The Nuqui area attracts lots of ecotourists, visitors who come here to take canoe tours of the mangroves, try the hot springs, and, most of all, sunbathe and surf in the several beaches around. But the best reason to visit the unspoiled, nearly deserted beaches here is the whales. Every year between June and October, humpback whales make their way to the area to breed and give birth.

Beaches in Nuqui tend to be on the small side, separated from each other by mangrove forests. This makes each small beach feel very private – arrive in the morning, and chances are you’ll have the entire place to yourself, except for pelicans stopping by after a snack.

A 30-minute boat ride away from Nuqui is Guachalito Beach, a long stretch of sandy coastline against a background of coconut palms and thick green jungle. Hard to reach and one of the cleanest beaches in the area, this is a great destination if you want a larger beach while still keeping the crowds small.