From Cali: Whale Watching Day Trip in Buenaventura

Embarking on a whale watching adventure from Cali to Buenaventura promises an unforgettable experience. Guests will set out at the crack of dawn, savoring breakfast along the way before boarding a boat to explore the local marine life during mating season. Guided by knowledgeable experts, this 16-hour excursion offers a chance to witness the wonders of whales and birds in their natural habitat. With meals, medical assistance, and cultural experiences included, the trip ensures both comfort and immersion in the natural world. But the true highlight? Witnessing these majestic creatures up close – a moment that’s sure to leave a lasting impression.

Key Points

• Enjoy a 16-hour whale watching and birdwatching adventure starting from Cali, with pickup and drop-off at Hotel Intercontinental Cali.
• Experience the opportunity to observe whales and calves during mating season on a shared boat tour to Isla Palma.
• Savor a traditional Pacific-style breakfast and lunch, and immerse in the cultural experience of trying Viche, a local drink.
• Explore the scenic Pacific jungle and Andean landscapes, with potential for swimming and birdwatching on the trip.
• The tour is guided by knowledgeable experts, and includes medical assistance, transportation, and other amenities for a hassle-free experience.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Activity Overview

The Whale Watching Day Trip in Buenaventura is an exciting 16-hour adventure that allows participants to observe whales and their calves during the mating season.

Priced from $360.02 per person, the tour is led in Spanish and English with a maximum group size of 15.

Travelers can enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours before and the flexibility to reserve now and pay later.

The activity includes pickup and drop-off at the Hotel Intercontinental Cali, shared boat transport, meals, and medical assistance, as well as opportunities for birdwatching and potential swimming at Isla Palma.

Itinerary

Starting at 4:00 am, participants are picked up from the Hotel Intercontinental Cali to begin their 16-hour whale watching adventure.

They’ll enjoy breakfast on the way to Buenaventura, where they’ll board a shared boat at 9:00 am for the voyage to Juanchaco.

At 10:30 am, the group will spend an hour whale watching and birdwatching on Isla Palma.

After a traditional Pacific-style lunch in Juanchaco, they’ll have beach time and a hike before returning to Buenaventura at 4:00 pm.

The day concludes with the return trip to Cali, arriving back at the hotel around 8:00 pm.

The itinerary is subject to change based on tide and weather conditions.

Highlights

Observing whales and their calves during mating season is a highlight of this excursion. Participants will have the chance to experience the traditional Pacific drink, Viche, at a live museum, seeing the local culture.

The scenic views of the Pacific jungle and Andean landscapes offer a picturesque backdrop for the day’s activities. Plus, the trip provides an opportunity for birdwatching and potential swimming at Isla Palma.

This well-organized experience, led by knowledgeable guides, promises to create lasting memories for the participants, despite any weather challenges they may encounter.

Inclusions

Pickup and drop-off at the hotel, along with terrestrial transport in a private van, are included in this package.

The tour also provides:

• Shared boat transport from Buenaventura to Juanchaco and back
• Breakfast and a traditional Pacific-style lunch
• A whale watching tour and panoramic route to Isla Palma
• A medical assistance card
• Gratuities

These inclusions ensure a comprehensive and hassle-free experience for participants, allowing them to fully enjoy the whale watching adventure without worrying about additional costs or logistics.

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What to Bring

Participants are advised to bring a sun hat, swimwear, a change of clothes, a towel, a camera, hiking shoes, sunscreen, and water.

These items will ensure comfort and preparedness during the day trip. A passport or ID (copy accepted) is also required.

Plastic bottles aren’t allowed, so participants are encouraged to bring a reusable water container. Plus, a garbage bag can be useful for any waste generated throughout the excursion.

Accessibility is limited, as the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users. Following these packing recommendations will help make the whale watching experience seamless and enjoyable.

Accessibility

The whale watching tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users. The activity involves transportation in a shared boat and hiking on uneven terrain at Isla Palma. Plus, the tour may require navigating stairs and slippery surfaces.

Accessibility considerations for this experience include:

• Limited mobility: The boat ride and hiking portions of the tour may pose challenges for individuals with limited mobility.

• Sensory needs: The outdoor setting and potential for crowds may be overwhelming for those with sensory processing differences.

• Medical conditions: Participants should consider any medical conditions that could be exacerbated by the physical demands of the tour.

Travelers with accessibility needs are advised to consult with the tour operator prior to booking to ensure the experience aligns with their capabilities.

Customer Reviews

Travelers have widely praised the whale watching tour in Buenaventura, with an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 based on 3 reviews. Reviewers highlighted the organized experience, knowledgeable guides, and memorable whale sightings despite weather challenges. The tour’s strengths are summarized in the table below:

Aspect	Rating
Organization	5/5
Guide Knowledge	5/5
Whale Sightings	4/5
Value for Money	4/5

The tour offers a well-curated itinerary, allowing participants to observe whales and their calves during mating season, as well as experience the scenic Pacific jungle and Andean landscapes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Boat Used for Whale Watching Private or Shared?

The boat used for whale watching is a shared boat, not a private one. The activity itinerary specifies that participants take a shared boat ride from Buenaventura to Juanchaco for the whale watching part of the tour.

Can I Bring My Own Snacks and Drinks?

Bringing one’s own snacks and drinks is not allowed on the shared boat for the whale watching tour. Participants are advised to follow the provided list of what to bring and what is not permitted.

Are There Any Fees or Taxes Not Included in the Price?

The price includes all fees and taxes. No additional costs are mentioned, as the price covers pickup, transportation, meals, the whale watching tour, and other activities. Personal expenses like souvenirs are not included.

Can I Change the Pickup Location From the Specified Hotel?

Yes, you can change the pickup location, but there may be an additional fee. The tour provider is generally flexible and can accommodate pickup from an alternative location if arranged in advance, subject to availability.

Is There a Minimum Number of Participants Required for the Tour?

There’s no minimum group size for the whale watching tour. It’s limited to a maximum of 15 participants, so the tour will run even if there’s just one person booked.

Recap

This whale watching excursion from Cali to Buenaventura provides an unforgettable opportunity to witness nature’s majesty during mating season. Guests can expect a comprehensive experience, including meals, medical assistance, and cultural insights, all led by knowledgeable experts. With a focus on comfort and scenic views, this 16-hour adventure promises to be a memorable exploration of the whales and birdlife in the region.

You can check if your dates are available here: