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Colombia has amazing surfing beaches on its Northern Caribbean and Western Pacific Coasts. Some are easier to get to than others, but any surfing enthusiast would be happy to know that there is an opportunity for all types of experience levels and preferences.
The surfing beaches on the Caribbean coast are much easier to get to, are more tourist-oriented, and tend to be a bit calmer. The Caribbean beaches are the best if you are a beginner, are learning how to surf, or are experienced and just want to get out and catch a few waves.
Surfing beaches along the Caribbean are usually closer to city centers, and there is road and walking access and more amenities/accommodations. While much harder to get to, the Pacific Coast has some of the best surfing in this part of South America.
The beaches around Nuquí are the best in Colombia and are an adventure lover's dream. Unfortunately, travel is a bit difficult, and accommodations are scarce at most of the popular surfing beaches. But that's what we live for—low crowds and good waves.
If you are a foreigner, having a guide or traveling with someone who knows the area is important. Most surfing beaches can only be accessed by boat or plane, and you are trekking off the beaten path in many situations.
Colombia is full of pristine paradises with roaring waves and breathtaking scenery.
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The good news is that you will be rewarded for all your hard work. An untouched paradise awaits you, along with roaring waves and phenomenal scenery. Hotels on the Pacific Coast are limited, so plan on camping or sleeping in a tent. Make sure to be friendly to the locals, as they are not used to seeing a lot of tourists.
Here is the information you'll find in this guide that can help you plan your next surf trip to Colombia:
- Best Time to Surf Colombia
- Best Surf Spots in Colombia
- Getting to Colombia
- Surf Camps in Colombia
- Colombia's Surf Paradise Awaits
Best Time to Surf Colombia
The best time for surfing in Colombia is December through March and July through September. Remember that the waves come from the southwest between April and December and then from the northeast in January and February. Waves are normally higher between April and December—think south swell window.
Best Surf Spots in Colombia
Caribbean Coast
📍Tayrona National Park
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The surfing beaches of the Northern Caribbean coast are easy to reach and more centrally located than the surfing beaches of the Pacific Coast. Most major beach towns have surfing beaches, some of which are easier to find than others. Although the waves are not as strong as those on the Western Pacific Coast, there are beaches for all levels of surfers.
Pradomar
Pradomar is a very popular surfing beach, so it can get crowded. Try going during the week. There are some fun bars along the beach, and there are a bunch of locals.
- Skill Level: Consistent waves for all levels
- Location: Barranquilla (accessible by car)
Cartagena Jetty
Warm Caribbean waters make this a great beach for a laid-back surfing vacation.
- Skill Level: Great for beginners
- Location: West end of Cartagena Beach
El Muelle
This powerful surfing beach is a great place to practice and learn new tricks. When you get to Puerto Colombia, ask for El Muelle; everyone will know what you are talking about.
- Skill Level: Experienced surfers
- Location: Puerto Colombia (outside of Barranquilla)
Buritaca
This beach offers mellow 2 to 4-foot waves, ideal for beginner to intermediate surfers. Best from December to April, it provides uncrowded beaches and a relaxed surf experience.
- Skill Level: Consistent waves for all levels
- Location: Santa Marta (take a bus from El Mercado)
El Bolsillo
El Bolsillo can deliver powerful waves during peak swells, especially in late fall and winter. Waves can reach 6 to 8 feet, with fast, steep walls shaped by strong trade winds and tropical storms. Though conditions aren't always consistent, when the weather aligns, it offers dynamic, hollow rides perfect for experienced surfers.
- Skill Level: Experienced surfers only
- Location: Barranquilla (take a car)
Punta Sur
This empty beach is excellent for all surfing levels. It's easy to reach by car or foot, and you will have hours of consistent waves and run into some interesting and curious locals.
- Skill Level: Fun for all surfers
- Location: San Andres (south point of the island)
Punta Roca
This easy-to-find beach has powerful waves and strong winds. Here, you will find some of the most powerful winds on the Caribbean side without the crowds. Be careful of the current and sharp rocks.
