Surf Camps in Cartagena de Indias

Cartagena de Indias offers a unique blend of vibrant colonial city life and beginner-friendly waves. It's the perfect spot to catch your first wave while soaking in the rich Colombian culture and enjoying the warm Caribbean waters.

The Surf Scene in Cartagena

Cartagena de Indias, a stunning colonial city on Colombia's Caribbean coast, might not be the first place that comes to mind for a surf trip, but it offers a unique and welcoming scene for those new to the sport. The vibe is laid-back and friendly, with a focus on learning and having fun in the warm, tropical waters. While you won't find massive, barreling waves here, you will find a vibrant culture, beautiful scenery, and a handful of surf schools ready to get you on your feet. It's the perfect destination to combine a cultural city escape with the thrill of catching your first waves.

Waves and Breaks

The primary surf spot in Cartagena is Playas de Marbella, located at the northwest end of the city. This beach break offers small, gentle waves that are ideal for longboards, foamies, and beginners. It's a popular spot for local surf schools and families. While the waves here are not the most consistent, they provide a great learning environment. For those willing to explore a bit further, there are other spots like La Boquilla, Punta Canoa, and Manzanillo del Mar to the north, which can pick up more swell and offer slightly more challenging conditions, though still best suited for beginner to intermediate surfers.

Best Time to Go

The best time to find surfable waves in Cartagena is during the North American winter, from November to February. During these months, you'll find more consistent wind swells rolling in. Another window for potential surf is during the Atlantic hurricane season, from June to November, when passing storms can send some groundswell towards the coast. Outside of these periods, the Caribbean waters around Cartagena are generally calm, making it a great place for swimming and paddleboarding.

Surfer's Guide

Cartagena is a paradise for beginner surfers. The gentle, rolling waves and sandy bottoms of spots like Playas de Marbella create a safe and encouraging environment to learn. Numerous surf schools and camps are available, offering lessons and board rentals. Intermediate surfers might find some fun on bigger days or at the nearby point breaks, but advanced surfers will likely find the conditions a bit too tame.

What Makes Cartagena Unique

What truly sets Cartagena apart as a surf destination is the experience beyond the waves. Where else can you spend your morning learning to surf and your afternoon exploring a 16th-century walled city, a UNESCO World Heritage site? The city's vibrant culture, incredible food scene, and lively nightlife offer endless entertainment. The warm, turquoise water means you can leave your wetsuit at home year-round. It's the blend of surf, culture, and history that makes Cartagena an unforgettable destination for any surfer looking for a unique adventure.