Summary
Surfing in Colombia is a unique and exciting experience for surfers of all skill levels. Colombia has exposure to both the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea, providing a wide range of surf spots and waves, from beginner-friendly breaks to challenging spots for experienced surfers.
One of the best surf spots in Colombia is Juanchaco, located on the Pacific coast, in front of a surfing village of the same name. The wave is awesome but requires a boat to access it.
On the Caribbean coast, the town of Santa Marta is known for its excellent surf spots, including Playa Blanca, which is a great spot for beginner and intermediate surfers. La Boquilla is another popular surf spot in Santa Marta, offering a consistent break and fun waves.
Colombia offers a diverse range of waves and surf spots, making it a great destination for surfers of all levels. With its warm water, consistent swell, and friendly local surf community, Colombia is a must-visit destination for surfers looking to experience the thrill of riding the waves in a new and exotic location.
Find a surf camp in Colombia, starting at 419$
When to go
The best time to surf in Colombia is from May to October for the Pacific coast and from November to March for the Caribbean side. Therefore, at any given moment throughout the year, you should be able to find a wave to surf in Colombia.
Where to stay
The Pacific coastline of Colombia is still a pretty rugged area with a lot of nature and parks. Therefore, there aren’t that many hotels on the coast. Nuqui is a great place to stay on a surf trip to Colombia with many surf spots around the area and some vacation rentals as well as hotels to chose from.
You can also find a surf camp in Colombia, which provides accommodation and access to surf spots.
Browse our interactive map to find the best accommodation deals in Colombia!
Best surf hotels around Nuqui
Surf camps in Colombia
Find a Surf Camp in Colombia, Starting at US$199
- Surf lessons 3 x 1.5 h
- 1 surfboard per person
- Surf equipment at any time
- 1 guided walk through the jungle
- Experience a guided tour to the waterfalls
- 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners
- 3 nights’ accommodation
- Airport boat transfers
Surf spots in Colombia
El Valle
El Valle is a remote surf spot located on Colombia’s Pacific coast, known for its powerful beach breaks and uncrowded waves. The waves break both left and right over a sandy bottom, offering solid rides for intermediate and advanced surfers. When south swells combine with light northeast winds, El Valle can produce some of the best waves in the area.
- Wave direction : Left and right
- Bottom : Sand
- Best tide : Any
- Skill level : Intermediate and advanced
- Optimal swell direction : S
- Optimal wind direction : NE
Playa Guachalito
Playa Guachalito is a more accessible and forgiving surf spot, making it a great option for surfers of all levels. The sandy beach break offers both left and right waves that work best on southwest swells with easterly winds. The beautiful, lush jungle backdrop and mellow vibes make it an excellent destination for a relaxed surf session.
- Wave Direction: Left and right
- Bottom: Sand
- Best Tide: Any
- Skill Level: All levels
- Optimal Swell Direction: Southwest
- Optimal Wind Direction: East
Juan Tornillo
Juan Tornillo is a consistent beach break suited for intermediate and advanced surfers looking for punchy, fast waves. It offers peaks with both left and right rides that can get heavy on solid southwest swells. The sandy bottom keeps it approachable, but the wave power and shape are best suited for surfers with some experience.
- Wave Direction: Left and right
- Bottom: Sand
- Best Tide: Any
- Skill Level: Intermediate and advanced
- Optimal Swell Direction: Southwest
- Optimal Wind Direction: Northeast
Juanchaco
Juanchaco is a powerful, secluded right-hand reef break that’s best reserved for advanced surfers. When north swells meet favorable southeast winds, Juanchaco can deliver long, hollow waves that challenge even experienced riders. Its isolation and intensity make it one of Colombia’s most rewarding yet demanding surf spots.
- Wave Direction: Right
- Bottom: Reef
- Best Tide: Any
- Skill Level: Advanced
- Optimal Swell Direction: North
- Optimal Wind Direction: Southeast