Bahía Solano

Written by Marcus Kayode, Marika Maslanka, Santiago Rodriguez
03/08/2025
Bahía Solano in August 2025
Fotografía oficial de la Presidencia de Colombia, Wikimedia Commons

Bahía Solano, located on Colombia's Pacific coast in the Chocó region, offers a unique blend of lush rainforest and pristine black-sand beaches, making it an ideal destination for nature and adventure enthusiasts. It is particularly renowned for its exceptional biodiversity and serves as a prime location for whale watching.

While Bahía Solano itself is a small town, areas like El Valle, about 22 kilometers away, and beaches such as Playa Almejal offer some hotels and bars for socializing. For backpackers, several hostels in Bahía Solano are designed to be social, offering communal kitchens, organized activities like walking tours, and opportunities to connect with other travelers.

Top 6 Things to do in Bahía Solano

Bahía Solano offers a compelling array of experiences, primarily centered on marine wildlife encounters, immersive jungle treks, and tranquil beach relaxation.

1. Whale Watching Excursion

Between July and October, humpback whales journey to the warm waters off Bahía Solano to breed and give birth. Visitors embark on boat excursions to witness these magnificent creatures breaching and playing, with some tours offering hydrophones to listen to their songs. Beyond whales, it is possible to spot dolphins, sea turtles, and various seabirds during these outings. This activity provides a memorable connection with the Pacific's abundant marine life.

Cost: Expect to pay around COP 120,000 to COP 180,000 (approximately USD 30-45) for a 3- to 5-hour tour. More specialized or scientific trips may cost up to COP 200,000 (approximately USD 50).

Transport: Most tours depart from the main town of Bahía Solano (Ciudad Mutis). Depending on the tide, a short walk to the beach or a tuk-tuk ride to the dock may be necessary. For those staying in El Valle, a 45-minute tuk-tuk ride to Bahía Solano (approximately COP 10,000 or USD 2.5) is required to reach the departure point.

2. Explore Utria National Natural Park

Utria National Natural Park is a biodiverse haven where lush rainforest meets the Pacific Ocean. Visitors can navigate boardwalks through dense mangrove forests, observe diverse bird species, and enjoy snorkeling in the calm lagoon. The park also serves as a critical breeding ground for humpback whales and nesting site for sea turtles. A guided visit unveils the intricate ecosystems of this protected area.

Cost: The entrance fee for foreigners is approximately COP 50,000 to COP 60,000 (approximately USD 12.50-15). Hiring a local guide, which is highly recommended for exploring the park, costs an additional COP 50,000 (approximately USD 12.50).

Transport: Access to Utria National Natural Park is primarily by boat. A boat trip from El Valle takes about an hour. A day tour from Bahía Solano to the park may cost around COP 90,000 (approximately USD 22.50) per person. For a private boat, round-trip transportation from Bahía Solano can range from COP 300,000 to COP 600,000 (approximately USD 75-150), which can be shared among a group.

3. Jungle Hikes to Waterfalls

The surrounding rainforest of Bahía Solano conceals several captivating waterfalls and natural pools, offering refreshing escapes. The Airport Waterfall and Chocolatal Waterfall are easily accessible on foot from Bahía Solano town, providing cool, fresh water for swimming. For a more immersive experience, a guided hike through the jungle can lead to more remote cascades like El Tigre or Nabugá, revealing the incredible biodiversity of the Chocó region.

Cost: Walks to waterfalls near the town, like Airport Waterfall and Chocolatal Waterfall, typically incur no direct cost beyond personal expenses. For more remote waterfalls or guided jungle treks, costs vary depending on the tour operator and duration, but a guide is recommended for safety and to enhance the experience. Some packaged tours to Nabugá Waterfall include the boat trip and guide.

Transport: The Airport Waterfall is a 10-minute walk from the José Celestino Mutis airport. Chocolatal Waterfall is about a 40-minute walk from Bahía Solano town. Nabugá Waterfall requires a 40-minute boat ride from Bahía Solano, followed by a 15-minute hike. El Tigre Waterfall is accessible by boat from El Valle or via a longer, guided jungle hike (around 6 hours).

4. Beach Exploration and Relaxation

Bahía Solano is fringed with pristine black-sand beaches, each offering a distinct charm. Playa Almejal, located near El Valle, is known for its expansive sands, larger waves suitable for surfing, and as a favored nesting site for sea turtles. Playa Huina, a popular choice, provides calm waters for swimming and opportunities for relaxation. Playa Mecana, also accessible by boat, is dotted with eco-lodges. Playa de los Deseos offers a tranquil retreat for quiet contemplation.

Cost: Access to the beaches is generally free. Boat rides to more secluded beaches like Playa Huina or Playa Mecana from Bahía Solano typically cost around COP 60,000 (approximately USD 15). Surf lessons at Playa Almejal would be an additional cost, as would renting snorkeling masks (around COP 25,000 or USD 6.25).

Transport: El Valle and Playa Almejal are about 22 kilometers from Bahía Solano, reachable by mototaxi/tuk-tuk (approximately COP 10,000 or USD 2.5) from the airport. Playa Huina and Playa Mecana are a 20-25 minute boat ride from Bahía Solano, or a walk at low tide (up to 2 hours), though a boat is recommended. Playa de los Deseos is often reached as part of a jungle hike.

5. Scuba Diving and Snorkeling

The waters surrounding Bahía Solano teem with vibrant marine life, making it a compelling destination for diving and snorkeling. The volcanic rock formations and coral reefs host diverse species, including colorful tropical fish, sea turtles, rays, and occasionally larger pelagic species like hammerhead sharks. Dive sites around Morros Vidales islets and shipwreck locations offer unique underwater explorations. Snorkeling provides an accessible way to experience the shallower marine ecosystems.

Cost: A single scuba dive typically costs between COP 180,000 and COP 300,000 (approximately USD 45-75). Prices for snorkeling are generally more affordable, with mask rentals around COP 25,000 (approximately USD 6.25) if not included in a tour package. Multi-dive packages and certification courses are also available, with prices varying by operator.

Transport: Diving and snorkeling tours usually depart by boat from Bahía Solano or specific dive centers located in the area. Transportation to the dive sites is included in the tour cost. Some popular snorkeling spots, like the lagoon in Utria National Natural Park, are reached via park excursions.

6. Cultural Immersion with Emberá Communities

Engaging with the local indigenous Emberá communities offers a profound cultural immersion. Visitors can learn about their ancestral traditions, unique crafts, and traditional way of life, experiencing a distinct facet of Colombia's heritage. These visits often involve observing daily activities and understanding their close relationship with the natural environment.

Cost: Costs for visiting Emberá communities vary, often requiring a minimum group size. It is best to arrange through local agencies or eco-lodges, who work directly with the communities to ensure respectful and sustainable tourism practices. These tours often include a local guide.

Transport: Access to Emberá communities typically involves a boat journey from Bahía Solano or El Valle, followed by a walk into the village. Specific transport details and costs are usually coordinated with the local agency or guide facilitating the visit.

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