Whale watching
Boat trips with local guides during humpback season, July through October.
Pío Ballenas
With Pío, everything is easier
Over 25 years of experience
Ecotourism in the Colombian Pacific
Alberto Pío Escobar — Pío Ballenas — welcomes travelers, universities and senior groups in Bahía Málaga, Juanchaco and La Barra. Whale watching, waterfalls, mangroves and beaches with native guides.
+57 311 748 3868
pioescobar@hotmail.com
Jul – Oct
Humpback whale season on the Pacific coast
With Pío, everything is easier
We organize the whole trip from start to finish. You show up, we take care of the rest.
Accommodation
We choose and book the lodging that fits your group and budget.
Sea transport
Boats from Buenaventura to Juanchaco, La Barra and Bahía Málaga.
Local transport
Land and river transfers between beaches, waterfalls and estuaries.
Medical insurance
Coverage for all passengers throughout the trip.
Meals
Pacific cuisine: fresh fish, seafood and local fruit.
Lodging
Beachfront cabins and hotels, with options for large groups.
Experiences & destinations
Everything you can experience with us on the Valle del Cauca Pacific coast.
Uramba Bahía Málaga National Park
Full tour of the national park.
Ostional Waterfall
A waterfall surrounded by humid jungle.
Phytoplankton
Night trip to see the bioluminescent sea.
Chucheros Beach
A quiet beach inside the bay.
Juan de Dios Beach
Sand and jungle, perfect for a day trip.
La Barra Beach
An open-ocean beach, long, with strong waves.
Juanchaco Beach
Where the boats arrive and depart.
Viché Museum
History and tasting of viché, the Pacific's ancestral drink.
Plans
One day
Day Trip
Round trip the same day from Buenaventura. Includes boat transport, guide, lunch and medical insurance.
- Whale watching in season
- Juanchaco, La Barra or Chucheros beach
- Ideal for schools and light-traveling groups
Multiple days
Multi-day Package
A full stay with lodging, meals and a different excursion each day, tailored to your group.
- Waterfalls, natural pools and estuaries
- Tour of Uramba Bahía Málaga National Park
- Night phytoplankton trip and bird watching
Groups we welcome
With over 25 years welcoming visitors, Pío tailors the pace, logistics and lodging to every kind of group.
Talk to PíoUniversities & field trips
Native guides, permits and logistics for large groups of students and researchers.
Seniors
Low-effort tours, relaxed pacing and constant support.
Families, schools & companies
Custom plans, from day trips to multi-night stays.
Frequently asked questions
Everything people usually ask us about the whale watching tour and our plans in Juanchaco.
When is the best time to see whales in Juanchaco?
Humpback whale season on the Colombian Pacific runs from July to November, peaking between August and October.
How long is the whale watching tour?
The boat ride from Buenaventura to Juanchaco takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes — part of the trip is already your first glimpse of the Pacific landscape before reaching the whale watching point.
How much does the tour cost?
The Whale Watching Day Trip costs $320,000 COP per person. We offer special group rates (ask us directly), and children under 3 don't pay. We also have a 2-night / 3-day package for $750,000 COP per person (extra night: $150,000 COP).
What's included in the tour?
Round-trip transport Buenaventura–Juanchaco, humpback whale watching in Uramba Bahía Málaga National Park, beach lunch, medical assistance and a specialized guide throughout the trip.
Is it safe to see whales so close up?
Yes. We strictly follow the protocols set by Colombia's National Parks authority, including the minimum approach distance, and work with highly experienced boat captains from the area.
Do I need prior experience, or is it suitable for children/older adults?
The tour is suitable for all ages, with a moderate physical effort level.
What happens if no whales are seen that day?
We repeat the tour at no extra cost — our commitment is that you get the full experience.
How do I get to Juanchaco for the tour?
The meeting point is the port of Buenaventura, departing at 8:30 am and returning at 4:00 pm. We organize the full round-trip boat transport.
What should I bring on the day of the tour?
Sunscreen, a cap, light clothing, a camera and a change of clothes (it's common to get a little wet during the boat ride). We also recommend comfortable clothing, non-slip shoes, binoculars and water.
Can I see other species or have other experiences besides whales?
Yes. Besides whale watching, we offer tours through the Pacific estuaries and mangroves, and we have special hydrophone whale watching, so you can hear the whales singing underwater — a unique experience few operators offer.
How do I book the tour?
You can book directly via WhatsApp at +57 311 748 3868. A deposit is required to confirm your spot.
Why choose Pío Ballenas over another operator in Juanchaco?
With 28 years of experience in the region, Pío Ballenas offers superior quality service backed by certified native community guides, and boats with proper paperwork and up-to-date safety certifications. We're one of the few operators offering hydrophone whale watching, and we complement the experience with tours through estuaries, mangroves and La Barra's beaches — all with a real commitment to conserving the Colombian Pacific ecosystem.
Tell us what you're interested in
Leave us your info and we'll send you a proposal with prices, dates and everything included.