Colombia is a perfect destination when it comes to water sports: and lagoons make the country stand out for its water wealth. This, in addition to the variety of climates, without seasons and with winds all year round, mean that you can come at any time of the year to practice water sports and enjoy the best of nature with the adrenaline and excitement that water offers.
KiteSurf: the force of the wind and the water
“…You take out the rage, the hunger, the dream, one forgets everything. And jumping… is like flying” says Christina, a Swiss journalist and passionate about this sport who lives in Cartagena. Gliding on the water driven by the force of the wind on a kite, or KiteSurf, is a sport that has been increasing in popularity in Colombia. In the country, we have 10 months of winds, the perfect waves and more than 15 places to practice. We are one of the favorite places to practice this sport worldwide. For this reason, we want to recommend some spots that you should not miss if you want to enjoy the adrenaline rush:
Barranquilla: this city located in the Atlántico department, the best months to go are from December to May, when the wind is medium/strong with a speed between 15 and 35 knots. Among the best places to practice this sport are Punta Astillero; Puerto Mocho, Puerto Velero and Salinas del Rey, located 30 minutes from Barranquilla; place where the Kitesurf World Cup 2023 will take place from March 1 to 5
La Guajira: in this department, located in the northwest of the Caribbean region, you can enjoy the contrast between the desert and the sea. Regarding the wind speed, it varies between 25 and more than 35 knots. To practice this sport you can go to Punta Gallinas, Manaure, Pusheo (the windiest spot in Colombia), Cabo de la Vela, Mayapo and Riohacha.
Valle del Cauca: Because it is located in the Colombian Pacific, it is important that all those who wish to venture into these waves wear a neoprene suit due to the cold water. Beyond this, the wind speed ranges from 15 to 25 knots. The most coveted spot for those in the know is Lake Calima, whose difficulty ranges from medium to low.
Boyacá: This department is only 2 hours from Bogotá, in the northeastern center of the country. The wind speed can vary between 10 and 25 knots; Of course, the best months to go are December and January. If you want to enjoy one of the spots most sought after by local kitesurfers, go to Chivor, which has a low-medium difficulty.
Feel the waves practicing Surf
Play with the waves, concentrate on the perfect turn and achieve the desired maneuver; that is Surf: a sport in which concentration is fundamental and balance is necessary , although to practice it you only need good waves and a board; be short, medium or long, according to your style.
In Colombia, the Colombian Surfing Federation organizes the National Surf Validation together with two other expert institutions in the field. This event is held once a year. Among the best spots to practice it are:
Nuquí: Terquito beach, and the coasts of Cabo Corrientes, Pico de Loro, Pela Pela, Juan Tornillo and El Derrumbe.
Santa Marta: Tayrona Park, where Mendihuaca beach is.
Cartagena: La Boquilla, Castillo Grande, Las Velas, Las Tenazas and Playa Blanca.
Face the force of the river or the calm of the water in your Kayak
This sport is perfect for experiencing pure adrenaline in the rapids or calmly sailing in the sea. The idea of this sport is to take advantage of the water current to maneuver the canoe and to be able to navigate with the help of the oars.
In the rapids, the idea is to navigate against the current: challenge the water and maintain your balance against the onslaught of the different currents. The kayak in flat waters is practiced with a boat of different sizes, the idea is to navigate in the sea or in some lakes.
You can practice it here:
San Gil: Fonce river;
Tobia: Black River;
Santander: Chicamocha River
Huíla: Magdalena river.
Contemplate the colors of the sea while snorkeling
Imagine seeing underwater and observing the underwater fauna and flora in their natural environment. It is an incredible sensation that can be experienced when snorkeling. The activity that consists of swimming at water level with a mask and a tube that allows you to breathe calmly while delighting your eyes.
In Colombia you can practice it in:
Providencia : This island will allow you to enjoy a sea of 7 colors, coral reefs and more than 400 marine species.
Santa Marta: in the Tayrona National Natural Park, more precisely on La Piscina beach, you will find an ideal place to see turtles and a great variety of fish.
Cartagena: on the island of Barú you can enjoy the soft sand, the diversity of fish and the crystal clear waters that this place has for you.
Experience a new experience on Paddle Board
The Paddle Board can be practiced easily by anyone. It can even be done with surfboards or inflatable boards, which are perfect for transporting them, and a paddle that will help you navigate. The key to being successful in this sport is to have concentration, balance and strength.
It is not difficult to find places to practice it, since we only need calm waters, however, here we recommend some places where you can go:
Coveñas: Ciénaga de La Caimanera, a place where nature will surprise you and you will be able to enjoy different animals in their natural habitat.
Antioquia: El Peñol a place with a great climate and landscapes that will leave you breathless.
Santa Marta: in the Don Diego river you can find a large amount of fauna and flora characteristic of this region.
