With around 2,900 kilometres of coastline shared between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, Colombia has long been renowned for its beachside experiences. But it may come as a surprise to some that it also boasts a little-known surf scene that is quickly gaining recognition amongst travellers visiting South America. That being said, the surf experiences on offer are vastly different, depending on which coastline you head for.
Surfing in Colombia on the Caribbean side is all about fun waves and beginner-friendly experiences, which can easily be accessed from major tourist hubs. In contrast, the Pacific waves are exceptionally remote and require long (sometimes arduous) journeys to reach but the quality of the breaks is far superior. Think jungle-clad cliffs, pristine beaches and deserted lineups - it’s what adventurous surf dreams are made of!
No matter which of Colombia's coastlines you make a beeline for, there are plenty of opportunities to plan a sustainable surf vacation. Not only does this South American country boast an abundance of rustic eco lodges just steps from the sand but also boutique hotels putting a high priority on sustainability.
In this article, we’ll explain what you can expect surfing in Colombia on both the Caribbean and Pacific sides and share eco-friendly places to stay in each destination.
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Surfing in Colombia on the Caribbean side
Colombia’s Caribbean coastline remains a perennial favourite among wave-chasers, largely due to its easy accessibility from the cities of Cartagena and Barranquilla. Direct long-haul flights to each destination mean you can be at the nearby surf breaks within hours of arrival. Beyond the logistical advantages, the Caribbean side of Colombia also offers surf conditions that are particularly well-suited to vacationing surfers - those who want to ride fun waves in between other sightseeing excursions. The waves here are predominantly mellow, sheltered beach breaks that provide a forgiving, user-friendly experience, especially for those still honing their skills.
Cartagena
UNESCO World Heritage-listed Cartagena de Indias is one of Colombia’s must-visit destinations, not only for its pastel-painted colonial architecture but also for its jetty breaks. While it may not necessarily be the most epic surfing destination, the chance to ride fun waves in the morning and then wander through Cartagena’s charming historic centre in the afternoon is unique. During the hurricane season (typically from September to November) the waves at Playa Castillo Grande can offer the occasional barrelling section, luring more experienced surfers. A 30-minute drive down the coast will take you to Galerazamba where you’ll find a half-decent right-hander that works well during the hurricane swells.
Eco-friendly hotels in Cartagena
Occupying a beautifully restored colonial house, this eco-friendly boutique hotel in Cartagena boasts an enviable setting within the historic centre. It features luxuriously appointed rooms, a sparkling swimming pool and a rooftop bar where you can enjoy sundowners after your surf. With third-party sustainability certification, the Eurostars Marqués de Villalta is taking strides to reduce its environmental footprint.
"Excellent place in the heart of the city!” - Alejandra (read more reviews here)
Perfectly located in the historic heart of Cartagena, this gorgeous luxury hotel occupies a striking colonial building centred around a courtyard pool. The rooms here have all the modern comforts you need and ooze style, plus there are several sun-drenched terraces dotted with loungers. As part of its sustainability commitments, this eco-friendly Cartagena hotel has implemented recycling and water reduction initiatives, and it provides support to socially-responsible organisations.
"This hotel is incredible!” - Michelle (read more reviews here)
Located on Isla Tintipan, this eco-friendly hostel near Cartagena isn't on the doorstep of any surf but offers a sustainable places to stay in between wave hunting. There are comfortable doubles and dorms, plus a sprawling deck and plenty of onsite activities. When it comes to sustainability, Santa Lova is powered by solar and has dry composting toilets while eliminating the use of non-biodegradable cleaning products.
"Hostel was nice and chill! There are beach beds you can relax on and take a dip on the sea from their stairs." - Minna (read more reviews here)
Eco-friendly places to stay while surfing in Colombia
Barranquilla
While Barranquilla is most famed for its huge Carnival, it also boasts a handful of waves suitable for surfers of all levels. Pradomar (around 30 minutes’ drive west of the city) is renowned for its beginner-friendly waves, which roll in consistently for novice wave riders looking to hone their skills. Though the area can get quite crowded, especially on weekends, the atmosphere is a lot of fun, with lively bars and restaurants where you can socialise at the end of the day. And for those seeking more challenging waves, nearby Punta Roca is notable for its A-frame peaks that can get powerful when the conditions are right.
