Kite Spots Colombia
You are a rider and would like to discover the best Kiteboarding spots in Colombia? In this page we will share our most favorite places with you, explain how to get there, what kite size you should bring with you and anything else you need to know about our Colombian Kite Spots.
Kite Addict Colombia since 2017
We started the first Kiteboarding School in Mayapo in 2017. After moving to Riohacha we found this beautiful huge white sanded beach that is perfect for lessons and riding with constant Side Onshore Wind.
Mayapo
La Guajira | Colombia
If you want to Learn or practice Kitesurf in Colombia you have to visit la Guajira. The beaches of Mayapo are located 25 km from Riohacha. The extensive white sanded beach is perfect for riding, foil and long Downwinders.
Overview:
Mayapo is a remote kitesurfing destination located on Colombia’s northern coast in the La Guajira region. Known for its pristine white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and steady trade winds, this spot offers a serene and uncrowded environment, ideal for kitesurfers of all levels. Its proximity to the desert and Wayuu indigenous culture enhances its unique appeal.
Conditions:
- Wind: Reliable trade winds, typically blowing between 20-30 knots, with the best season from December to April and a secondary season from June to September.
- Water: Warm and mostly flat, with occasional small waves, making it beginner-friendly.
- Temperature: Consistently around 29°C (84°F) year-round.
Highlights:
- Local kite schools, like Kite Addict Colombia, offer lessons in multiple languages and equipment rentals.
- The nearby lagoon provides an alternative learning area during unfavorable wind conditions.
- The surrounding desert offers activities such as visits to the Cabo de la Vela, Punta Gallinas, and Taroa Dunes.
Experience:
Mayapo offers a blend of excellent kitesurfing conditions and cultural immersion, making it a must-visit for those seeking adventure and tranquility away from the typical tourist hubs.
In the mornings we often have Side-Offshore East wind that changes around 10am-02pm to Side Onshore North East Wind.
Logistics:
- Accessible via Riohacha Airport, followed by a 30-minute taxi ride.
- Accommodations range from private rooms to traditional hammocks (“chinchorros”).
- Limited facilities mean it’s essential to carry cash and essentials like sunscreen and reusable water bottles.
Our Kite Station is situated directly at the beach. You can stay in accommodations right behind the school or in a hostal or hotel in Riohacha. The beach of Mayapo is far away from mass tourism and very quiet, clean and relaxing.
Kite Addict Colombia since 2011
For more than 10 years we organize Kite Trips and Kite Safaris to Punta Gallinas. We spend quite some time up there riding in the different spots, teaching how to ride to locals and clients and share our evenings with our friends from Luzmila’s.
Punta Gallinas
La Guajira | Colombia
Overview:
Punta Gallinas, located at the northernmost tip of South America in the La Guajira desert, offers a remote and stunning backdrop for kitesurfing. The area features diverse spots suitable for different skill levels, from flatwater lagoons to wave-riding at nearby beaches. Access requires a journey through rugged desert terrain, adding an adventurous element to the experience.
Kiting Spots:
- La Laguna: Flat water with offshore winds, ideal for freestyle and beginners. It’s located just a short walk from local accommodations.
- La Boquita: Accessible via a downwind ride from La Laguna, this spot features flat water and spacious beaches.
- Punta Aguja: Open sea spot with small waves, suitable for intermediate riders.
- Taroa Dunes: Known for larger waves, this spot is better suited for experienced kitesurfers.
Wind Conditions:
- Season: December to September, with strong winds averaging 25-35 knots.
- Off-season: October and November see reduced wind due to rain.
Unique Features:
- Breathtaking sunsets at El Faro (the lighthouse).
- Rugged natural beauty and the cultural heritage of the Wayuu people.
- A mix of kiting conditions for flatwater enthusiasts and wave riders alike.
Punta Gallinas is a remote paradise for adventurous kitesurfers seeking untouched landscapes and challenging conditions.
Accommodation and Amenities:
Lodging is basic, often in traditional hammocks (chinchorros) or simple private rooms. Electricity and running water are limited, and most meals consist of fresh local seafood.
