Gorgona Island (Colombia)
Gorgona is a Colombian island in the Pacific Ocean situated about 28 km (17 mi) off the Colombian Pacific coast. The island is 9 km (5.6 mi) long and 2.5 km (1.6 mi) across at its widest, with a maximum height of 338 m (1,109 ft) and a total area of 26 km2 (10 sq mi). Gorgona is separated from the continent by a 270 m (890 ft) deep underwater depression.
| Gorgona National Natural Park | |
|---|---|
IUCN category II (national park) | |
Map of the island | |
Gorgona Island Location of Gorgona Island Gorgona Island Gorgona Island (Colombia) | |
| Location | Pacific Ocean |
| Nearest city | Guapí, Cauca |
| Coordinates | 02°58′03″N 78°10′49″W |
| Area | 620 km2 (240 sq mi) marine 26 km2 (10 sq mi) land |
| Established | 1984 |
| Governing body | SINAP |
Administratively, the island is part of the Municipality of Guapí in the Department of Cauca. Gorgona functioned as a prison from 1959 until 1984 when it was turned into a National Natural Park. The island, noted for its many endemic species and unique ecosystems, was established as Gorgona Island National Park in 1985, in order to preserve its richly varied wildlife of the sub-tropical forest and the coral reefs offshore.