Eco-friendly hotels near Barranquilla
This adults-only hotel in Santa Veronica offers an upmarket eco experience, with four-star facilities that include eclectically decorated rooms and an inviting swimming pool surrounded by lush vegetation. The onsite spa is an added indulgence while the restaurant dishes up incredible Caribbean cuisine. When it comes to sustainability, this eco-friendly hotel near Barranquilla is involved in tree planting and removing garbage from the surrounding beaches, as well as making an important transition to solar energy.
“Incredible paradise.” - Leslie (read more reviews here)
With a beachfront setting and an in-house kitesurfing school, this eco-friendly hotel in Salina del Rey is deservedly popular. Take your pick from their sea view or garden rooms, all of which have been sustainably designed using local materials. Yoga classes and massages are available onsite and the restaurant serves delicious food made with love by a group of local women.
"A little gem you’d want to stay forever at!” - Megan (read more reviews here)
Eco-friendly places to stay while surfing in Colombia
Isla Fuerte
Around four hours’ drive south of Cartagena (and a short boat ride away) lies Isla Fuerte, home to one of the longest waves on Colombia’s Caribbean Sea coast. Its location allows it to capture the north-westerly swells that roll in from the open sea, resulting in the formation of some really fun waves, a standout of which is “ColPipe”. The waves around Isla Fuerte break over a shallow coral reef, creating an almost perfect surfing environment. The warm turquoise waters only add to the experience, with many dubbing the island "Colombia's Bali”.
Eco-friendly hotels in Isla Fuerte
Nestled between a native forest and a banana plantation, this eco-friendly hotel on Isla Fuerte features just five rustic bungalows. Breakfasts are included in the rates while delicious lunches and dinners can be enjoyed onsite. There’s a spacious deck extending into the sea, offering the perfect spot to laze and sunbathe in between surfs. Definitely one of the best sustainable hotels on Isla Fuerte!
"Best place I've ever stayed. Absolutely calm bliss!” - Bettina (read more reviews here)
Featuring just a handful of thatched-roof cabañas, this Isla Fuerte ecolodge takes its commitment to sustainability seriously. It promotes environmental awareness and social responsibility throughout its operations and receives rave reviews from guests in the process. Aside from the two beaches nearby, there’s a sparkling swimming pool and a restaurant that serves delicious food.
"Wiji is a great place to hang out.” - John (read more reviews here)
Best time for surfing in Colombia on the Caribbean side
The best time for surfing along Colombia’s Caribbean coastline is from December through April when the region sees more consistent wind swells. While the waves may not always be perfectly clean and glassy during this time, it’s the best time to take advantage of the hurricane swells that roll through the area.
In contrast, the off-season from May through November can be a bit more hit-or-miss for surfers. The waves during these months tend to be less consistent, as the weather patterns shift and the wind often picks up. That being said, when the wind does die down, you may be lucky enough to score some clean, glassy sets.
Eco-friendly places to stay while surfing in Colombia
Surfing in Colombia on the Pacific side
This remote and rugged coastline is largely isolated from the rest of Colombia, connected only by a sparse scattering of port towns and hard-to-reach fishing villages. Dense jungle blankets the coastal mountains, providing a habitat for everything from howler monkeys to toucans and jaguars. The few roads that do exist are often little more than unpaved tracks, making boat transport the most convenient way to get around. Surfers who decide to venture to these largely overlooked shores are rewarded with uncrowded waves and some of the best surf in Colombia.
Nuquí
Perched on the Pacific coast, the small town of Nuquí is quickly emerging as Colombia's premier surf destination. It boasts an untamed, off-the-grid vibe that has become increasingly rare in today's hyper-connected world and will appeal to surfers wanting to explore the road less travelled. An increasing number of surf camps and eco-lodges dot the jungle-fringed coastline, most offering incredible views across the water.
