Whale Watching Tours in El Valle, Chocó
Experience One of Nature’s Greatest Migrations on Colombia’s Pacific Coast
Every year, from July through the end of October, thousands of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) arrive along Colombia’s Pacific coast after an incredible journey of more than 8,000 kilometers (5,000 miles) from Antarctica.
The warm, protected waters surrounding El Valle, Chocó provide the perfect environment for these magnificent marine mammals to mate, give birth, and raise their calves, making this one of the finest whale watching destinations in South America.
Watching a 40-ton humpback whale breach just meters from your boat is an unforgettable experience. Whether you are a wildlife enthusiast, photographer, or simply searching for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, our whale watching tours offer the opportunity to witness these gentle giants in their natural habitat while exploring one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth.
At Ecotours Pura Vida, we have designed unique experiences that combine whale watching with waterfalls, pristine beaches, protected national parks, rainforest trails, and natural hot springs—allowing you to discover much more than whales during your visit to Colombia’s Pacific coast.
Choose Your Whale Watching Adventure
Every traveler is different, which is why we offer several carefully designed experiences departing from El Valle, Chocó. Whether you are looking for a classic whale watching excursion or a complete day exploring waterfalls, rivers, rainforest, and national parks, we have the perfect adventure for you.
Classic Whale Watching Experience
Departure: 7:30 AM
Return: Approximately 12:00 PM
If your dream is simply to witness humpback whales in the wild, this experience is for you.
Departing from El Valle aboard a traditional Pacific boat, you will navigate the waters where humpback whales gather every season to reproduce and care for their newborn calves.
Our experienced local naturalist guides will help you interpret whale behaviors, including spectacular breaches, tail slaps, spy-hopping, and encounters between mothers and calves.
Every trip offers unique opportunities for wildlife photography while learning about whale conservation and the importance of protecting Colombia’s Pacific marine ecosystems.
Price
$63 USD per person
Whale Watching & El Tigre Waterfall Adventure
Departure: 7:30 AM
Return: Approximately 3:00 PM
Combine two of El Valle’s most iconic natural attractions in one unforgettable day.
After an exciting morning searching for humpback whales, continue along the spectacular Pacific coastline to El Tigre Waterfall, where freshwater cascades directly onto a secluded black-sand beach surrounded by rainforest.
A short tropical hike takes you to the base of the waterfall, where you can swim, relax, and enjoy the incredible scenery before returning to El Valle.
Price
$63 USD per person
Classic Whale Watching Experience
Departure: 7:30 AM
Return: Approximately 12:00 PM
If your dream is simply to witness humpback whales in the wild, this experience is for you.
Departing from El Valle aboard a traditional Pacific boat, you will navigate the waters where humpback whales gather every season to reproduce and care for their newborn calves.
Our experienced local naturalist guides will help you interpret whale behaviors, including spectacular breaches, tail slaps, spy-hopping, and encounters between mothers and calves.
Every trip offers unique opportunities for wildlife photography while learning about whale conservation and the importance of protecting Colombia’s Pacific marine ecosystems.
Price
$63 USD per person
Wildlife You May Encounter
Reptiles & Amphibians
Chocó Poison Dart Frog (Oophaga solanensis)
Yellow-banded Poison Frog (Phyllobates aurotaenia)
Green-and-black Poison Dart Frog (Dendrobates auratus)
Splendid Leaf Frog (Cruziohyla calcarifer)
Basilisks, Anoles and Boas
Mammals
Brown-headed Spider Monkey (Ateles fusciceps)
Mantled Howler Monkey (Alouatta palliata)
Hoffmann's Two-toed Sloth (Choloepus hoffmanni)
White-nosed Coati (Nasua narica)
Central American Agouti (Dasyprocta punctata)
Birds
Chocó Toucan (Ramphastos brevis)
Scarlet-rumped Cacique (Cacicus microrhynchus)
Blue-whiskered Tanager (Tangara indigotis)
Orange-fronted Barbet (Capito squamatus)
Blue Cotinga (Cotinga nattererii)
Black-breasted Puffbird (Notharchus pectoralis)
Rufous Motmot (Baryphthengus martii)
NIGHT HERPING TOUR
DAYTIME WILDLIFE TOUR
"This is a true rainforest expedition designed for travelers seeking an authentic wildlife encounter. The jungle is wild, unpredictable, and that is what makes every sighting unique."
Looking for a private wildlife experience? We offer a selection of exclusive rainforest trails, including Guapipe, Cuchilla, Quebrada Cantera, Loma de la Virgen, and Borobora, each showcasing unique habitats and exceptional opportunities to observe the incredible biodiversity of the Chocó during the day or at Night. Whether you're traveling solo, as a couple, or with a larger group, we can customize the experience to match your interests, fitness level, and wildlife goals. Every trail offers its own unique chance to discover remarkable birds, mammals, amphibians, reptiles, insects, and tropical flora in one of the world's richest ecosystems.
Important Information!
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Our group tours usually require a minimum of 2 participants to operate. If the minimum is not met, we reserve the right to cancel the tour. In that case, we’ll reach out to you in advance to offer an alternative experience or provide a full refund.
Most of our departures are scheduled from El Valle. If you're staying in Bahía Solano, please reach out to us in advance so we can coordinate the logistics and ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for you.
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Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed and depend on natural conditions, weather, seasonality, and animal activity. Our guides will make every effort to locate and identify species while respecting wildlife behavior and habitat conservation principles.
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This is an observation-based experience. Guests must not touch, capture, feed, disturb, or remove any animal, plant, or natural element from the environment. Photography must be conducted responsibly, without causing stress to wildlife.
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The tour operates in tropical rainforest conditions and may continue during light rain. In case of severe weather conditions that compromise safety, the itinerary may be modified or rescheduled according to the guide's recommendations.
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Guests must follow all instructions provided by the guides, especially during jungle hiking and canoe transportation. The guide has the authority to modify the route or activities when necessary for guest safety or environmental protection.
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Guests should inform the operator before departure of any relevant medical conditions, allergies, mobility limitations, or concerns that may affect participation.
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You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted. Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
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Recommended for guests 12 years and older. Younger participants may join depending on their experience, physical ability, and guide approval.
Not suitable
Not Suitable for:
Pregnant women, People with back problems
People with Respiratory Issues, People with mobility impairments, People with heart problems, Wheelchair users.