Surfing el Almejal Beach, Chocó: Exploring a Colombian Surf Scene

Introduction to Surfing at Almejal Beach

Playa Almejal sits on the Pacific coast of Chocó, one of the most biodiverse and least visited stretches of coastline in South America. There are no roads connecting this corner of Colombia to the interior of the countrt. Getting here requires a flight from a local airport or a cargo boat up from Buenaventura, and the effort involved filters out everything casual and accidental, leaving behind a coastline that feels genuinely untouched and a surf experience that is authentic as anywhere in the Americas.

The beach break here is powerful and consistent, shaped by Pacific swells that arrive with the full force of an open ocean behind them, and the jungle that backs the beach is one of the most biodiverse on earth, all the while pressing itself right to the edge of the sand and fills the air with a humidity and vitality that makes the whole experience feel completely unlike any other surf destination in the world. Playa Almejal is not a destination for those seeking comfort and convenience. It is a destination for those seeking something real.

Best Season to Surf Almejal Beach

• The High Swell Season: April to October. This period experiences the strongest ocean energy from the South Pacific. The waves are larger and more consistent. This also perfectly coincides with the humpback whale migration, where you can often see whales breaching from the lineup.
• Beginner Recommendation – The Dry Season: December to April. This is the sunniest time of year in Chocó. The swells are cleaner and more organized, providing perfect conditions for beginners and intermediate surfers to practice their turns on the beach break.

Surf Spots at Almejal Beach

Almejal Beach (La Ola de el Valle)

Almejal is a classic, sand-bottom beach break. It offers multiple peaks that provide fun, peeling lefts and rights. The wave is generally mellow and forgiving, making it one of the best places in the Chocó region for beginner and intermediate surfers. It works through most tide stages, though mid-to-high tide is often preferred for more power. The backdrop of the primary jungle and the vastness of the beach make every session here feel like a wilderness adventure.

A showcase of some of the beginner waves out along the beach.

Recommended Lodge and Surf Acommodation

The Humpback Turtle

The heartbeat of Playa Almejal since 2011, when the first bungalow went up and the whole thing began with camping, surfing and grilling on the beach. More than a decade later the spirit is unchanged. The bungalows are built entirely from natural materials sourced from the surrounding region, and the whole place sits nestled between two freshwater streams, backed by the dense Chocó rainforest with the Pacific right in front.

The surf break at Almejal is right there on the doorstep, and board rental and lessons are available for those who want them. But the Humpback is also the gateway to one of the most extraordinary activities in Colombia, from whale watching trips during humpback season, boat trips to the El Tigre waterfall where water crashes directly onto the beach, or visiting Utria National Park with its coral reefs and mangrove forests.

The Humpback takes its environmental commitment seriously too by separating waste, composting the kitchen organic matter to fertilise the fruit trees and garden, and building with recycled materials where the local government provides no infrastructure to do otherwise. This is a place that arrived on the land with a sense of duty toward it and has operated accordingly ever since. For adventurous surfers and travellers looking for one of the most authentic and extraordinary beach experiences in South America, Playa Almejal and the Humpback Turtle are the real thing.

Other Things to Do in El Valle / Almejal

• Sea Turtle Conservation: Visit the local turtle hatchery and, depending on the season, participate in the release of baby Olive Ridley turtles into the ocean.
• Whale Watching: Take a boat tour from El Valle to see humpback whales up close as they visit these warm waters to mate and give birth (July–October).
• Utria National Park: A short boat ride away, this park offers some of the most stunning landscapes in Colombia, including a unique coral reef and a calm cove perfect for kayaking.
• Jungle Hikes: Explore the trails leading to the “Casar de el Tigre” or other hidden waterfalls deep within the rainforest.

Conclusion on the Surf Scene in el Almejal Beach

Playa Almejal is not a destination that reveals itself easily, and its certainly not easy to get to. The journey to get here is part of what the place gives you, and by the time you arrive at the Humpback Turtle with the ocean in front and the rainforest behind, the rest of the world has already begun to feel very far away.

The surf is consistently fun, and the nature around it is staggering in its richness and diversity from the experience of spending time here to eating fresh fish from the organic garden, watching humpback whales or paddling out into a Pacific that nobody else is on. It just belongs to a category of travel that is becoming genuinely rare. Chocó does not give itself up to everyone. But for those who make the effort to find it, it gives back more than almost anywhere else on earth, and a fun session is sure to be found.

FAQ: Travel Essentials for Almejal Beach

What is the average water temperature?

The water is tropical and warm year-round, typically between 26°C and 28°C (79°F-82°F). No wetsuit is needed.

What wetsuit thickness do I need?

None! A rash guard is essential to protect against the strong tropical sun and board friction, but the water itself is very warm.

How do I get to Almejal Beach and the Humpback Turtle?

First, make your way to Bahía Solano by plane or boat. as there are no roads. There are daily flights from Medellin’s Olaya Herrera Airport to Bahía Solano, or by boat from Buenaventura. From Bahía Solano take a taxi, car, or tuk-tuk (small boat).

What is the currency and which languages are spoken?

The Colombian Peso (COP) is used. It is vital to bring enough cash from a major city like Medellín or Quibdó, as there are no ATMs in El Valle. Spanish is the main language, but you will find English speakers at The Humpback Turtle.

Is this location good for beginner surfers?

Yes, Almejal Beach is considered the best spot in the Nuquí/El Valle area for beginners due to its sandy bottom and generally mellow wave profile.

Are there other waves to surf in Colombia?

Absolutely! Check out our guide to Surfing in Colombia if you want to check out more locations to find a good improvement or learning session in Colombia!