A short hop south is Termales, a dynamic river mouth setup that transforms into a surfer’s paradise when the swells are pushing in from the southwest. Continue heading south and you’ll arrive at Playa El Amargal, renowned for the quality break at Punta Brava. Many of the waves around Nuquí are accessible only by boat to ensure the lineups remain blissfully uncrowded, with the star attraction being Pico de Loro, a powerful left-hander that roars to life from April through September.
Eco-friendly hotels in Nuquí
With its open-air design, this eco-friendly hotel in Nuquí receives rave reviews for its lush grounds and beautifully designed rooms. The entire property feels integrated with nature and there are plenty of hammocks where you can while away the hours with a good book while listening to the Pacific Ocean. Rates include all meals (made with locally sourced, seasonal ingredients) and the hotel regularly hosts campfires on the beach.
“Welcome to paradise! Luzzul is a perfect place to switch off, relax and recharge.” - Jan-eike (read more reviews here)
Only accessible by boat, this beachfront lodge near Nuquí lies just south of the river mouth, overlooking what feels like a completely private stretch of beach. It features breezy rooms with incredible views of the water - perfect for being lulled to sleep by the sound of the waves. Homecooked meals are available and activities can be arranged on-site, such as whale and dolphin watching tours.
"This place is something special.” - Francois (read more reviews here)
Boasting a front-row seat for checking the waves at Termales, this eco-friendly surf lodge in Nuquí ticks all the right boxes. The open-air design of the rooms allows the sea breeze in while the mosquito nets provide plenty of protection at night. With onsite meals, a surfboard rack and a swimming pool, this is definitely one of the best places to stay in Nuquí.
“Amazing place to discover.” - Glenn (read more reviews here)
Eco-friendly places to stay while surfing in Colombia
El Valle
North of Nuquí (on the other side of Utria National Park) is El Valle, a small fishing village with a predominantly Afro-Colombian population. Life here moves at an unhurried pace - there are no roads connecting El Valle to the rest of the country and the only means of access is by boat or plane from Medellín to the nearby airport at Mutis. The breaks in El Valle are blissfully uncrowded as local surfers here are a rare breed. While there are a few beach breaks between Playa El Almejal and the river mouth of La Bocana, the true gems lie offshore. This remarkable seclusion has left many of these waves virtually untouched, waiting to be discovered by the adventurous few who make the journey.
Eco-friendly hotels in El Valle
This budget ecolodge in El Valle offers comfortable doubles, triples and dorms, all of which are constructed from locally sourced materials. It’s all colourfully decorated and with a really rustic vibe, plus the beachside setting is hard to beat. Breakfast is included in the rates and other meals are available on request.
"This is a great option in El Valle! Cheaper than other options on the beach and really comfortable beds and rooms.” - Elena (read more reviews here)
Highly rated by previous guests, this El Valle surf hostel overlooks Playa El Almejal, around 25 minutes’ walk from the centre of town. It offers six- and four-bed dorms, plus a private ensuite room, all with views of the surrounding jungle. You can whip up post-surf meals in the fully-equipped kitchen before settling in for one of The Pelican House’s movie nights.
"A dreamlike home awarded to those who venture to its doorstep.” - Peter (read more reviews here)
This beachfront hostel in El Valle is one of the best places to stay for surfing in Colombia and has a really relaxed, chilled vibe. Its private rooms and dorms were built using materials sourced in the area, including tropical hardwoods and palm fronds for the thatched roofs. You can feast on fresh fish at the onsite restaurant, which largely uses produce from The Humpback Turtle’s organic garden.
"Really can't ask for a better place to unplug and unwind.” (read more reviews here)
Best time for surfing in Colombia on the Pacific side
The main surf season along Colombia’s Pacific coast spans from April to October when larger swells arrive. Combined with the morning offshore winds, this creates the perfect conditions for experienced surfers to tackle the uncrowded waves.
During the off-season, from November through March, you can expect somewhat smaller surf, making this an ideal time for beginners and intermediate surfers to hone their skills, without being overwhelmed by the sheer power of the Pacific.
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