With 3,000km of coastline, Colombia’s paradisiacal beaches can be found on both the Pacific and Atlantic or Caribbean coasts.For each of us, « going to the sea » is a distinct experience. Some like to sip a cocktail on a deckchair to the rhythm of Caribbean music, others prefer to stroll along a deserted beach and enjoy the sound of waves and birds. Colombia has something for everyone, and that’s just great!
Colombia's Pacific coast: a hidden and little-known paradise
The Colombian Pacific coast, located in the department of Choco, is only accessible by boat from Cali or by small plane from Medellin, making it a little-known destination that has yet to be discovered by mass tourism. To visit Choco is to disconnect from our daily lives, our comforts and our habits; it’s to reconnect with ourselves, with nature and to savour the exclusivity of the destination.
The beaches of Choco
The two main destinations are Bahia Solano and Nuqui. When you arrive at the airport, you take a boat to your lodge in the middle of the jungle by the sea. Now the adventure begins! You’ll have the chance to discover the region’s culinary specialities, with fish and exotic fruits to die for, but Choco is also famous for its whales. From the end of June, the giants of the sea come to calve on the Colombian coast and stay until the end of November, much to the delight of travellers who can observe them on sea outings or even from the beach. For lovers of diving and adventure, the island of Gorgona is the region’s diving destination par excellence. You’re alone in the world, in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, on an island that used to be a prison. You’re in for a real treat!
Colombia's Caribbean coast: from Capurgana to Guajira via Tayrona
The reputation of Colombia’s Caribbean coast is well established. Unlike the Choco, the Caribbean’s beaches are much more accessible, so some are more popular, even if there are still an infinite number of hidden treasures. Among the best-known destinations are the Rosario and San Bernardo archipelagos, home to dozens of small islands. On Isla Grande, Isla Mucura or Isla Tintipan, you can explore the seabed by diving or snorkeling, take a boat trip to discover the surrounding islands or relax on the beach with a cocktail or freshly squeezed fruit juice.
Tayrona Park
The famous Tayrona Park boasts some of the prettiest beaches in the region. To get there, you can either go for a great jungle hike or take a short boat trip. The two experiences are different, but just as incredible.
For kitesurfers, Santa Veronica or Cabo de la Vela, in the Guajira desert, is the place to be. Winds are exceptional from mid-November to July.
Capurgana and Sapzurro
If you’re looking for a destination halfway between the Caribbean and the Pacific: Capurgana and Sapzurro. This little hidden paradise, off the beaten track, lies at the western end of the Caribbean coast, on the border with Panama (you can even spend the day on a Panamanian beach!).
San Andres and Providencia
We can’t finish without mentioning the islands of San Andres and Providencia, two Colombian islands off the coast of Nicaragua. Diving enthusiasts can explore the splendid seabed in these waters of 7 shades of blue.
Would you prefer the Pacific or Caribbean coast for your next trip to Colombia?
