THE BEST PLACES TO SAIL IN COLOMBIA
Hello kiters and wingfoilers, today we're going to explore the best spots in Colombia to practice our beloved water sports, aided by the wind's traction. Damn, this start has been great, to the point, and to say that this article was made by COLOMBIAKITE & COLOMBIA KITETRIPS.
Lake Calima
Lake Calima is known for its constant winds year-round, making it one of the windiest places in the world.
15-25 knots, 18-20°C, flat and choppy water. All levels.
It's a mystical place thanks to its landscapes, stories, and characters, which will surely be the hallmark of an unforgettable experience. It's one of the largest artificial lakes in Colombia, covering 70 square kilometers of water. It's located two hours from Cali and 45 minutes from Buga, making it a central destination for tourists.
Enjoy the panoramic view of the lake, relax and take photos.
Ride on jet skis, jet skis or boats.
Boating or kayaking around the lake.
Connect with nature through hikes or eco-tours.
Visit the María Luisa Waterfall.
Arrive at Palmira Airport, just 20 minutes from Cali. From there, take a taxi or bus to Cali. Then, take a bus from the terminal or directly from the airport to Lake Calima.
Cape of La Vela
Starts in December - Ends in September (approximately 10 months)
18-25 knots, offshore wind - choppy water in the morning and onshore side wind - choppy water in the afternoon. 25-28°C, all weather levels.
It's the most famous spot in La Guajira. The culture thrives on kitesurfing, as it has brought growth and development to the community. Its flat waters and steady, strong winds are ideal for anyone looking to improve their skills.
Enjoy the Big Air show performed by professional local riders.
Visit tourist sites such as the Sugarloaf Mountain, the Lighthouse, Devil's Cave, and small sea pools.
It is the arrival point of the downwind from Punta Gallinas.
It is the starting point for the downwind from Cabo de la Vela to Manaure.
Learn about the Wayuu culture.
Arrive at Riohacha International Airport (RCH) and then board a specialized vehicle for a 5.5-hour drive through the desert. However, a stop in Mayapo is recommended first.
Saint Veronica
From December to May, with medium to strong winds. 15-35 knots. Flat water, small/medium waves, ideal for learning. 24-28°C. All levels.
Santa Verónica is a municipality located 30 minutes from Barranquilla and 45 minutes from Cartagena. It has become a favorite spot for foreigners looking to enjoy good sailing and great waves to learn or advance in wave kitesurfing.
Explore the municipality's beaches.
Enjoy fresh local cuisine, known for its seafood.
Go mountain biking or road biking on designated routes.
Explore the vibrant local culture by participating in beachside activities such as traditional music and dance performances, beach volleyball tournaments, and seaside picnics.
It's only possible to get there by land from Cartagena or Barranquilla. From either city, you can take a taxi, bus, or private vehicle, and the trip takes no more than an hour.
Coveñas
From December to April, medium to strong winds, and from April to September, slightly lighter. Constant winds between 10 and 15 knots. On-side wind, light choppy. All levels.
It's a small town located in the Gulf of Morrosquillo, in the Colombian Caribbean, 45 minutes from Sincelejo and an hour and a half from Montería. It's a little-known paradise for most, but with many attractions and winds to offer.
Caimanera Marsh: Relaxing boat ride through the mangroves with oyster tasting.
Naval Infantry Museum: Explore Coveñas' naval history with a guided tour.
Diving in the San Bernardo Archipelago: Discover coral reefs in a unique diving experience.
Montucuy Cultural Interpretation Center: Learn about local history and try cassava beer.
You can arrive by land or by air. By air, fly to Sincelejo, the capital of Sucre, and then take a minibus to Coveñas. It's about 10 hours from Medellín and 3 hours from Cartagena. By air, take the Los Garzones Airport in Montería, then a bus to Coveñas, which takes about 2 hours.
Chivor
From October to February, 10-25 knots. Flat and choppy water. All levels.
