Whale Shark Season in Bahía Solano
Every April and May, the wild Colombian Pacific transforms. Leave the crowds behind and experience the raw thrill of scuba diving and freediving alongside the ocean's most magnificent and gentle giants.
Donde la aventura corre sobre aletas
Bring your camera, bring your respect for the ocean, and let the wild Pacific write your story.
Diving with Giants (Scuba)
- Drop into our spectacular rocky reefs and shipwrecks. As you glide through the water, a curious whale shark might just swim right over you. We dive in small, expert-led groups to give you the ultimate freedom to explore.
Surface Encounters (Freediving & Snorkeling)
You don't need a tank to witness the magic. We frequently spot them hunting near the surface. Slip into the water with your mask, fins, lifejacket, and surface buoy, keep pace, and share a quiet, profound moment with these beautiful creatures. Safety and visibility are our top priorities.
Respecting the Wild Pacific
The ocean is wild, and nature sets the schedule. While our local SSI-certified guides know the ocean's rhythms, every dive is a unique expedition. To protect this incredible ecosystem, Ankla Azul strictly enforces our three golden rules of the ocean:
- Do not touch.
- Do not feed.
- Do not harass or annoy any animal.
¿Nuevo en el Pacífico? Nosotros nos encargamos. Manejamos la navegación y las corrientes para que puedas relajarte, desplazarte a tu propio ritmo y concentrarte por completo en la magia que te rodea.
Precio y reservas
Choose your adventure. Whether you book a course or a fun dive, we take you straight to the dive sites where whale sharks roam—at no extra cost. Just remember, it is Mother Nature: open your heart and she will gift you, but nothing is guaranteed.
Next Season:
Temporada de Ballenas Jorobadas
From July to October, the warm waters of the Colombian Chocó become a sanctuary for migrating Humpback Whales. Experience the pure magic of diving vibrant reefs while being serenaded by their haunting, beautiful songs echoing through the deep.
Preguntas frecuentes
Do you sell guaranteed "Whale Shark Tours"?
We do not "sell" animals; we sell unforgettable ocean experiences. With over 10 years of experience exploring the waters of Bahía Solano, we have the deep regional knowledge to know exactly where and when you are most likely to encounter these giants. However, they are wild animals in the open Pacific, so we can never 100% guarantee a sighting. Mother Nature makes the rules, and we respect her schedule!
I am not a certified scuba diver. Can I still see them?
Absolutely! You don’t need a scuba tank to witness the magic. We frequently spot whale sharks feeding near the surface, making it an incredible experience for snorkelers and freedivers. For safety and visibility, all surface observers are required to slip into the water with a mask, fins, lifejacket, and surface buoy. If you have never dived before but want to get beneath the surface, you can also book a Try Scuba experience with our instructors!
Can I touch the whale sharks if they get close?
No. At Ankla Azul, protecting the ocean is our top priority. We strictly enforce three golden rules for all encounters: Do not touch, do not feed, and do not harass the wildlife. We maintain a respectful distance to ensure the safety of both the animals and our guests.
What is the water temperature and visibility during this season?
During April and May, the waters cool down to attract the sardine migration, bringing the whale sharks with them. Temperatures typically range from 19°C to 29°C (66°F to 84°F). Visibility can change quickly in the wild Pacific; it might be crystal clear at the surface and change a few meters down. We highly recommend wearing a wetsuit for comfort.
What else will I see if the whale sharks are hiding?
The Colombian Chocó is always teeming with life! Even if the giants are passing through deeper waters, you are diving during the thrilling Sardine Run. You can expect to see massive swirling bait balls, hunting tunas, dolphins, eagle rays, and our vibrant rocky reefs and shipwrecks. Every dive in the wild Pacific is an adventure.
¿Necesitas ayuda para comenzar tu aventura?
Es normal tener preguntas antes de tu viaje. Esto es en lo que podemos ayudarte:
Horarios: ¿Quieres combinar este curso con inmersiones recreativas?
Electivas: ¿No estás seguro de cuáles 3 inmersiones especiales elegir?
Grupos: ¿Vienes con amigos que también se están certificando?
Send us a message, and we'll help you plan the perfect itinerary.
Lo que dicen los Buzos
400+ Reviews
Vinha Damanta
Hice 3 inmersiones con el equipo de Ankla Azul y las tres fueron geniales… El centro de buceo presta mucha atención a la seguridad y a seguir los procedimientos correctos, lo que te da una gran sensación de seguridad. Tienen un equipo excelente, casi nuevo, y te equipan como a un profesional.
Magda K
El centro de buceo nos impresionó muchísimo: el equipo era de altísima calidad, lo que hizo que cada inmersión fuera cómoda y segura… Además del buceo con tanque, tuvimos la oportunidad de probar el freediving, que en la cascada fue una experiencia absolutamente única.
Nicole Reynolds
Pasé tres días con el equipo de Ankla Azul haciendo buceo y fue una experiencia increíble… Ja, el dive master principal e instructor, se enorgullece de sus excursiones de buceo y es evidente el enorme amor que siente por Bahía Solano y la vida silvestre de este lugar.
Gloria Guillin Cuello
Esta vez hice mi primera inmersión con Ankla Azul y otros tres amigos. La experiencia fue espectacular, desde el inicio de la capacitación hasta la sesión práctica. Nuestro instructor demostró amabilidad y conocimiento, brindándonos una guía segura.e."
Adèle B
¡Una experiencia absolutamente increíble! La inmersión fue inolvidable; pudimos escuchar a las ballenas cantar bajo el agua todo el tiempo… El equipo de Ankla Azul es súper profesional, el equipo es de primera calidad y todo se sintió muy seguro y bien organizado.
Dayana Jamaica
Excellent experience. Andrés and Víctor are amazing—very kind, attentive, and careful. They made us feel safe at all times and helped us truly enjoy the dive, even though we had no prior experience. We had a great time, 100% recommended.