- Skill Level: Experienced surfers only
- Location: Barranquilla
Mendihuaca
Prime spot for experienced surfers when conditions are right, typically from late fall to early spring. The waves here can reach 5 to 8 feet, with clean, powerful swells driven by trade winds and tropical storms. The beach break offers thrilling, hollow sections and fast rides. It’s less crowded than other locations, providing a quality surf experience for those with advanced skills.
- Skill Level: Experienced surfers only
- Location: Tayrona National Park (by the Mendihuaca Hotel). Keep in mind that Tayrona National Park can be expensive.
Galerazamba
The area is known for its beautiful, relatively uncrowded beaches and warm, clear waters. The surfing is generally more consistent during the rainy season, from April to October, with swells ranging from 2 to 4 feet. The waves are usually friendly for intermediate surfers, though beginners can also find suitable conditions.
- Skill Level: All surfers are welcome
- Location: Cartagena (30-minute 4x4 ride)
Pacific Coast
The center on the Pacific side is a sleepy little town called Nuquí. This has become a common base in the area for surfers as conditions have improved and new beaches have been discovered. From here, you can find the right guide or tour to take you to your destination. There are various accommodations in Nuquí, from ecolodges to hotels, and people are friendly. The best way to get to Nuquí is by boat from Buenaventura or by plane from Medellin.
Pico de Loro
It is for experts only and accessible only by boat. If you are surfing here, you know what you're doing and have some inside information. Most locals don't even know how to get here. This is one of the best surfing beaches in Colombia but is dangerously rocky and only for the seasoned expert.
We recommend finding a local guide at one of the hotels since you will probably not be able to find it yourself. The beach is a short ride from Nuquí and is uncrowded. The jungle surrounds the place, so don't be surprised by all the birds, foliage, and animals you might see. Take a plane from Medellin to Nuquí and make arrangements through the hotel or a local business to take you to Pico de Loro.
- Skill Level: Experts only
- Location: Close to Nuquí (only accessible by boat)
Juan Tornillo
Juan Tornillo is another isolated but fantastic spot for the expert surfer. Like Pico de Loro, it is just a short boat ride south of Nuquí. Talk to a local guide or hotel concierge for information on how to reach this great surfing beach.
- Skill Level: Experts only
- Location: Short boat ride south of Nuquí
El Valle
El Valle is also only accessible by boat. To get here, arrive in Nuquí and have a local bring you to this small town. There is cheap accommodation and inviting, tourist-friendly people here. The waves here are pretty intense, so we recommend traveling with a guide. El Valle is known for its frequent, consistent surf, uncrowded beaches, and beautiful landscapes.
- Skill Level: Experts only
- Location: Boat ride from Nuquí
Terco
A short boat ride from Nuquí, this beach is more of a beginner-friendly environment. Swells can reach up to 8 feet.
- Skill Level: All levels
- Location: Short boat ride from Nuquí
Termales
It generally offers smaller, manageable waves, typically ranging from 2 to 4 feet. The surf here is influenced by the Pacific swells and can vary in quality based on weather conditions and seasons.
- Skill Level: All levels
- Location: Short boat ride from Nuquí
Juanchaco
Take a boat from Buenaventura, then walk to the beach. You can only get here by boat or plane. The waves are some of the best in the world. EXPERIENCED SURFERS ONLY. There are no hotels here. Locals are friendly but travel with friends since this part of the country can be shady at times.
- Skill Level: Experts only
- Location: Boat ride from Buenaventura
Getting to Colombia
Flights and Air Routes
Bogotá’s El Dorado International Airport is well-connected globally, with direct flights from major cities in Europe, North America, and South America.
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Colombia’s biggest international airport is Bogotá’s Aeropuerto Internacional El Dorado.
Europe
Direct services from Europe to Bogotá are offered by Iberia (Madrid and Barcelona), Air France/KLM (Paris), Avianca (Barcelona and Paris), and Lufthansa (Frankfurt). Avianca also operates flights from Madrid to Cali and Medellín.
