Colombia Surf Guide
Although it’s not known to be the premier surf spot in South America, there are some consistent and solid waves. A tale of two coasts, Colombia has surfing both on the Pacific Coast and on the Caribbean side. The country has over 1,600 miles of coastline, and offers breaks for just about everyone. In addition to solid waves on offer, Colombia is one of the cheaper places to surf. The natural beauty of this country is hard to beat. There are pristine jungles, tons of wildlife, healthy reefs, and beautiful beaches. On top of all that, there’s a rich culture in Colombia that is sure to make you feel at home. In our opinion, the biggest downside is that access is a bit difficult. Some of the best surf spots require a boat ride or a short plane ride, but the trip is worth it!
Overview
Tons of breaks for all skill levels
Remote, peaceful surf spots without crowds
Relatively affordable surf trips
Multi-leg travel to access the waves
Beginner Waves
Advanced Waves
Surf Camps
Surf Camps
Surf Season in Colombia
Because it has two coats, there are really two surf seasons in Colombia. For the Pacific side, the North American summer months will be better. From April to October, you’ll get bigger swells and more consistency. Over on the Caribbean side, the dry months from October through April will generally be better. You may get the occassional storm swell in the Caribbean during the rainy season, but waves will generally be less consistent and a bit more choppy.
Other Things to Do in Colombia
Colombia has a ton to offer. It’s become a more and more popular international travel destination in recent decades, and for good reason. You can eat delicious food, find a vibrant culture, visit colonial cities, and explore some unrivaled nature. The jungle and wildlife in parts of Colombia is truly stunning. In general, a visit to Colombia to surf is great for people who either want to do some cultural activities and sightseeing somewhere like Cartagena, or visit the national parks when not in the water.
Surf Spots in Colombia
Cartagena
Nuquí
About the Surf Spots
Cartagena
Located up on the Caribbean coast of Colombia, Cartagena is an incredible city full of life, culture, and joy. It’s a great place to visit in general. The surfing isn’t exactly world-class, but there are plenty of waves on offer in the right season. The Cartagena Jetty offers a fairly consistent wave that doesn’t get too crowded, and is super accessible from the city. You’ll generally find mellower and softer waves as it’s the Caribbean, but it’s a great place to get some time on the waves or learn to surf. The jetty is also one of the best longboard waves in Colombia!
Nuquí
Nuquí is located in the department of Chocó on the Pacific Coast of Colombia. Surfing in Nuquí is top-notch, with tons of different waves on offer. It’s said there are over a dozen solid waves here. It’s located right at Utria National Park, and a great place for nature lovers. It’s a bit of a hike to get to, and requires transport by plane or boat to get in. But once you’re there, there are reef breaks, river-mouth breaks, sandy bottomed beach breaks, and point breaks. It legitimately has the best wave selection in Colombia, and the nature is unrivaled.
Newtours Colombia - Newtours offers surf camps around the country. They have 4 day surf camps in Cartagena as well as 4 day beginner camps in Nuquí. They have all the equipment, offer every meal included, and beautiful accommodations. They also can help organize other activities at your destination to explore the culture, natural world, and food.
Puerto Colombia Surf School - Located just oustide Baranquilla, Puerto Colombia Surf School offers 5 day surf camps for around $500. Their cozy hostel is just a few minutes from the beach, with dorms and private rooms. They include meals, multiple sessions with coaches, and the opportunity to engage with the local culture.
Surf Camps in Colombia
From the Store
Posts About Colombia
Things to Know About Colombia
Colombia definitely isn’t a top surf destination, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t waves. You’ll generally find pretty empty waves, but plenty of opportunities to surf. The country itself is a beautiful mix of mountains and tropical beaches. It’s relatively cheap for travelers from the United States or Canada. The food and music are amazing, the people are super friendly, and it’s definitely worth booking a few extra days to visit the cities and investigate the rich history on offer.