Gorgona lies 46 km (30 miles) off the coast at Guapi (Cauca), its total area is 61,687 hectares, of which 97% are water and some 1,660 hectares are islands, The island was discovered by Diego de Almagro in 1526.
It was given its name by Francisco Pizarro. In 1959 the Colombian State acquired the rights over the island and since 1985 it has been a National Natural Park.