Uramba Bahía Málaga National Park

Uramba Bahía Málaga Overview

Uramba Bahía Málaga National Park, or Parque Nacional Uramba Bahía Málaga in Spanish, is a coastal and marine park located on the Pacific coast of Colombia in the Valle del Cauca Department.

Covering approximately 190 square miles (491 square kilometers), the park is situated near the port city of Buenaventura. This protected area is renowned for its stunning coastline, rich marine biodiversity, and dense mangrove forests, making it an important ecological and conservation site. The park is particularly famous for its role as a seasonal breeding and calving ground for humpback whales, drawing visitors from around the world.

The landscape of Uramba Bahía Málaga National Park is dominated by a combination of rocky shores, sandy beaches, and lush mangrove swamps. These mangrove forests, which include species such as red, black, and white mangroves, provide essential habitats for a variety of marine and terrestrial species.

The park is also characterized by numerous small inlets and estuaries that support a complex web of life. Several waterfalls, such as the well-known La Sierpe Waterfall, cascade directly into the ocean, creating a striking contrast between freshwater and saltwater ecosystems. The surrounding rainforests add to the park’s scenic beauty, filled with towering trees and dense undergrowth that support a high level of biodiversity.

The park is home to an impressive variety of wildlife, both on land and in the ocean. One of its most famous inhabitants is the humpback whale, which migrates from Antarctica to the warm waters of the Colombian Pacific between July and November to give birth and nurse their young.

Dolphins, including bottlenose and pantropical spotted dolphins, are also frequently seen in the park’s waters. On land, the forests provide habitat for mammals such as the ocelot and the neotropical otter. Birdwatchers can enjoy spotting species like the harpy eagle, brown pelican, and the vibrant toucan. The waters of the park teem with marine life, including sea turtles, rays, and a variety of reef fish, making it a paradise for snorkeling and diving.

Uramba Bahía Málaga National Park is popular for its breathtaking natural features and the opportunities it offers for ecotourism. Whale watching is the primary attraction, with many guided tours operating during the migration season to observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.

Visitors can also explore the park’s mangrove forests by canoe, providing an intimate way to experience the rich biodiversity of these ecosystems. Hiking trails through the rainforest lead to hidden waterfalls and secluded beaches, offering a mix of adventure and tranquility.

Snorkeling and diving allow visitors to experience the vibrant underwater world, while cultural interactions with local Afro-Colombian communities provide insight into the traditions and way of life of the people who call this region home.

The park faces significant conservation challenges, including habitat destruction due to deforestation and pollution from nearby human activities. The increase in tourism, while beneficial for the local economy, also puts pressure on the park’s ecosystems.

However, conservation efforts have been successful in promoting sustainable tourism practices and raising awareness about the importance of protecting the park’s biodiversity. Strict regulations on fishing and boating activities have helped maintain marine life populations, and ongoing research on humpback whales contributes to global conservation efforts for these magnificent creatures.

Park Map

Uramba Bahía Málaga National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Birds

Uramba Bahía Málaga National Park’s mangrove forests, coral reefs, and nutrient-rich waters make it one of Colombia’s most avian friendly regions.

Brown Pelican
A common sight along the coast, brown pelicans are expert fishers, diving into the ocean from great heights to catch their prey.

Magnificent Frigatebird
Recognizable by its long wingspan and distinctive red throat pouch, the magnificent frigatebird soars over the park’s coastline, often stealing fish from other birds.

Roseate Spoonbill
This striking wading bird is commonly seen in the park’s wetlands, using its unique spoon-shaped bill to sift through mud for food.

American Oystercatcher
Recognizable by its black-and-white plumage and bright orange beak, this coastal bird feeds on mollusks along the park’s shorelines.

Black-necked Stilt
A long-legged wader, the black-necked stilt is often seen in the park’s mudflats and estuaries, feeding on small invertebrates.

Great Egret
A graceful white heron, the great egret is commonly found in the park’s wetlands, patiently hunting fish and amphibians in shallow waters.

Whimbrel
A long-distance migratory shorebird, the whimbrel stops in Uramba Bahía Málaga to rest and feed during its migration between North and South America.

Little Blue Heron
This elegant wading bird transitions from white juvenile plumage to blue-gray as an adult and is commonly seen stalking prey in mangrove swamps.

Royal Tern
A sleek seabird, the royal tern is often observed diving into the ocean to catch small fish, frequently gathering in large groups on sandy beaches.

White Ibis
This wading bird is commonly seen in the park’s wetlands and along the shore, foraging for crustaceans and small fish.

As a vital breeding ground for humpback whales and sea turtles, the park plays a crucial role in preserving the biodiversity of the Pacific Ocean. Whether for whale watching, birdwatching, or marine exploration, Uramba Bahía Málaga offers visitors an unparalleled opportunity to experience one of Colombia’s most breathtaking coastal ecosystems.

Uramba Bahía Málaga National Park, located on the Pacific coast of Colombia, is a marine and coastal protected area covering approximately 47,094 hectares. The park is known for its dense mangrove forests, tropical rainforests, coral reefs, and estuarine ecosystems, making it one of the most important biodiversity hotspots on Colombia’s Pacific coast. It is particularly famous for being a key breeding and calving site for humpback whales, which migrate from Antarctica to its warm waters each year.

Humpback Whale
One of the park’s most iconic species, humpback whales migrate to the warm waters of Bahía Málaga between July and October to breed and give birth. Visitors can witness their spectacular breaching and tail-slapping behaviors.

Neotropical River Otter
An excellent swimmer, the neotropical river otter thrives in the park’s rivers and estuaries, where it hunts for fish, crustaceans, and amphibians.

West Indian Manatee
A gentle marine mammal, the West Indian manatee is occasionally spotted in the park’s mangrove lagoons, grazing on aquatic vegetation.

Green Sea Turtle
This endangered species nests along the park’s coastline and is frequently seen swimming in the warm waters of the Pacific, feeding on seagrass and algae.

Hawksbill Sea Turtle
Critically endangered, the hawksbill sea turtle is a vital species for maintaining coral reef health, as it feeds on sponges and other reef organisms.

American Crocodile
A top predator in the park’s mangrove forests, the American crocodile preys on fish, birds, and small mammals.

Crab-eating Raccoon
Adapted to coastal environments, this raccoon species forages for crabs, fish, and fruits in the park’s mangrove forests.

Common Bottlenose Dolphin
These intelligent and social marine mammals are frequently spotted in the park’s waters, where they communicate with complex vocalizations and hunt in coordinated groups.

Pacific Ghost Crab
This small, nocturnal crustacean is commonly found along the park’s sandy beaches, digging burrows and scavenging along the shoreline.

Goliath Grouper
A massive reef fish, the goliath grouper is an important species in the park’s marine ecosystem, helping regulate populations of smaller fish and crustaceans.