Overview:

: Gorgona Island National Natural Park - Pacific Ocean In Colombia is a protected area in the Pacific Ocean in Colombia. It stretches across 10,440 hectares (25,771 acres) of tropical beaches, pristine coral reefs and lowland rainforest. The park is home to a wide variety of wildlife species, including threatened species such as the Pacific Green Sea Turtle, Hawksbill Sea Turtle and Whales. It also supports an abundance of bird and marine life, including manta rays, bottlenose dolphins and several whale species. Additionally, it contains archaeological sites with evidence of pre-Columbian indigenous settlements. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Colombia
Prominent Features:

1. Gorgona Island is a Colombian island located off the Pacific coast at the northern end of the Cauca River and separated from the mainland by the El Ameco Canal, in the Colombian Department of Valle del Cauca. 2. Gorgona Island National Natural Park was established in 1977 as a Colombian National Park. The park is recognized as an Important Bird Area (IBA) by BirdLife International as well as a Ramsar site. 3. The island is a rich habitat and home to a large variety of flora and fauna. On land, species include howler monkeys, grey-bellied night monkeys, coati, tunas, and pacaranas. In the nearby sea and waters, humpback whales, hammerhead and eagle rays, bottlenose dolphin, green turtle, and Baird’s beaked whales are often seen. 4. The main attractions are the sculptural underwater gardens and corals such as the cardón gigante (giant powder puff) and El Boquerón — the biggest submarine cave in the Americas. These are some of the top diving spots in Colombia. 5. Visitors can also explore deserted beaches, swamps, and mangrove swamps. There is a great variety of water activities, such as sunbathing, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Hiking trails, boat rentals, and kayaking tours are also available. This national monument of Colombia portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

Gorgona Island National Natural Park is an offshore marine park located in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Colombia. It is the first national park of its kind in the country. The park was established in 1985 and is administered by the National Natural Parks System (PNN). The area of the park is 6,100 hectares and consists of half of the island and the surrounding waters up to 12 nautical miles. The island of Gorgona was initially used as a penal colony, starting from the 1950s. In the early 1980s, the Colombian government began to investigate the possibility of declaring the island a marine park and in 1985 the Gorgona Island National Natural Park was established. The park is an important area for marine conservation, due to its unique oceanic and coastal environments. It stands out as an important refuge for many species of fish, mammals, birds, and reptiles. The park is the most important protected area for tropical coasts on the Pacific Ocean, and it serves as a refuge for species of mega fauna such as humpback whales, bottlenose dolphins, and sea turtles. The park is a vital area for scientific research, and has served as a Marine Biology Laboratory for researchers from all over the world. Also, numerous educational and interpretation activities have been developed, allowing for the dissemination of knowledge about marine conservation, as well as helping to develop responsible attitudes toward the marine environment. The importance of the park for marine conservation was recognized by the United Nations in 1996, when it was declared a “World Heritage Site”. Since then, the park has become more aware of its responsibility, trying to develop conservation projects for its protected species, as well as environmental activities for the Colombian population in general. You must visit one of these historical places in Colombia on your Colombia tour

Interesting facts:

1. Gorgona Island National Natural Park is located 45 miles off the coast of Colombia in the Pacific Ocean, making it one of the most isolated places in Colombia. 2. Gorgona Island remains one of Colombia’s few conservation success stories and has been recognized as an Important Bird Area by Birdlife International. 3. The Park is a haven for wildlife and is home to dolphins, sharks, turtles, chimpanzees, and a wide variety of birds. 4. Gorgona Island is home to numerous archaeological sites from pre-Columbian civilizations, as well as more recent remains, such as the ruins of a colonial-era prison. 5. The island also has a variety of endemic species, including the endangered Ctenomys gorgonae orro mouse, which is endemic to the island. 6. The island is also an important area for sea turtle conservation, as four species of sea turtles lay eggs on the beaches of the island. 7. The park has come under pressure due to unsustainable fishing and illegal logging activities. 8. Today, Gorgona Island National Natural Park is managed by the Nature and Environment Foundation of Colombia (FNCLC) in coordination with local communities. Visit one of the famous monuments of Colombia with your friends and family.