Cali Sundays Whale Watching Tour: A Detailed Review
Okay, so you are thinking about a day trip to see some whales, and the Cali Sundays Whale Watching tour is perhaps something you’re looking at? Really, very few experiences compare to witnessing these gentle giants in their natural habitat, and, in some respects, Colombia’s Pacific coast gives you an opportunity to do just that. This review is here, more or less, to give you, like your own personal guide, all the information you will want before deciding if this adventure is for you. We’re going to touch on just what you can expect, very including the good bits, some bits that are perhaps less good, and some overall recommendations.
What to Expect on Your Whale Watching Day Tour
The Cali Sundays tour to go and view the whales is typically a full-day affair, so you will want to be ready for a commitment of time and energy. Typically, first, there’s transportation, so often, starting from Cali, where there is, at first, a rather lengthy bus journey that brings you to the coast. As a matter of fact, this journey can take several hours, that gets you there in time, often, for a boat trip out on to the ocean.
The main goal, definitely, is to spot humpback whales, that make their yearly migration to the warmer waters of Colombia for breeding and calving. Actually, seeing these creatures breach, slap their tails, and glide gracefully through the waves is pretty special. In fact, a guide on board that tells you facts about the whales’ behavior and conservation efforts really gives something to think about.
Lunch is something included on the trip, often, that allows you, obviously, to sample local cuisine. Also, after the whale watching bit, that tends to be some time to explore a nearby town, and there is, honestly, time for a swim in the ocean, that adds a certain variety to the day.
The Good Stuff: Highlighting the Positives
Right, one of the major draws really to this tour is, of course, the whale watching itself. Actually, it’s an amazing experience, you know, to watch these animals in person, and I am not kidding, but you are going to want to get your camera ready! Often, tour operators follow responsible viewing practices to decrease disturbance to the whales, that will ensure that the experience is as ethical as it possibly can be. Anyway, whale sightings are really pretty common during peak season (usually from July to October), that really raises the chances of witnessing these great mammals.
Also, you get some support from very experienced guides that really know about the local area and about whale behavior. They give really useful facts and commentary, really raising the educational value of the tour. Frankly, getting away from Cali is a fantastic idea in itself, and exploring a more or less different side of Colombia, especially its coast, is a chance to do something unique. It really is a day of scenery, sea air, and wildlife!
Things to Consider: Addressing Potential Drawbacks
Okay, it’s definitely wise to consider certain downsides so you go in, you know, with your eyes open. As a matter of fact, the bus journey from Cali to the coast can be tiring, especially as it’s a long day overall. Seriously, roads are not always in the best shape, that causes a bumpy ride, potentially, for the traveller.
Also, it should be said that sea conditions sometimes mean choppy waters, so if you tend to feel a little nauseous, really take the steps necessary to prepare in advance. Then you can actually enjoy it! Although whale sightings are common, anyway, there’s no absolute guarantee, especially because we are talking about wild animals. As a matter of fact, some days they are maybe more visible than others, right?
Seriously, tour group sizes, sometimes, could be rather large, potentially making it a bit hard to hear the guide or get that ideal viewing spot. Basically, the infrastructure in some of the coastal towns is often a little less built up than that of the large cities, therefore expectations regarding comfort and amenities should be moderate.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Tour
To perhaps enhance your whale watching trip, as I was saying, it helps to pack wisely. And so, take sunscreen, that offers proper protection against the sun’s rays, especially when you are out on the water. Seriously, you will not want a sunburn!
Also, it’s worth bringing a hat and sunglasses, they add some defense against sun and glare, really helping you view everything better. If you’re prone to motion sickness, well, bring some medication along to relieve those symptoms and ensure comfort out at sea. Really, it might be worth taking it just in case, kind of. It is advisable, clearly, to wear layers, that helps deal with changing weather conditions all through the day.
So, to document your experiences, take a camera that has a zoom lens, to bring those distant whales a bit nearer. Respecting the environment is quite crucial, so adhere to guidelines from tour operators in order to lower disturbances to whales and their habitat. If at all achievable, you should try to book during peak whale watching season, which, naturally, usually runs from July to October, seriously maximising your viewing opportunities. It can, however, be more expensive at this time.
Is the Cali Sundays Whale Watching Tour Worth It? A Final Look
To be honest, if the thought of seeing humpback whales breaching the ocean surface sounds fun, basically, the Cali Sundays Whale Watching tour can be, in fact, an unforgettable adventure. The journey, even though long, very is, to be honest, compensated for by the sheer thrill of witnessing these fantastic animals in their place of origin. As I was saying, be sure you go in prepared with complete awareness of the potential drawbacks, for example the travel time and any possible sea sickness, in order to maximise your happiness. Finally, for nature enthusiasts and travellers looking to do something great beyond Colombia’s city landscapes, seriously, this tour is something to consider!
Okay, so is this tour a good investment of money and time? If that is, arguably, what you would like to know. If you love wildlife, particularly, then seriously, definitely, the answer is a resounding yes. Just picture watching whales in their natural area with the gorgeous Pacific coast as a setting, but really it is not always guaranteed that you will witness a whale breaching!
If you appreciate well guided and organised tours, also, that enhance the whale watching, actually the Cali Sundays tour is perhaps pretty appropriate. Honestly, weigh up both positives and negatives depending on your own likes, and you will then be better placed to decide! Remember you could get sick!