Very close to Bogotá, just two hours away by car, taking the detour to the Sisga Reservoir, off the Autopista Norte highway in the heart of the Tenza Valley, lies a small paradise for kitesurfing enthusiasts: the Chivor Dam.
Travel through emerald mining areas, see waterfalls and tunnels, and mine emeralds as souvenirs.
Visit the Cristo Rey Waterfall.
Learn about ancestral culture at the Indigenous Cemetery.
Local cuisine: Try delicacies such as arepas, chanfaina, chicha, masato, grilled meat, and tamales.
From Bogotá, take the northern highway, then the exit to the Sisga reservoir, passing through Macanal. Chivor is located in the Tenza Valley, surrounded by mountains and a naturalized dam. It's a three-hour drive with little traffic.
Saint Andrew
December to March and June to July, 10-25 knots and 26-29°C, Offshore wind - Flat/choppy water, 29°C, Intermediate level.
It is a coral island located in the Western Caribbean; along with the islands of Providencia and Santa Catalina, it forms the Archipelago Department of San Andrés, Providencia, and Santa Catalina, the only island department of the 32 departments in Colombia. It is located approximately 230 km east of Central America and about 750 km north of the Colombian mainland.
Snorkeling at La Piscinita:
Boat tour around San Andrés Bay
Visit to the Blowhole:
Bike tour around the island
Visit to Morgan's Cave
Kayaking in West View
Sunset Cruise
San Andrés has daily flights from Panama via the Copa hub and twice-weekly flights to Miami with American Airlines. Domestically, there are 20 to 34 daily flights from major Colombian cities, in addition to seasonal charter flights from Canada, Italy, and Costa Rica.
Punta Gallinas
Starts in December - Ends in September (approximately 10 months). 18-25 knots. Offshore wind - Flat/choppy water. 5-28°C. All levels.
Located at the northernmost point of South America, this is the place with the widest variety of riding conditions and for all levels and abilities of kitesurfers. Here, the kite experience is unique, mystically connected to indigenous culture. Without a doubt, a magical place for kiting. Also a great place to learn wingfoiling or ride the waves.
Take some short, safe downwinds.
Visit and kite with impressive waves at Las Dunas de Taroa.
Visit the lighthouse at the northernmost point of South America.
Enjoy the local cuisine.
Downwind starting point from Punta Gallinas-Cabo de la Vela.
Learn about the Wayuu culture.
Arrive at Riohacha International Airport (RCH) and then take a specialized vehicle that will transport you through the desert for 5.5 hours. However, it's recommended to stop first in Mayapo or Cabo de la Vela.
Pusheo
Starts in December - Ends in September (approximately 10 months). 20-30 knots. Offshore wind - Flat water. 25-28°C. Intermediate-advanced kitesurfers.
Located in Bahía Honda, it boasts some of the strongest winds you'll find in Colombia. The wind picks up in the morning, making it ideal for kitesurfers looking to break their own jump records. Enjoy fresh seafood during your stay and sleep in a hammock, known as a "chinchorro," on a starry night.
Downwind-Upwind to either end of the Bay (Punta Soldado, Punta Cañón)
It is the intermediate point of a Downwind from Punta Gallinas to Cabo de la Vela.
Learn about the Wayuu culture and learn more about its history since the time of colonization.
Arrive at Riohacha International Airport (RCH) and then board a specialized vehicle for a four-hour drive through the desert. However, it's recommended to stop first in Mayapo or Cabo de la Vela.
Lomita Arena
December - April. 10-20 knots. Flat water with a side-onshore wind in the lagoon and choppy water with a side-onshore wind at sea. 24-28°C. All levels.
This spot has flat waters within the lagoon, and in the open sea, you can enjoy small waves while kiting. It's the perfect place to start your downwind runs to Cartagena (45 km) or as a finishing point for your downwind run from Salinas del Rey (40 km). It's recommended to sail on flat waters in the morning, depending on the wind direction.
