Where to surf in Colombia: best places for different levels of experience

Surf in Colombia in beautiful Cartagena

There are numerous hotels in Colombia. Many of them are located in the magical city of Cartagena, and for a good reason. This colonial town, once the most important Spanish port in the Americas, is one of the most visited and cherished destinations for travelers.

This city on the Caribbean coast is renowned for its stunning colonial architecture that includes forts and the famed wall built to keep pirates away. Entertainment is also part of the town’s attraction for tourists. Fine cuisine, as well as a diverse and vibrant party scene, are the staples of nightlife in Cartagena.

On top of all this, Cartagena offers opportunities to surf in Colombia according to your expertise. The beaches in the prestigious neighborhood of El Laguito are ideal for beginners due to the moderate strength of the waves there. On the other hand, beaches such as Castillo Grande and Spot provide a more advanced challenge for surfers in Cartagena. Playa Blanca is yet another attractive site near the city. There you will be able to explore other forms of the sport, like windsurfing and kitesurfing.

Make the most of Santa Marta and its surroundings

Visiting Santa Marta is high on the list of things to do in Colombia. This city on the Caribbean coast is frequented all year round for its beaches and other natural sites.

The nearby Tayrona National Natural Park is one of the country’s crown jewels of tourism for nature lovers. It is home to an astoundingly large selection of the animals in Colombia: over 100 species of mammals, 300 of birds, 31 of reptiles, 15 of amphibians, and more than 1000 species of marine life live here. Snorkeling and diving are also available and encouraged, thanks to the park’s crystalline waters and such diverse sea flora and fauna.

The Tayrona area is a hotspot for surfers, due to its permanent waves and white sand beaches. The most popular include Naranjos, Los Ángeles, and Casagrande. Make your way to both Mendihuaca and Costeño Beach for easy waves to practice your moves on the board.

Surf in Colombia: the Pacific

Surfers know the Pacific Ocean for wilder, bolder locations for riding waves. Some of them are in Colombia, especially in the departments of Valle del Cauca and Chocó. They are mostly only suitable for advanced to expert surfers.

However, the small village of El Valle, near Bahía Solano, is perfect for beginner and intermediate leveled surfers.

Safety tips to surf in Colombia

If you want to surf in Colombia, as in any other place, you need to keep some safety tips in mind:

• The golden rule of surfing safety is to only go out on the waves when you are certain you can swim back to shore. If you feel the ocean is too powerful, it is best to wait for the swell to die down or change the location altogether.
• Learn about the rips and currents of the beach. This knowledge will help you avoid getting caught in waves you cannot handle or carried out far into the ocean.
• When out in the water, be aware of your surroundings. It will keep you and other surfers safe and focused.
• Know your limits. Surfing is a high-energy activity that can wear you out. If you start feeling tired, go back to shore and rest.
• Listen to your instructors and use proper equipment.