Every year, humpback whales migrate from the cold waters of the Antarctic north to the warmer waters off of Colombia’s coast.  They do so to mate, and the following year they return to give birth.  It’s a truly amazing thing, and one of the neatest things to do in Colombia. However, Colombia's Pacific Coast also has a lot to offer in addition to the amazing experience of seeing the whales.  Here you’ll learn about 5 Reasons to visit the Colombia’s Pacific Coast, only one of which is whales.   So even if you can’t make it during whale season, you’re sure to get one out of a trip to Colombia’s Pacific coast.  

1- Seeing the Whales

  5 Reasons to visit the Colombia’s Pacific Coast
Main draw of traveling to Colombia’s Pacific coast / Photo: Canva Pro
This is probably the main draw of traveling to Colombia’s Pacific coast.  It is really a fascinating experience seeing these amazing animals.  If you’re lucky, you may even get to see a family with their newborn baby whale! During the whale-watching season, they are fairly plentiful and easy to spot, although there may be fewer toward the beginning or end of the season.  You may also get a chance to spot some dolphins.  They are good fun, as they love to jump over the waves thrown up behind a boat, and if you’re lucky you may end up with a group following your boat and putting on a show! When is the Whale Watching Season in Colombia's Pacific Coast ? The whales only come to enjoy the warm waters for part of the year.  They usually start to arrive in July and can still be spotted as late as October.  However, the best time to see whales in Colombia is from August-September.  There should be plenty to see during this period during the heart of the season for whale watching in Colombia's Pacific Coast.   Travel Tip:  Book an all-inclusive tour to go whale watching in Colombia's Pacific Coast.  If you can’t make it to Colombia for whale season, you could also see them on a whale watching tour in Argentina, where there is a longer season from July to December.  You can also book a penguin viewing tour there!   However, even if you can’t make it during whale season, don’t let that deter you from planning a trip to Colombia’s Pacific coast.  Read on to learn 4 other reasons you should visit the region.  

2- It’s an Adventure

  5 Reasons to visit the Colombia’s Pacific Coast
It is possible to reach Bahia Solano and Nuqui by charter flight / Photo: Adam McConnaughhay
  It’s become almost a cliché to call places “off the beaten path,” but that really is the case withColombia's Pacific Coast.  The two main areas to go whale watching are Bahía Solano and Nuquí.  Both are fairly isolated  towns without much development. They are also both most easily reached by small, prop plane charter flights.  While it is also possibly to reach them by boat out of the city of Buenaventura, the boats go over rough seas, and Buenaventura is not recommended to visit due to security issues. It’s possible to get flights out of Medellín or Quibdó.  Don’t worry though, these flights are so short, they don’t get high enough to face much turbulence.  However, you will probably want to use the provided earplugs for the loud sound of the propellers!   Travel Tip:  If you are flying through Medellín, consider a comfortable and safe private airport transfer for the hour plus ride from the main airport as well as a Medellín city tour or a day tour to the pretty town of Guatapé outside Medellín.    

3- The Amazing Beaches

  5 Reasons to visit the Colombia’s Pacific Coast
Guachalito beach, on the outskirts of Nuquí / Photo: Adam McConnaughhay
  The beaches of Colombia's Pacific Coast may be lesser known than their more famous counterparts in Colombia’s Caribbean.  However, that’s not because they aren’t pretty. The Guachalito Beach outside of Nuquí is a terrific stretch of beach with hardly any development besides a handful of lodges and hostels.  It’s perfect for relaxing and taking in the sun between dips in the waters of the Colombian Pacific.  You might even catch a glimpse of a whale from the beach!   Travel Tip:  Want to check out some other amazing beaches in Colombia?  Consider a visit to the famous Playa Blanca or the Rosario Islands near Cartagena or the amazing Johnny Cay or the other beaches and activities on the island of San Andres.    

4- It’s a Great Eco-Tourism Destination

  5 Reasons to visit the Colombia’s Pacific Coast
Don't forget to visit Utría National Park / Photo: Adam McConnaughhay
  As noted above, these areas are fairly isolated and undeveloped.  You won’t find big, high-rise hotels or the noise and pollution of lots of cars here.  Instead, you’ll be able to really enjoy being out in nature. The scenery of the forests of the Chocó along the coast is pretty enough, but in addition to the natural wonder of the whales and the gorgeous beaches, you can also visit the Utría National Park.  It is located about midway between Nuquí and Bahía Solano and is easily reached by boat from both. At Utría Park, the small bay is a popular place for the whales to come to give birth.  There’s also a terrific boardwalk through the mangrove forest where you can spot lots of birds, butterflies, and colorful fish swimming in the shallows. Near Nuquí, you can also visit the thermal pools at Aguas Calientes and there is also a waterfall you can visit in the hills above Guachalito beach.  Meanwhile, near Bahía Solano, you can visit the Botanical Gardens of the Pacific.  If you can arrange transportation, it may also be possible to visit Gorgona Island, an uninhabited island that used to be a prison colony and is now a national park. In addition to all of the natural attractions, most of the eco-lodges and hostels in the area are locally owned and operated.  Many of them also have very eco-friendly and sustainable operations, using solar panels or water generated electricity and serving up fresh local fish and produce.   Travel Tip:  Other great ecotourism destinations in Colombia include the mountain town of Minca, a visit to the Cocora Valley, horseback riding, and a hot air balloon ride in coffee region.    

5- Getting Away from it All

  5 Reasons to visit the Colombia’s Pacific Coast
Enjoy a spectacular view in total tranquility / Photo: Adam McConnaughhay
  Besides seeing the whales, perhaps the nicest part of a visit to Colombia’s Pacific coast is that you are simply getting away from it all.  You can spend some time enjoying the beautiful beaches, connecting with nature, and just plain chilling out! Cell phone service is spotty at best along the Pacific coast, and you’re likely to only have electricity at your lodge for part of the day.  Take advantage of that!  Take a good book and enjoy the company of whomever you travel with, or if you go alone, whomever you meet along the way.  It’s the perfect place to disconnect from work, school, or whatever else you need some time away from for a few days.   Travel Tip:  Learn about all the top activities in all Colombia with Daytours4u   In sum, while yes, whale watching in the Colombian Pacific is the number 1 reason to visit, it’s certainly not the only reason.  And even if you are unable to make it during whale season, you’ll surely still enjoy these other great reasons to visit Colombia's Pacific Coast!
By:  Adam McConnaughhay, a school teacher who lives in Cartagena, Colombia, has been whale watching in Nuquí, and writes about Colombia at CartagenaExplorer.com