Logistics:
Access typically involves a 4×4 journey from Riohacha (approximately 6 hours). Tours and kite schools often provide transportation, rescue services, and equipment rentals.
Kite Addict Colombia since 2017
We started the first Kiteboarding School in Cabo de la Vela in 2011. We arrived at Cabo de la Vela, a town in nowhere, in the middle of the desert. The beginning was hard, tourists only arrived In the high seasons, until people found out through a lot of publicity and international competitions that it was the perfect place to practice Kiteboarding.
Cabo de la vela
La Guajira | Colombia
If you want to Learn or practice Kitesurf in Colombia you have to visit la Guajira. This department has 10 month of steady wind and is perfect for practicing water sports in Colombia. Cabo de la Vela is 3,5 hours from Riohacha. It is a small fishing village that lives of tourism and also water sports. We opened the first Kiteboarding school in Cabo de la Vela in 2011
There are different kite schools available in Cabo de la Vela. Most of them are informal so take care to choose a responsible school. You can stay in traditional accommodations like Pujuru or Apalanchii or at one of the Kitesurf schools in Cabo de la Vela, like Tawi Kiteboarding.
The spot can get very crowded as the zone for kiteboarding is quite small.
It usually gets windy around 9:00 – 10:00 am and you can ride until sunset.
Kite Addict Colombia since 2017
We started the first Kiteboarding School in Mayapo in 2017. After moving to Riohacha we started teaching kiteboarding at the city beach and practiced a lot of Stand Up Paddling in the mornings.
Riohacha
La Guajira | Colombia
If you want to Learn or practice Kitesurf in Colombia you have to visit la Guajira. The beach of Riohacha is the biggest city beach in Colombia. The kite zone is at the first road in Riohacha after the bridge. You can use facilities of Nautical Recreations S.A.S. They offer lockers, bathrooms, have a bar and restaurant and boat service. Do not ride near the pier! Jumping on it is forbidden. You can do a very nice Downwinder from Mayapo to Riohacha along the coastline.
Riohacha has a lot of nice hotels and hostels. We can absolutely recommend Bona Vida Hostal, Laguna Sala, Guajira Casa Del Mar but there are a lot more on booking.com.
What else to do in Riohacha?
In the mornings we often have Side-Offshore East wind that changes around 10am-02pm to Side Onshore North East Wind.
Hotels and hostels in Riohacha
best restaurants and bars in riohacha
Family business in puerto velero
Martin’s parents own a seafood restaurant in Puerto Velero: Azul Profundo. That’s where he came in contact with water sports in a very young age and fell in love with the sea. He learned to practice Windsurf, Kitesurf, Sunfish and a lot other water sports at this great spot.
puerto velero
Atlantico | Colombia
Puerto Velero is just a 30 min ride from Barranquilla, Atlantico. It is a huge bay with different traditional sea food restaurants and some Water Sport Schools. They practice water sports for more than 20 years at this spot and we can totally recommend Kite Puerto Velero.
There are different kite schools located in Puerto Velero. You can stay at the seafood restaurant Azul Profundo in a hammock, tent or your camper van or in la Marina. The water sports School Nautica Velero has also some accommodations available.
You can ride in the bay with very gusty offshore wind but flat water or at the open sea with waves and steady side onshore wind.
It usually gets windy around 9:00 – 10:00 am and you can ride until sunset.
GKA Kite World tour spot
Salinas del Rey, an emerging kitesurfing hotspot on Colombia’s Caribbean coast near Santa Verónica, offers ideal conditions for both freestyle and wave riding. With strong, consistent winds (20–35 knots) during the peak season from December to April, warm water (26°C), and uncrowded sandy beaches, it’s perfect for riders of all levels. Easily accessible from Barranquilla and Cartagena, this tranquil spot also hosts international kiteboarding events like the GKA Kite World Tour.
