Whale watching in Bahia Malaga 4 days

Highlights:

• Appreciate with us the arrival of the Humpback whale; one of the most amazing spectacles of nature.
• Paddle in kayaks by Malaga Bay with its estuaries, natural caves and waterfalls that cascade from towering cliffs directly into the sea

Trip statistics:

• Duration of the trip: 4 days and 3 nights.
• Tours description: kayak tours of 2-4 hours and daily walks of 2 to 3 hours on the beach, cliffs and jungle
• Distance: 5 to 10 km daily approximately
• Ecosystem: tropical rainforest
• Climate: warm and humid with an average temperature of 27ºC
• Elevation: sea
• Location: Uramba Malaga Bay National Park is located in the middle portion of the Colombian Pacific coast in the town of Buenaventura, Valle del Cauca Department.

We paddle in kayaks in search of the Humpback whale, in the middle of tropical rain forest, beaches, caves, surrounded by mangrove swamps and waterfalls that fall from the cliffs directly into the sea.

Malaga Bay is considered part of the “Hot Spots” of nature conservation on a global scale. The bay is recognized worldwide as one of the target sites of seasonal migration of the Humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae), which migrate to its warm and calm waters to raise their calves and to mate.

Malaga Bay is one of the most biodiversity regions of the planet and contains the largest number of species of plants per square kilometer of the world and occupies the number one position in terms of diversity of species of birds and reptiles. We will be able to see sloths, alligators, dolphins, blue-legged capsules, frigate birds, pelicans, kingfishers, woodpeckers and of course the wonderful Humpback whales that visit us at this time of year.

This protected area is the result of a coordinated effort between National Parks of Colombia, as environmental authority, and the five community councils: La Plata, Ladrilleros, Juanchaco, La Barra and Puerto Espana. The bay is known for the gentle swells, which makes it ideal for any person with zero experience of kayaking or children 10 years and older. For people who do not like to ride a kayak, we have other activities such as spending time in a native canoe, whale watching by boat and trekking. But paddling a kayak and suddenly seeing a humpback 20 meters from you, crashing its tail against the water is definitely a major highlight.

Note:

The sighting of the whales is not guaranteed.

During the expedition we will be subject to natural events over which we have no control. To see the whales we depend on the behavior of them during the days we are there, they are wild animals and not every day they jump and play, sometimes they are more shy and only show their backs. We also depend on the state of the climate, the sea and the currents, for example, there have been opportunities in which we have not been able to set sail due to weather conditions (rain, fog, dangerous swell).

Dates:

• August 3-6, 2024 (No return transportation)
• August 7-10, 2024 (No return transportation)
• October 5 to 8, 2024 (Recess Week)

Prices 2024 and payment methods for whale watching in Bahía Málaga:

Plan 4 days and 3 nights:

• COP $1,740,000  per person

Note:

• This price is for accommodation of 2 or more people per room
  • If you want a single room: the supplement is COP $360,000 (COP $120,000 additional per night)
  • If you travel alone and want to share, it can be with a man or a woman
  • If we do not find another person traveling alone, you must pay the supplement of COP $360,000
• For some dates it includes only one ground transportation Cali – Buenaventura

This trip can be booked from July to October each year. For bookings, please email us at info@ecoglobalexpeditions.com

• Land transport Cali – Buenaventura and return
• For some dates it includes only one ground transportation Cali – Buenaventura
• Sea transport Buenaventura – Juanchaco and return
• Accommodationin huts three nights using multiple accommodation venues
• All meals (last day not including dinner)
• Fully equipped kayak
• Theoretical and practical course
• Whale watching on motorboat. If the sighting is not successful, another one will be made as long as the logistic and weather conditions allow
• Orientation and guidance specialized
• Local guides (Ecoglobal Expeditions supports green initiatives and eco-tourism in the regions we visit)
• Assistance card (travel insurance)

• For some dates it includes only one ground transportation Cali – Buenaventura
• Air or land transport from your hometown to Cali. Ecoglobal Expeditions can transact/arrange your air tickets from any city in the country to Cali.
  • If your city of origin is different from Cali, you must arrive the day before the expedition because we leave for Buenaventura at 5:00am. On the last day we normally arrive in Cali at 7:00pm, so we recommend scheduling your return either at the end of the day of return or the next day to avoid inconvenience if delays occur in the transfer from Bahía Málaga to Cali.
  • If the flight you are traveling on cannot reach Cali, it is an unforeseen event inherent to the responsibility of traveling; Therefore, the services that you cannot use, due to non-attendance or “No Show” on the day agreed upon in the reservation, will not be refunded since a train of expenses is incurred to prepare all the logistics of accommodation, food and transfers.
• Meals in Cali
• Hydration
• Tips
• Personal expenses
• Souvenirs
• Expenses not stipulated
• Activities not included in the itinerary

Note:

The sighting of the whales is not guaranteed. During the expedition we will be subject to natural events over which we have no control. To see the whales we depend on the behavior of them during the days we are there, they are wild animals and not every day they jump and play, sometimes they are more shy and only show their backs. We also depend on the state of the climate, the sea and the currents, for example, there have been opportunities in which we have not been able to set sail due to weather conditions (rain, fog, dangerous swell).

