(Visits to the island are managed and run by Aviatur, Av 6 Norte, No 37B-94 (opposite CC Chipichape), T6645050 in Cali or C 4, No 8-69, T8208674 in Popayán, www.concesiones parquesnaturales.com. Accommodation per couple ranges from US$86 to US$311 depending on type. All visitors must have a permit before arriving at the island, obtainable from Aviatur. It is recommended to book accommodation and boat tickets well in advance during high season. Entrance fee US $14 for foreigners.)
Until 1984 the island of Gorgona was Colombia’s high-security prison (a sort of Alcatraz). The prison is derelict but some parts can still be clearly seen. Convicts were dissuaded from escaping by the poisonous snakes on the island (after whom Francisco Pizarro named the island) and the sharks patrolling the 46 km to the mainland (both snakes and sharks are still there). The national park boasts many unspoilt, deserted sandy beaches. From the paths you can see monkeys, iguanas, and a wealth of flora and fauna.(Rubber boots are provided and recommended.) There is an abundance of birds (pelicans, cormorants, geese, herons) that use the island as a migration stop-over. Snorkelling and diving is rewarding, equipment can be hired (but take your own if possible), there are many exotic fish and turtles to be seen. Killer whales visit the area from July to September.
Currently there are two ways of getting to the island. One way is via the town of Guapi flying with Satena from Cali or Popayán, from which there are launches to the island, 1½ hours. Alternatively, launches can be contracted from Buenaventura, a journey of four hours to Gorgona, US$130.
Embarcaciones Asturias (offices at the Muelle Turistico in Buenaventura, T2404048, barcoasturias@hotmail.com) offer a weekend package leaving Buenaventura on a Friday at 1900 and returning Monday, US$290 per person, including accommodation on boat, food, permit and snorkelling equipment.
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