at El Horno, you can see a number of these rock formations, along with their occupants, which include sharks, red snappers, lobsters, gobies and shrimp, and many other species. The site features several “sub-sites” including La Tiburonera, or the Shark Den, La Plaza de Toros, or the Bull Ring, La Parguera, or the Red Snapper’s Den, and El Remanso, or the Grotto.
El Viudo
A huge volcanic rock formation, which is also known as “The Widower,” El Viudo is located off the southwest point of nearby Gorgonilla. Here, you’ll find schooling barracuda and a number of other large fish, along with plenty of smaller occupants. If you are lucky, you may even encounter whale sharks or manta rays here.
Las Montañitas
Also known as the Little Mountains, this group of small rock formations form plateaus, and are separated by deeper channels where a rainbow of tropical fish can be found. Watch for lobsters and octopus, and keep an eye out for sharks as you explore; in addition, don’t be surprised if you encounter lots of turtles here – they enjoy grazing on the sponges that line the canyon walls.
La Cazuela
Another marvelous reef site, La Cazuela is home to a never ending array of fish and invertebrates, plus plenty of crustaceans. Look for well-hidden reef occupants as you explore; ghost pipe fish, gobies, and shrimp are often encountered among the rocks.
Gorgona is located 56 kilometers off the coast of Guapi, and is about 12 hours from Buenaventura. If you hope to do any hiking, be sure to bring solid boots; there are poisonous snakes on the island and boots are required everywhere but in hotels and on beaches. Bring redundant gear, too; in case anything malfunctions, and whatever you do, don’t forget to pack your camera. The old prison and some other sites are open for tours, and whale watching excursions are offered between June and September.