After arriving in Nuquí following a terrible boat ride, we were looking forward to putting that behind us and having some amazing experiences. This area at this particular time of year did not disappoint. It should be noted that this is one of the rainiest regions on the planet getting over 390 inches of rain per year on average with over 350 days of rain on average per year. We just happened to get really lucky while we were there.
We talked to our hosts at the hostel where we were staying who had recommended a boat captain to give us a tour. The host contacted our boat captain and set everything up for us and gave us the price. It was the equivalent of about $100 USD for three people for the entire day including excursions, food and transportation.
Our first stop was a tiny little island where we were welcomed by thousands of tiny crab. We took a very short walk to a waterfall, which was a welcome reprieve from the heat of the coastal summer. We all climbed up to the waterfall pool and welcomed the refreshingly cold water on our sweat soaked skin. After a short dip, we made our way back to the boat, which we all, the entire tour group, had to push the boat back into the ocean as the tide had receded.
This trip also took us to Playa Blanca where we stopped to play in the pristine water, take a short nap and eat lunch before heading to the main park in the Utria National Park. The meal was delicious and fresh, made from the fish freshly caught by the fishermen living on the tiny island. We drank coconut water from fresh coconuts and dipped in the ocean to cool off from the searing heat of the afternoon sun.
When everyone was finished eating, we headed back to the boat and started making our way to the main park when we came across a humpback whale and her newborn calf. This area is famous for the migratory humpback whale and their offspring. Every year this area teems with the mamas and their babies as the mamas teach their babies to breach and feed. These creatures are enormous! We were able to see quite a few of the whales on our way to the park, and each and every time, we were awestruck. If the babies are the size of an Orca whale, so you can just imagine how large the Cow (mother whale) is.
When we arrived to the nature preserve, we were required to sign in and pay a fee, it was the equivalent of about $7-$8 USD per person. They gave us a little tour and information about the park and the surrounding flora and fauna. The tour lasts about an hour and then you’re free to explore for the remaining time until your captain has scheduled the departure.
The island is beautiful, the color of the water a mix between aquamarine and deep ocean blue, yet not quite turquoise. The sounds of birds chirping and the click-clack of crab as they scurry up the trees and across the ground. This land is uninhabited except for a small group of marine biologists who are there to study the marine ecosystem.
The area is absolutely beautiful. We came in August, so it was hot and humid, but we ended up having zero days with rain and were able to fully enjoy the spectacular scenery of the nearly untouched pacific coast of Colombia. Check out the video below for a look beyond the photos, it’s definitely worth putting on the list for a visit in Colombia.