Humpback Whale Season in Bahía Solano
Humpback Whale season offers a completely unique, sensory experience. From feeling the vibration of their songs in your chest underwater to watching 40-ton giants leap into the air, the wild Pacific puts on an incredible show.
Where Adventure Runs on Fins
Bring your camera, bring your respect for the ocean, and let the wild Pacific write your story.
A Symphony Underwater (Scuba)
Imagine dropping down to the ARC Sebastián de Belalcázar shipwreck or a pristine rocky reef, equalizing your ears, and suddenly hearing it: the haunting, beautiful melody of a Humpback Whale singing in the deep. The visibility is fantastic, the reefs are alive, and your entire dive is serenaded by these underwater giants.
Surface Spectacles (Whale Watching from the Boat)
Witness the raw power of nature from the deck of our boat. We frequently see spectacular surface breaches, fin slapping, and mothers teaching their calves. To protect these magnificent animals, swimming or snorkeling directly with the whales is strictly prohibited. However, when you do engage in our regular surface snorkeling over the rocky reefs, you will slip into the water with your mask, fins, lifejacket, and surface buoy to safely enjoy the wild Pacific—and listen to the whale songs echoing from afar!
Respecting the Wild Pacific
The ocean is wild, and nature sets the schedule. The Colombian Pacific is a crucial breeding and birthing ground for these whales. To protect mothers, calves, and this delicate ecosystem, Ankla Azul strictly enforces our three golden rules of the ocean:
1. Do not touch.
2. Do not feed.
3. Do not harass or annoy any animal.
We maintain a safe, respectful distance at all times so we do not alter their natural behaviors.
New to the Pacific? We’ve got your back. We handle the navigation and currents so you can relax, drift at your own pace, and focus entirely on the magic around you.
Price & booking
Choose your adventure. Whether you book a course or a fun dive, we take you straight to the dive sites where whale songs echo—at no extra cost. Just remember, it is Mother Nature: open your heart and she will gift you, but nothing is guaranteed.
Next Season:
Gorgona Guitarfish & Rays
From December to March, experience peak visibility on our volcanic reefs. Glide alongside graceful Eagle Rays and search the sand for the Gorgona Guitarfish—a rare, prehistoric-looking species endemic exclusively to the Eastern Tropical Pacific.
Frequently asked questions
Do we scuba dive directly with the Humpback Whales?
To protect the whales—especially mothers and their newborn calves—chasing or swimming directly up to them is strictly prohibited. The true magic of this season is sensory: we watch their incredible acrobatics from the boat, and when we scuba dive on our regular reef sites, we listen to their beautiful, haunting songs echoing through the water. However, the ocean is wild! Sometimes, a curious whale may decide to swim over and check us out, or simply pass through our dive site. We never chase them, but if they choose to come to us, we stay still, observe respectfully, and experience a purely magical encounter.
Are whale sightings guaranteed?
We do not "sell" animals; we sell unforgettable ocean experiences. While July through October is the peak season and sightings (and hearings!) are incredibly common, they are wild animals in the open Pacific. Mother Nature makes the rules, and we respect her schedule!
Can I snorkel during this season?
Yes! While you won't be swimming directly into a pod of whales, snorkeling over our vibrant reefs while listening to the whales sing is amazing. For your safety and visibility, all surface observers are required to wear a mask, fins, lifejacket, and surface buoy. You can also book a Try Scuba experience with our instructors to get closer to the reef!
What is the water temperature and visibility during this season?
The water is wonderfully warm during Humpback season! Temperatures generally range between 26°C and 29°C (79°F to 84°F). Visibility is also typically at its best during these months, making it an excellent time for Open Water courses and stunning reef dives.
Can we get close to the whales on the boat?
At Ankla Azul, protecting the ocean is our top priority. We strictly follow the golden rules: Do not touch, do not feed, and do not harass the wildlife. Our captains are highly trained to maintain a legal, respectful distance from the whales. This ensures we never stress the animals, allowing you to watch them behaving naturally and peacefully in their wild home.
Need Help Starting Your Journey?
It’s normal to have questions before your trip to the wild Pacific. Here’s what we can help with:
• Dates & Peak Season: Wondering which month between July and October is best for your trip?
• The Experience: Curious about how we combine diving on the reefs with whale watching from the boat?
• Custom Groups: Traveling with a mix of certified divers and friends who just want to watch from the surface?
Send us a message, and we'll help you plan the perfect itinerary.
What Divers Say
400+ Reviews
Vinha Damanta
"I did 3 dives with the guys from Ankla Azul and all three were great... The diveshop gives much attention to safety and following the right procedures which gives you a very safe feeling. They have excellent gear almost new do they kit you out like a pro."
Magda K
"The dive center impressed us a lot – the equipment was top quality, making every dive comfortable and safe... Besides scuba diving, we had the chance to try freediving, which at the waterfall was an absolutely unique experience."
Nicole Reynolds
"I spent three days with the Ankla Azul team for scuba diving and it was an incredible experience... Ja, the main dive master and instructor, takes pride in his diving excursions and it's clear he has a huge love for Bahia Solano and the wildlife here."
Gloria Guillin Cuello
"This time, I did my first dive with Ankla Azul and three other friends. The experience was spectacular, from the beginning of the training to the practice session. Our instructor demonstrated kindness and knowledge, providing us with a safe guide."
Adèle B
Absolutely amazing experience! The dive was unforgettable, we could hear the whales singing underwater the entire time... The team at Ankla Azul is super professional, the equipment is top quality, and everything felt very safe and well-organized."
Dayana Jamaica
Excelente experiencia, Andres y Victor son unos duros, muy amables, atentos, cuidadosos, nos hicieron sentir seguras todo el tiempo y disfrutar del buceo aun nosotras sin saber nada, la pasamos muy bien, 100% recomendado