Colombia’s Pacific coast is as synonymous with exquisite wildlife and fascinating culture as it is with bloody armed conflict. Now, avid wave lovers are hoping to turn the region into Colombia’s top surfing destination, with good reason.
The stretch of beach known as Bahia Solano, easily accessible from the nearby town of El Valle is currently being rigorously promoted by a young Colombian publicisist called Juan Carlos Echeverry, who discovered the location 2004, fell madly in love with it and opened a thriving backpackers hostal in the town.
The hostal rents boards and intends to open a surf school as well as providing information on the area’s wealth of activities such as whale, turtle and dolphin watching, boat excursions and deep-sea fishing, reported newspaper El Tiempo on Thursday.
According to Echeverry, the Bahia Solano beach is, as of yet, unspoilt by tourist resorts and the waves reach three meters. He declared that Bahia Solano and nearby La Bocana and El Almejal are among the best surfing locations in Colombia.
In addition the surfing, Echeverry pointed out that the area is an ideal diving location. “There are over 150 diving points that are suitable for the entire range of levels of aptitude,” confirmed Rodrigo Fajardo, a certified diver.
Today the most popular attraction for divers is the wreck of the ‘Sebastian de Belalcazar’ which sunk in 2004, attracting a wealth of marine life.
There are two daily flights to the region from Medellin and Quibdo, which are connected with other cities.
In Bahia Solano and El Valle there are hotels and hostals for all price ranges.It is possible to rent boats, diving or fishing equipment as well as guides.
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