You can visit Isla Arena while kiting or by boat. This is a 8-km hike from the spot to a beautiful long sand island with waves and a clean, flat wind. It's possible to return to Lomita Arena by going upwind for 1-1.5 hours, but it's highly recommended to take a boat before leaving for safety reasons and an easy way to return to Lomita.
Visit to the Totumo Mud Volcano
Very close to a theme water park.
This place is located 45 km north of Cartagena, where you can rent a car or take a door-to-door bus service.
Puerto Mocho
December - April. 12-25 knots. Flat water, offshore wind. 25-28°C. All levels.
This is a place located within the city of Barranquilla, making it the closest to the city itself and the best place to visit if you're staying in the city. It's located at the mouth of the Magdalena River.
It's a flat-water spot ideal for teaching and improving skills, and is also good for Big Air and Freestyle. It's an ideal place to learn and perfect your freeride skills and is the northernmost point for starting downwind.
Visit the mouth of the Magdalena River on a small train.
Eat native food for lunch.
Take a tour of the mangroves.
Visit Barranquilla.
Cartagena
December, May, and July. 8-20 knots, 24-28°C, all sea levels, choppy water, side-onshore wind.
Listed as one of Colombia's most beautiful cities, Cartagena combines unique culture, gastronomy, history, architecture, and more. What better way to kitesurf than in this magical city just 10 minutes from the airport? You can find three kitesurfing spots, all with the same great conditions.
Visit the historic city
Eat at the best restaurants
Lots of nightlife
Guided tours
Visit museums
Trip to the Rosario Islands (Even downwind when conditions are good)
Arrive directly at Rafael Núñez International Airport in Cartagena.
Puerto Velero
December - April, 8-20 knots and 24-28°C, choppy water, side-onshore wind. All levels in flat water and intermediate to advanced in waves.
This is a spot that will encourage you to improve all your kitesurfing skills. From improving your tricks to perfecting the perfect upwind technique, thanks to the perfect conditions this spot offers. On one side of the bay, you'll find flat water, and on the other, the open ocean provides small right waves that make this the ideal spot for Caribbean waves. It's deep enough for foils, and the flat water is also ideal for practicing and teaching wingfoiling and kiting.
Visit the marina inside the bay
Good place to fish
Visit Puerto Colombia.
There are two international airports very close to the site: Barranquilla (Ernesto Cortissoz) and Cartagena (Rafael Núñez). You can arrive via one or the other, depending on your flight connections. Finally, you'll take a taxi for an hour and 20 minutes to reach the site.
Salinas del Rey
December, May, and July. 12-25 knots. Small to medium waves, side-onshore wind. All levels. 24-28°C
It's the most popular spot for kitesurfing on Colombia's Caribbean coast and is also becoming increasingly popular worldwide for wingfoiling due to its excellent wave conditions. This spot also offers a wide variety of downwind runs for all levels of kiters.
Introduction to surfing
Eat at good local hotels and native restaurants
Visit good bars
Bike ride through the mountains
Arrive directly at Rafael Núñez International Airport in Cartagena.
Mayapo
Starts in December - Ends in September (approximately 10 months). 18-23 knots. Offshore wind - Choppy water in the morning and side onshore wind - Choppy water in the afternoon. 25-28°C. All levels.
This spot is the gateway to all the spots in La Guajira. Located just 25 km from the airport, it's the closest you could get to. Mayapo has excellent wind conditions and the perfect depth, making it ideal for wingfoiling practice and teaching. It's also known for the most spectacular sunsets in the region.
Short downwinds to Riohacha
Visit the flamingo reserve, the Manaure salt flats, and some local indigenous settlements.
Wing Skate
Introduction to Wayuu culture.
Arrive at Riohacha International Airport (RCH) and then take a taxi or rent a car for a 20-minute drive.
And if you still have any questions after checking out these 14 spots from Colombia, leave a comment and we're sure this great community will get back to you as soon as possible.