Salinas del rey
Atlantico | Colombia
Salinas del Rey, located near Santa Verónica on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, is one of the premier kiteboarding destinations in the region. Here’s what you need to know:
Wind and Weather
- Wind Season: The best time for kitesurfing is from December to April, with consistent winds averaging 20-35 knots, peaking in February and March. Secondary winds can be experienced from May to July, though less strong.
- Wind Direction: Predominantly side-onshore (NE), ideal for safe riding.
- Temperature: Air averages around 28–29°C, and water stays warm at about 26°C year-round, meaning no wetsuit is necessary.
Riding Conditions
- Water Features: Salinas del Rey offers a mix of flat water on the inside of the point and point break waves on the outside, catering to both freestyle and wave riders.
- Beach Setup: The sandy beaches are spacious, providing ample room for setup and launching. It’s mostly uncrowded, making it appealing for beginners and professionals alike.
Salinas del Rey is gaining international recognition, hosting events like the GKA Kite World Tour, thanks to its exceptional wind and wave conditions. Its blend of adventure and tranquility makes it a must-visit for kiteboarding enthusiasts.
Let me know if you need details about accommodations or lessons in the area!
Facilities
- Several kite schools, gear rental shops, and accommodation options are available in nearby Santa Verónica. The area remains budget-friendly, with local hostels and house rentals.
Accessibility
- Located about 45 minutes from Barranquilla and 1 hour 20 minutes from Cartagena. Both cities are accessible by international flights, followed by a short drive or bus ride to Santa Verónica.
Cartagena de indias
Cartagena, Colombia, offers kitesurfing spots like La Boquilla, a wide beach with calm, shallow waters ideal for beginners, and Manzanillo del Mar, a quieter location with stronger winds and fewer crowds. Winds range from 10–20 knots (December to April), and the warm Caribbean waters make it a pleasant destination. With vibrant nightlife and cultural attractions nearby, it’s perfect for combining kitesurfing with city exploration.
Cartagena
Bolívar | Colombia
Cartagena, Colombia, offers great kitesurfing opportunities with consistent winds from December to April. The key spots include:
- La Boquilla: A wide beach just 15 minutes from the historical center, suitable for all levels, especially beginners. The shallow and calm waters make it ideal for learning. Several kite schools operate here.
- Manzanillo del Mar: Located 25 minutes from Cartagena, this spot features stronger winds and less crowded conditions, offering a more private experience with consistent side-onshore wind.
- La Laguito: A smaller beach within Cartagena, occasionally crowded but offering moderate waves, suitable for intermediate riders.
The wind ranges between 10-20 knots and is predominantly side-onshore. Cartagena also provides excellent cultural and nightlife options, making it a well-rounded destination for kitesurfers and travelers alike
Lago calima
Lago Calima, located in Valle del Cauca, Colombia, is a top spot for kiteboarding with consistent thermal winds (15-25 knots) year-round. Its flat to slightly choppy waters and warm temperatures make it ideal for beginners, while steady conditions cater to intermediate and advanced riders. The lake is surrounded by scenic mountains and offers multiple water sports facilities, accommodations, and dining options.
Lago Calima
Valle del Cauca | Colombia
Lago Calima, located in the Valle del Cauca region of Colombia, is a popular destination for kiteboarding enthusiasts due to its reliable wind conditions and stunning mountain backdrop. It is especially well-suited for beginners, with flat to choppy water and accessible facilities.
Spot Features
- Wind Conditions: Lago Calima boasts consistent thermal winds ranging between 15-25 knots, with peak wind seasons from December to February and July to August.
- Water Conditions: Flat to slightly choppy, with warm water temperatures (24-28°C) allowing riders to kite comfortably without a wetsuit.
- Skill Level: Beginner-friendly but also exciting for intermediate and advanced riders due to steady winds and open spaces for practice.
- Activities: Beyond kiteboarding, the lake offers windsurfing, kayaking, and paddleboarding opportunities. The surrounding area is also great for hiking and exploring local Colombian culture.
- Facilities: Multiple kiteboarding schools and rental shops are available, alongside camping options, hotels, and restaurants.
This destination is an excellent choice for those seeking a relaxed atmosphere combined with consistent wind conditions for water sports.
