Cartagena Surf Guide
A solid option for beginner surfers looking to learn and experience a beautiful city and culture.
Quick Facts
Beginner waves with relatively calm waters
Tons of surf schools and lessons available
PLENTY of other things to do in the city
Warm waters that never require wetsuits
Introduction to Cartagena
A vibrant colonial city on the Caribbean, Cartagena is a fun place to learn how to surf. You’ll find a rich culture, warm waters, and pretty small swells. Most waves will be wind swell, but it is plenty enough for beginners looking to catch their first waves. Surfing definitely isn’t the primary activity here, but you can catch some fun small waves while in town. There’s also plenty of kiteboarding and paddleboarding happening out on the waters.
The best time to find waves in Cartagena is going to be the North American winter. From November to February you will find some wind swells coming through. It’s not super consistent, but you’ll find some waves at this time. The other good time to surf is in hurricane season, as the passing Atlantic storms can send some deeper swells toward the Caribbean coast here. Outside of hurricanes, you’ll find mostly calm waters in the North American summer season.
Cartagena Surf Season
Where to Surf in Cartagena
The main beach for surfing and surf classes in Cartagena is called Playas de Marbella. Located in the northwest end of the city, you’ll find small waves great for longboards and foamies. It’s popular with kids and the local surf schools.
Crowds - Some, but not too much
Surfer Level - Beginner
Ideal Swell - N/NE
Ideal Wind - SW
Break Type - Beach
Consistency - 30%
Be Aware: Not very consistent
Newtours Colombia - This surf camp includes daily two hour surf lessons, a bike tour through the World Heritage Site of the city center, breakfast, and hostel style accommodations. The food is bomb, you can do private camps, and you’re super close to town, the jungle, and the beach. Newtours offers 4 day surf camps for around $550.
Surf Camps, Classes, and Lessons in Cartagena
From the Store
Nearby Surf Spots
La Boquilla
Just to the north of Cartagena, La Boquilla can get some small waves that are surfable. It’s full of kites and paddleboards, but some waves for longboards or beginners.
Crowds - Nope
Surfer Level - Beginner
Ideal Swell - W/NW
Ideal Wind - E/SE
Break Type - Beach
Consistency - 30%
Be Aware: Nada
Punta Canoa
About an hour north of Cartagena, Canoa has better swell exposure as it’s a point. Gets choppy, and no options for board rentals or surf shops in the area.
Crowds - Nope
Surfer Level - Beginner+
Ideal Swell - N/NW
Ideal Wind - S/SE
Break Type - Point
Consistency - 40%
Be Aware: Nada
Manzanillo del Mar
About a half hour north of the city, Manzanillo can get surfable wind swell. Best during December and January for a chance at waves.
Crowds - Nope
Surfer Level - Beginner+
Ideal Swell - N/NW
Ideal Wind - S/SE
Break Type - Beach
Consistency - 30%
Be Aware: Nothing
Galerazamba
A bit farther north, you will find decent waves here in the right conditions. Needs northern swell and offshore winds to work, but can get decent.
Crowds - Nope
Surfer Level - Beg/Inter.
Ideal Swell - N
Ideal Wind - S
Break Type - Beach
Consistency - 40%
Be Aware: Nothing
Other Things to Do in Cartagena
Cartagena is a vibrant city. There are plenty of things to do outside surfing when the occasional swell picks up. We recommend checking out this post for things to do the city!
If you don’t want to stay at one of the many surf camps in Sayulita, don’t worry! We have you covered. There’s no shortage of accommodations in Sayulita. Be aware that staying near the center of town means you might hear the loud music playing until the early hours of the morning!
Where to Stay in Cartagena
Budget-Friendly Hotels (~$25/night)
San Jacinto
Small hostel in Manga
Located in the colonial area of Manga, San Jacinto is a small place that offers both hotel and hostel style accommodations. They have delicious local breakfasts, are close to the walled city, and a homey atmosphere.
Neos Hotel
Hotel/hostel close to walled city
With a good location close to the historic walled city, Neos is a solid place to stay on a budget. There are many options from various private rooms to dorm-style hostel accommodations. There are massages, a restaurant, and a coffee shop.
Hotels in Town (~$90-100/night)
Mood Matuna
Hotel within walking distance to everything
Mood Matuna is located just a few minutes walking from the walled city. There’s a gym, business center, and rooms for individuals and families. For the price, it’s hard to beat the amenities and location here!
Hotel Dann
Beachfront hotel at Bocagrande
Located right on the beach, Dann has a restaurant, ocean views, an outdoor pool, and a bar/lounge. There are individual rooms, suites, and you’re just a few minutes away from multiple beaches.
Private Residences for Groups (~$250-375/night)
Casa Tranquila
Five bedroom villa with pool
Casa Tranquila is just a few minutes from the beach and the historic center. There are 5 eedrooms, a pool and cabana, barbecue area, and everything you need for a group or families!
Casa Alto Morro
Three bedroom villa with pool
Sitting atop a nature reserve, Alto Morro is a beautiful and calm three bedroom villa. It’s about a half hour from the city, and has a beautiful terrace to relax on. A truly great option for families looking for something tranquil
Getting to Cartagena
Getting to Cartagena is pretty straightforward. You’ll fly into Rafael Núñez International Airport in Cartagena. From there you can take taxis right to your accommodations. I don’t recommend renting a car or driving around. Walk and take taxis!
Be sure to check out our Resources page for tips on traveling, spending money, support, and more.
Affiliate Disclosure: This page may contain affiliate links. If you’re not familiar, here’s what it means: When you click a link and book something, we get a small percentage. This doesn’t raise the rate you pay; the vendor pays us! This is how we stay afloat :)
