Nuquí Surf Guide
A small town that’s much less touristy than other places in Latin America, Nuquí is home to some solid uncrowded waves.
Quick Facts
Constent swells year-round
Waves for every skill level
Will likely be raining
Super quiet lineups
Introduction to Nuquí
Located in the department of Chocó on the Pacific coast, Nuquí is a small little town with incredible nature and laid back vibes. It’s not very touristy, but you’ll find a rad Afro-Colombian and indigenous culture thriving. WiFi is limited in town, but the waves are not. There are multiple breaks in the area including left-hand reef breaks, river-mouth breaks, and plenty of sandy bottom waves for beginners. This part of Colombia is definitely great for nature lovers and those looking for something more relaxing and quiet.
Nuquí Surf Season
The surf season in Nuquí is the North American summer (May-August). During these months you’ll find more powerful and deeper swells rolling in, and pretty consistent offshore winds. Some days can get blown out or choppy, but it still is fairly consistent. During the “dry” season, or North American winter, you’ll get super consistent, clean, and smaller waves. I use dry in quotations because Nuquí is known to be one of the wettest places on the planet. You’ll find rain year round.
Where to Surf in Nuquí
Nuquí itself serves as the hub for the nearby surf spots in the area. Here we’ll focus on Tribuga, a popular spot that is close to town and has consistent waves. It works well with the southwestern swells, and at high tide. It is “popular” but rarely actually crowded.
Crowds - Not overly
Surfer Level - Beginner-Intermediate
Ideal Swell - W/SW
Ideal Wind - E, light
Break Type - Beach
Consistency - 80%
Be Aware: rocks and rips
Surf Camps, Classes, and Lessons in Nuquí
NewTours Colombia - With plenty of tours and surf camps around Colombia, Newtours is the place to go for a surf camp in Nuquí. They offer 4 day beginner camps for around $600 and 4 day intermediate camps (for two people) for about $1500. They handle the boat transfer, take you to different breaks in the area, include all meals, and can work with your skill level!
From the Store
Nearby Surf Spots
Pico de Loro
About 40 minutes on a boat from Nuquí, Pico de Loro can offer solid hollow waves when the SW swells roll in. It’s remote and super empty.
Crowds - Nope
Surfer Level - Intermediate+
Ideal Swell - W/SW
Ideal Wind - E/NE
Break Type - Reef
Consistency - 70%
Be Aware: Reef
Terco
Terco is a fast moving wave that is super accessible, with eco-lodges lining the shore. A great spot for intermediates to play on punchy waves.
Crowds - Little
Surfer Level - Intermediate+
Ideal Swell - W/SW
Ideal Wind - N/NE
Break Type - Beach
Consistency - 80%
Be Aware: Nada
Guachalito
With waves for everyone, the sand-bottomed Guachalito is a beautiful place for any surfer to get some time in the water. Plenty of beginner waves on offer and some longboard waves.
Crowds - Little
Surfer Level - Any
Ideal Swell - W/SW
Ideal Wind - N/NE
Break Type - Beach
Consistency - 80%
Be Aware: Lots of beginners
Juan Tornillo
A more advanced wave, this reef break is impacted by the nearby rivermouth. Usually a left, this wave is hollow and quite technical. Works best at about head-high.
Crowds - Nope
Surfer Level - Advanced
Ideal Swell - W/SW
Ideal Wind - N/NE
Break Type - Reef
Consistency - 70%
Be Aware: Shallow reef
Olimpica
One of the least crowded and best intermediate waves in the area. Offers both lefts and rights, without many crowds.
Crowds - Nope
Surfer Level - Intermediate+
Ideal Swell - W/SW
Ideal Wind - N/NE
Break Type - Beach
Consistency - 70%
Be Aware: Nada
Coquí
Quick and consistent, Coquí is a top spot for intermediate surfers. This beach break has a sandy bottom and relatively soft waves.
Crowds - Very little
Surfer Level - Beg/Intermed.
Ideal Swell - W/SW
Ideal Wind - N/NE
Break Type - Beach
Consistency - 70%
Be Aware: Lots of beginners
Other Things to Do in Nuquí
Whale Watching - From July to October, the humpback whales migrate throught his area to give birth. There are boat tours that leave from Nuquí and Guachalito to see these animals up close. You also can frequently see them from shore during this time.
Termales Hot Springs - Located just an hour boat ride from Nuquí, the natural thermal springs are absolutely gorgeous. There’s a quiet beach for swimming, dense rainforest, and a super relaxing vibe.
Visit Utria National Park - You can take a tour through the beautiful national park to see mangroves, beaches, rainforests, and all the animals that call this part of Colombia home.
Snorkeling and Diving - Playa Guachalito and Piedra Piedra have healthy volcanic rock reefs with plenty of marine life. It’s a great place to SCUBA or snorkel.
Where to Stay in Nuquí
Santa Teresa has options for everyone. There are budget-friendly hotels and hostels, private residences, and luxurious and romantic resorts.
Budget-Friendly Hotels (~$50/night)
Petra Hotel
Small hotel in Nuquí
Located right in town, Petra is a small, 8 room hotel. There’s free WiFi, beach view rooms, and rooms for families and groups. It’s hard to beat the value offered for the price in Nuquí.
Bahía Terco
Beachfront ecohotel at Playa Terco
Located right on the beach, Bahía Terco is close to surf. You can also snorkel or whalewatch from the hotel. There’s fishing, volleyball, nice balconies in ever unit, and easy access to the sea.
Hotels in Nuquí (~$150-200/night)
La Kuka
Treehouse-vibe hotel in Nuqui
Just a five minute walk from Nuqui Beach, La Kuka is an awesome treehouse-style hotel in town. Surrounded by jungle, there are pool, individual rooms, and double and triple rooms. A great option for those wanting to be up in the treetops in the peace of the jungle!
La Martina
Ecolodge on the river
Located on the river, La Martina is an awesome little ecolodge with rooms for everyone. It’s the place to be for nature-lovers who want something remote and connected with the natural world on offer in this part of Colombia.
Homes for Groups (~$170/night)
Casa Prana
Two bedroom home in Termales
Just 150m from the beach down south in Termales, Casa Prana is a great place for a family or small group. You can walk to town or the beach, go hiking at Cuatro Encantos, or visit the hot springs we mentioned earlier!
Cabañas Playa Terco
Cabins steps from the surf
Located down south of Nuquí, these cabins are located right on the beach at Playa Terco. You’re steps form the beach in a beautiful and rich jungle environment. There are 6 cabins, and it’s a great spot for groups of surfers!
Getting to Nuquí
There are two ways to reach Nuquí. It’s not the easiest place to reach, but is well worth the trip. There is incredibly dense rainforest as well as multiple rivers in the area. The swampy terrain and heavy rains make land access impossible. Most hotels and surf camps can help organize transportation.
By Air - You can fly into Reyes Murillo Airport in Nuquí from Colombia. It’s a short flight, and you’ll have incredible views out the window.
By Water - You can also reach Nuquí via speedboats that take about 8 hours from Buenaventura, or two hours from Bahía Solano.
Restaurants in Nuquí
Nuquí isn’t the tourist land you’ll find in other parts of Colombia. We recommend eating at some of the lcoal comedores in the town center, or the seafood shacks near the pier.
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