To make our whale watching program, keep in mind:

• During the day: 1 long trouser lycra, 1 long sleeve lycra shirt, tennis shoes with lycra socks always wet.
• You can replace the lycra with loose trousers with several pockets, like the shirt long sleeve with pockets but with easy-drying fabric
• During the night at the hotel: 1 trousers and a loose long-sleeved shirt to avoid mosquitoes, other dry tennis shoes and always with socks you can replace it with sandals with velcro straps
• Most people traveling with Ecoglobal Expeditions are fervent lovers of nature, they are uncomplicated and “all terrain” travelers, patients, tolerant, collaborators and enthusiasts. They like to travel in groups because they find in this experience an opportunity to learn from others, make friends and share experiences during the trip. Thinking about it, we wanted to propose a list of “Good Group Travel Practices” that will help travelers to have a richer and more pleasant experience during the excursions. You can find the list by clicking here: Good Group Travel Practices
• If your city of origin is different from Cali, you must arrive the day before the expedition because we left for Buenaventura at 5:00 am. On the last day we are normally arriving in Cali at 7:00 p.m. Therefore we recommend you to schedule your return either at the last hour of the return day or the next day to avoid inconveniences if there are delays in the transfer from Bahía Málaga to Cali. yellow fever and tetanus
• Do not wear items of private use of the armed forces (camouflaged clothing)
• This expedition is an ecological outlet to a place in the middle of nature, therefore you should not bring or consume toxic, psychoactive or hallucinogenic substances and abstain To drink liquor in excess.
• Do not bring jewelry or valuables (the Rolex and the earrings of Cartier please leave them at home)
• During the walks do not leave the group, do not go ahead, do not stay behind alone.
• Whenever you go to the sea, walk on beaches or its surroundings, you must have your shoes on. There may be glasses.
• Luggage should be lightweight and preferably a single backpack or briefcase instead of 2 or 3 small handbags.
• Pack everything in plastic bags. In Bahía Málaga, there is a signal from all cell phone operators.
• In Bahía Málaga there are no ATMs. the routes can take hydration and sweets, cookies, chocolates and / or fruits (some very basic things can be obtained in the shops of the town before leaving)
• Do not consume the water from the hotel taps, do not brush your teeth with this water , although it is drinkable, we, the ones from the city, are not used to it and we can fall ill!
• Always use water from a bag or bottle.
• Cut your nails (soften and bend with water).
• If special medication is required, please take it with you and if you have allergies, please let us know. to put on kayak (sandals or shoes that can get wet, tights, trousers and lycra long sleeve t-shirt, hat or cap, gloves (optional))
• Keep in mind that we will be hosted in a very remote place.
• Our hosts will do everything in their power to serve us as best as possible, within the conditions of the place and its culture.
• We want that during our visit to these remote, remote and often forgotten territories, all: guides, coordinators and tourists, We contribute to the economy of these regions and small towns, buying their products and merchandise in stores, warehouses, bakeries and restaurants (such as sweets, chocolates, soft drinks, sweets, fruits, etc.) and acquiring local handicrafts.
• It is a small support through which we include these communities in the tourism value chain.
• If you like to consume very sophisticated foods or special diets (almonds, sugar-free chocolates, dried seeds or dehydrated fruits, for example), which you will not be able to get in the shops of the villages, we recommend you take them with you.
• Thank you for joining this initiative, this is called sustainable tourism! What to bring: Minimum one change of clothes Lycra (pants and long-sleeved shirt)
• Practically all day we will be active and a large percentage in kayaks, the lycra is the best in these cases, it protects you from the sun and dries very fastUn (1) trousers and a long-sleeved t-shirt with swimsuit type against mosquitoes
• Clothing for warm weather, light colors, hopefully long sleeves (Do not wear excess clothing, do not wear jeans) Long or short gloves, can be for a bicycle, which can be can wet (optional – are for paddling) Bathing suit Quick drying towel (those used for swimming are very appropriate – The cabins do not provide