Whale watching in Bahia Malaga 3 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: 3 days and 2 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:

• July 19 to 21, 2024
• August 3-5, 2024 (No return transportation)
• August 7-9, 2024 (No return transportation)
• August 9 to 11, 2024 (Return at 1.00pm – No one-way transportation)
• August 17 to 19, 2024 (Holiday weekend)
• August 30 to September 1, 2024
• September 6-8, 2024
• September 13-15, 2024
• September 20 to 22, 2024
• September 27 to 29, 2024
• October 12 to 14, 2024 (Holiday weekend – Recess Week)

NOTE:

• For some dates it includes only ground transportation or one way Cali – Buenaventura or return Buenaventura – Cali

Plan 3 days and 2 nights August Holiday weekend and Break Week in October:

• COP $1,490,000 per person

Plan 3 days and 2 nights in July and every weekend from September Friday to Sunday:

• COP $1,390,000 per person

Note:

• These prices are for accommodation of 2 or more people per room
  • If you want a single room: the supplement is COP $240,000 (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 $240,000

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
• Sea transport Buenaventura – Juanchaco and return
• Accommodationin huts two 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)

• 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:

• The majority of people who travel with Ecoglobal Expeditions are fervent lovers of nature, they are uncomplicated and “all-terrain” travelers, patient, tolerant, collaborative and enthusiastic. 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.
• Please note that the entry and use of single-use plastics is prohibited in the Areas of the National Natural Park System with an ecotourism vocation, with the exception of single-use plastics intended for medical purposes and uses, for reasons of asepsis and hygiene. Only reusable items can be entered.
• During the day: 1 long lycra pants, 1 long-sleeved lycra t-shirt, tennis shoes with socks that can get wet. These same clothes are suitable for every day
• You can replace the lycra with loose pants with several pockets, as well as a long-sleeved shirt with pockets but with easy-drying fabric.
• During the night at the hotel: 1 pair of pants and a loose long-sleeved shirt to avoid mosquitoes, other dry tennis shoes and always with socks, you can replace them with sandals with velcro straps
• 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.
• Get vaccinated against yellow fever and tetanus beforehand
• Do not carry items for exclusive use of the armed forces (camouflage clothing)
• This expedition is an ecological outing to a place in the middle of nature, therefore you should not carry or consume toxic, psychoactive or hallucinogenic substances and refrain from drinking excessive liquor.
• Do not wear jewelry or valuable objects (Rolex and Cartier earrings, please leave them at home)
• During walks, do not separate from the group, do not get ahead, do not stay behind alone
• Whenever you go into the sea, walk on beaches or in their surroundings, you must have your shoes on. There may be glass.
• Luggage should be light and preferably a single backpack or briefcase instead of 2 or 3 small carry-on cases.
• Pack everything in dry bags or, failing that, plastic bags.
• In Bahía Málaga you have a signal from all cell phone operators
• There are no ATMs in Bahía Málaga
• On walks and tours you can bring hydration and sweets, cookies, chocolates and/or fruits (some very basic things can be found in the town stores before leaving)
• Do not consume water from the hotel taps, do not brush your teeth with this water, although it is drinkable, we, those of the city, are not used to it and it can make us sick! The hotel provides water in jugs to fill your Canteen, Thermos or Camelback and you can use it to brush your teeth.
• Cut your nails (they soften and bend with water)
• You must arrive with kayaking clothes on (sandals or shoes that can get wet, socks, pants and long-sleeved lycra shirt, hat or cap, gloves (optional))
• Please note that we will be staying in a very remote location. 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 distant, remote and often forgotten territories, all of us: guides, coordinators and tourists, 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 purchasing local crafts. It is a small support through which we include these communities in the tourism value chain. If you like to consume very sophisticated foods between meals or those from special diets (almonds, sugar-free chocolates, dried seeds or dehydrated fruits for example), that you will not be able to get in the stores in the towns, we recommend you take them with you. Thank you for joining this initiative, this is called sustainable tourism!

What to bring:

• As much as possible, carry the least amount of wrappers, cans or glass and please, let’s return home all the inorganic waste that we carry in our backpack “if you carry it in your backpack, it can return in your backpack.”
• Canteen, Thermos or Camelback, the use of single-use plastic or PET bottles is prohibited.
• Water in our Canteen, Thermos or Camelback (Although water is provided in jugs during the expedition, it is recommended that everyone carry some water, especially for the first day)
• At least one change of lycra clothing (pants and long-sleeved t-shirt) We will be active practically all day and lycra is the best in these cases, it protects you from the sun and dries very quickly, cotton takes a long time to dry if it is wet, because of the humidity.
• You can replace the lycra with loose pants with several pockets, as well as a long-sleeved shirt with pockets but with easy-drying fabric.
• Don’t wear any cotton for daytime activities, if it gets wet it won’t dry in 3 days!
• During the night at the hotel: 1 pants and a loose long-sleeved shirt to avoid mosquitoes, other dry tennis shoes and always with socks, you can replace them with sandals with velcro straps.
• Cotton clothing for warm weather, light colors, hopefully long sleeves (Do not wear excessive clothing, do not wear jeans)
• Long or short gloves, they can be for bicycles, that can get wet (optional – they are for rowing)
• Waterproof or windproof poncho
• Swimsuit
• Quick-drying towel (those used for swimming are very appropriate – The cabins DO NOT provide towels because the climate is very humid and normal cotton ones do not dry)
• Adventure shoes that can get wet and have good grip (they can be tennis shoes or sandals that can get wet)
• An extra pair of tennis shoes or sandals. Whenever you go into the sea, walk on beaches or in their surroundings, you must have your shoes on. There may be glass.
• Two (2) pairs of socks
• Whistle
• Cap or wide-brimmed hat
• Sunglasses with lanyard (optional)
• Small backpack to use on walks
• Personal hygiene items in small quantities
• Insect repellent
• Sunscreen and lipstick
• Photographic camera (always protected from humidity, salt and sand)
• Small flashlight
• Binoculars
• Chargers and spare batteries
• Dry bags or, failing that, multipurpose plastic bags
• Mecato/Snacks (although there are stores in Juanchaco and Ladrilleros, if you have a preference for “special” mecato, take it)
  Cash for hydration, tips, souvenirs and personal expenses
• Personal documents (identification, EPS card)
• Include in your luggage an ecological bag to deposit the waste generated during your stay and you can return with it, to contribute and not leave garbage in the place!
• Although all our guides have knowledge of first aid and carry a first aid kit for emergencies (personal medicines, with plenty of Tape and Zero Cream), every good hiker must carry their medicines and a small personal first aid kit.