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What do you do with an island that once was chosen as a place to incarcerate particularly dangerous offenders; was feared by early Spanish explorers, who named it after mythological monsters; and in part is known for its large population of venomous snakes? Well, if you’re Colombian authorities you quite sensibly appreciate its intriguing past, gorgeous scenery and remarkable biodiversity and turn it into a national park.
Gorgona National Natural Park is part of Colombia’s National Natural Parks system and is widely considered one of the most strategically important protected ecosystems in the Colombian Pacific. The 25-square-kilometer island saw the closure of its high-security prison in the early 1980s and was officially declared a national park in the mid-1980s. Today, the protected area includes not only the main island but also Gorgonilla Island, nearby islets, and an extensive surrounding marine reserve.
But María Camila Castellanos at national tourism board ProColombia, says it hasn’t seen hordes of tourists, nor will it as tourism is intentionally limited because conservation remains the priority in a part of the world that home to 147 bird species. Unlike mainstream destinations in Colombia, Gorgona operates under a controlled access model focused on scientific research and low-impact ecotourism. Visitor numbers are therefore relatively small, generally only a few thousand people annually, and entry often requires advance coordination through authorized operators and park authorities. But Castellanos says there is plenty of interest in Gorgona because of both its history and its natural side.
“The fascination with Gorgona comes from the coexistence of both elements,” she continues. “Ecologically, the island is extraordinary. Around 85% of its territory is covered by dense tropical rainforest, while the surrounding waters contain coral ecosystems and an enormous diversity of marine species. Scientists often describe it as a natural laboratory because of its biodiversity and the number of endemic and migratory species found there.
“At the same time, Gorgona carries the memory of having housed one of Colombia’s most feared high-security prisons between 1959 and the early 1980s. The abandoned prison ruins remain deeply symbolic and create an almost surreal contrast with the lush jungle that has gradually reclaimed much of the island. That dual identity (both paradise and prison) is what gives Gorgona such a singular atmosphere.
“Guided tours of the former prison are one of the island’s most important attractions. Visitors can walk through the remains of cell blocks, corridors, and abandoned structures while learning about the prison’s history and its transformation into a protected natural reserve. What makes the experience especially striking is the visual contrast between the decaying prison infrastructure and the rainforest that now surrounds and invades it. Many visitors describe the site as eerie but historically fascinating, particularly because it reflects a broader story of environmental recovery and national memory in Colombia.”
Gorgona – marked by cliffs, beaches and a hill reaching 388 meters – was seen as a practical choice for a prison to house hardened convicts, who if they wished to escape would have have to work their way over terrain that has poisonous snakes and then cross ocean water home to sharks before reaching the mainland, with the thought of deadly encounters discouraging many who dreamed of freedom.
Historians believe that it was Spanish conquistador Franscio Pizarro who named the island Gorgona in 1527 after some of his men staying on the island reportedly died from snake bites. (Pizarro’s own time on Gorgona is recalled by its having a Pizarro Beach.) The Gorgona name refers to the Gorgons of Greek mythology, creatures associated with danger and fear, and who had snakes for hair.
“Long before Spanish arrival, however, the island had already been inhabited by pre-Hispanic cultures connected to the Tumaco–La Tolita cultural tradition, meaning Gorgona also possesses archaeological and indigenous historical significance beyond the colonial narrative,” Castellano adds.
Gorgona remains home to venomoius snakes, including the potentially deadly fer-de-lance, and non-venomous ones, such as the boa constrictor, and those visiting have to follow safety instructions carefully. Visitors can borrow rubber boots that offer protection from snake bites. Safety regulations forbid hikes after 5 p.m.
“That said, risks for visitors are generally well managed. Tourists remain on established trails, travel with guides, and receive clear instructions about respecting wildlife and avoiding unnecessary contact with the environment. Serious incidents involving tourists are extremely uncommon,” Castellanos reports.
Castellanos is quick to add that the island and the water off its shores are home to non-threatening creatures as well, among them birds, monkeys, sloths, butterflies, tropical birds, marine turtles, dolphins, and coral reef species. The surrounding waters are particularly rich in marine life because of the island’s coral ecosystems and favorable ocean conditions, attracting divers.
“One of the park’s greatest attractions is humpback whale season, which generally takes place between July and October when whales migrate through the Colombian Pacific,” Castellanos reports. “Whale- watching has become one of the most important eco-tourism activities in the region. The island is also highly valued by scientists because of its bird colonies, freshwater ecosystems, and marine biodiversity.”
Eco-tourism accommodations are available available on the island for visitors, but are intentionally modest. Gorgona does not have large-scale tourism infrastructure or luxury resorts because development inside the national park is heavily restricted. Existing accommodations are designed to support sustainable tourism with minimal environmental impact.
“Most visitors stay in simple rooms with basic comforts while participating in guided ecological and cultural activities. The experience is oriented toward immersion in nature rather than high-end tourism. In many ways, the simplicity of the accommodations reflects the philosophy of the park itself: conservation first, tourism second,” Castellanos reports.
Most travellers visiting Gorgona first fly to the Pacific coastal town of Guapi and from there continue by boat to the island, a trip that generally takes between one and two hours, depending on sea conditions. Some travelers also depart from Buenaventura, although that maritime route is considerably longer.
Current tourism plans often combine Gorgona with cultural experiences in Guapi and nearby Afro-Colombian communities. Visitors may participate in activities connected to Pacific cuisine, traditional music, artisanal fishing, mangrove ecosystems, and ancestral beverages, such as viche before traveling to the island itself. This broader regional experience has become an important part of sustainable tourism in the area. Visitors cannot freely move around the island on their own, with access to trails and natural areas regulated through authorized guides and park personnel.
“While the presence of venomous snakes is one reason for these precautions, the primary objective is environmental protection,” Castellanos says. “Gorgona is an extremely sensitive ecosystem with tropical rainforest, freshwater systems, coral environments, and protected wildlife habitats. Guided tourism helps reduce human impact while also allowing visitors to better understand the island’s scientific, ecological, and historical significance. In practice, the experience is highly interpretive and educational rather than conventional tourism.”
Castellanos predicts interest in Gorgona will continue to grow as eco-tourism and nature-based travel become more popular internationally. “The island has increasingly attracted attention because of whale watching, biodiversity research, diving, and its unusual prison history. However, authorities have repeatedly emphasized that tourism growth must remain compatible with conservation. Gorgona is not envisioned as a mass tourism destination.
“Gorgona is unusual because it brings together many layers of meaning in a single place,” she continues. “It is simultaneously a biodiversity sanctuary, a marine reserve, a center for scientific research, a former prison colony, and a symbol of environmental recovery. Few destinations in Latin America combine ecological significance and historical memory with such intensity.
“What also sets Gorgona apart today is that visiting the island requires a very different mindset from conventional tourism. Travelers enter a protected ecosystem where conservation shapes every aspect of the experience, from transportation and accommodations to visitor capacity and guided access. Rather than a destination centered on comfort or entertainment, Gorgona offers deep immersion into one of the most biologically and historically complex landscapes in Colombia’s Pacific region.
“On Gorgona, tourism is centered around guided nature experiences such as whale watching during migration season, snorkeling, ecological interpretation trails, wildlife observation, diving, and visits to the former prison ruins. The overall journey is designed less as conventional tourism and more as an experience rooted in environmental education, scientific appreciation, and cultural connection with Colombia’s Pacific region.”