North America
In North America, Air Canada connects Toronto to Bogotá; LATAM and American Airlines connect Bogotá with Miami; Delta links Bogotá with New York, Chicago, and Atlanta; Jet Blue flies to Bogotá from Orlando and Fort Lauderdale.
It’s also possible to fly from Miami directly to Santa Marta, Cartagena, and Medellín.
Want to take the surfing trip of your life? Why not drive to Colombia from the USA in your vehicle? You can surf in Mexico, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica on the way. You can read about my drive through Central America.
South and Central America
In South and Central America, LATAM links Bogotá with Lima, Santiago, and Quito; Copa offers regular flights from the capital to Panama City; LATAM links the capital to São Paulo. Avianca also flies to Buenos Aires, Caracas, Guayaquil, Lima, Mexico City, Panama City, Quito, Rio de Janeiro, Santiago (Chile), and São Paulo.
Overland from Ecuador and Venezuela
Frequent bus services cross Colombia’s borders into neighboring Venezuela and Ecuador, though there can be security issues with both borders, so check in advance. Ormeño buses cover several international routes to and from Bogotá, including Quito, Caracas, and Lima.
There are three main overland border crossings with Venezuela, the most popular being Cúcuta–San Antonio/San Cristóbal. The Maicao–Maracaibo crossing at Paraguachón is useful if traveling directly to or from Colombia’s Caribbean coast.
Expreso Brasilia operates a coastal bus service between Cartagena, via Barranquilla, and Santa Marta, which passes through Maicao in the remote Guajira Peninsula to Maracaibo (1 daily at 7 am; 20hr; COP$220,000). The Panamerican Highway runs south into Ecuador, with the Ipiales–Tulcán crossing being the most popular and straightforward, though slow.
⚡ There is no overland crossing between Colombia and Panama due to the presence of drug traffickers, paramilitaries, and smugglers and the threat of kidnapping in the Darién Gap.
By boat to/from Brazil, Peru, and Panama
From the Amazon region, it’s possible to cross to or from Colombia into Manaus, Brazil, and Iquitos, Peru by taking a riverboat.
From Cartagena, adventurous travelers with plenty of time can take a sailboat to Puerto Lindo or Colón in Panama via the remote tropical islands of the San Blas archipelago. Trips take four to five days and cost around COP$750,000 per person.
Rough seas can make traveling between November and February dangerous.
Surf Camps in Colombia
Costeño Beach Surf Camp & Ecolodge
Costeño Beach is an old coconut farm turned ecolodge/surf camp situated on the oceanfront along Colombia's beautiful Caribbean coastline. It is just an hour's drive from the colonial town of Santa Marta and 5 km from the world-famous Tayrona National Park.
Costeño Beach is the only surf camp and ecolodge operating on Colombia's Caribbean coast. The Ecolodge offers 5 beautiful rooms built from the finest local wood by skilled artisan builders. All rooms have private bathrooms, ocean views, comfortable beds, and solar-powered electricity. Beach huts and hammocks are available.
This camp offers accommodation, delicious meals served by the on-site restaurant, beverages and snacks, surfboard rental (18 to choose from), and a surfing class if needed. It also offers nature walks to waterfalls, rivers, and nearby Tayrona National Park.
El Cantil Ecolodge
El Cantil has been cataloged by Lonely Planet Colombia tourist guide as the number one ecolodge in Colombia and has also been featured in National Geographic Traveler's favorite hotels in South America.
Colombia's Surf Paradise Awaits
The Tiger Queen Surfboard Travel Bag, made from hemp, offers stylish and durable protection for up to 4 boards, with 20mm nose padding and 10mm padding throughout, plus wheels for easy transport.
Whether you're a seasoned pro or just catching your first waves, Colombia offers an unforgettable surf experience. From the pristine Caribbean beaches to the wild Pacific coast, every surf spot has its own unique vibe and adventure. So, pack your board in our eco-friendly hemp travel board bag, grab your sunscreen, and get ready to ride some epic waves in Colombia!