Surfing the Caribbean coast of Colombia in 2025

Okay, so after a 3 month stint of surfing nonstop waves in Mexico, I decided to take my first international trip in YEARS where surfing was not the emphasis. I headed to Colombia for many reasons--the reggaeton, the salsa dance, biodiversity, history, etc-- but surfing was not one of those reasons!

February 2026 note: at the time of writing, it appears that the region is currently very unstable due to local armed groups and Tayrona National Park is even closed. Will update if I see new information on this region, always practice safety with advice from the locals.

CARTAGENA SECRET SPOT

Of course, arriving in beautiful Cartagena, I couldn’t help but open my Surfline app and notice a rideable swell was arriving to the Caribbean coast on my last planned day in the city (very classic, where there are waves you will probably find me)

I did some fast mobilizing, ubered down to Playa La Velas the next morning and messaged the incredible local guide Hugo (@surfing_cartagena on IG). I found myself with a shortboard in my preferred dimensions and rare, clean 2-3+ foot waves at a jetty. It was a gorgeous spontaneous send with the the beautiful city of Cartagena behind me! It was exciting to be part of the local surf scene for a morning and I definitely caught some fun ones, although I wouldn’t recommend this short period, fast, dumpy wave to a beginner surfer without a lesson.

Hugo operated his surf rental from a local resort and he also seemed to have a good selection of boards and offer lessons, but you have to get in contact ahead of time. Some competitive local groms and young adults were making the best of the day's swell on both short boards and longboards (very impressive)

SURF CULTURE? IN COLOMBIA?

Chatting up the locals after, they shared some advice on where else I may score waves in the region on the following days. Colombia has never been world-renowned for it's waves, but the best waves happen on the scarcely traveled Pacific coast, which was far far away and off season. I had heard the Caribbean beach town of Palomino tossed around, but I ended up visiting later in my trip and I found it rather un-surfable. I wouldn't bank on surfing there, although some locals certainly were doing it! However, with the locals Carribean surf destinations recommendation, I adjusted a few things in my itinerary to head to a little surf village on the edge of Tayrona National Park. And the village was called Mendihuaca.

GETTING THERE AND PLANNING AHEAD

You probably want to come to Mendihuaca if you are already in Cartagena (about 5 hours away), Santa Marta (about 1.5 hours away), or planning to visit the very touristic Tayrona National Park (literally right next door).

This has the vibe of a place that is just now picking up. There are probably just as many Colombian tourists as there are backpackers that somehow stumbled upon here before or after visiting Tayrona.

Mendihuaca Surf Camp, the premier hostel that is attracting traveleing surfers to this village, has detailed how to arrive on the public bus from Santa Marta here. I did this and it was a smooth voyage. Arriving at the access road to Mendihuaca, you will need to walk a good bit or take a moto-taxi. I had never ridden a motorcycle, but I did it! If my fearful self did it, you probably can too.

In Mendihuaca, your first stop should probably be Mendihuaca Surf Camp, where you can get boards, lessons, and the like. In this village you’re not really going to have much of a kitchen or even a general store to buy incidentals, so do a quick trip in Santa Marta or buy some things at the bus stop when you arrive. And of course, come with cash ! You’re gonna need it.

WHERE TO STAY

I spent a total of 2 nights in this tiny little spot, one night in Mocambo Beach Hostal and one night in Mendihuaca Surf Camp. Given it was the place with the most vibrant backpacking and surf culture, I would have spent both nights at Mendihuaca Surf Camp if there was availability for my very last minute trip.

SURFING IN MENDIHUACA

If I recall, I rented a surfboard right on the beach for 24 hours on the scale of $10-20 and he let me trade it out with his limited selection to try it out.

One of my surfing travel hacks: always go with your own leash and a pair of FCS and Futures fins each. You never know when it can come in handy, and while you may find boards that float they may not always be the most kitted out.

As for the surfing.... I purposely came to town when the swell was reading fun-sized (2-4 feet) and not too too heavy. In Mendihuaca, the wave got rather tubular over 3-4 feet but man it was a challenge! The main break is actually on a river mouth, and this is also where they teach lessons. Despite my surfing experience, I’m still very nervous in open water and the turbulent nature of the waves, the short period swell, and the heaviness of this particular wave was beyond me.

I had much more luck surfing the next beach break about 200 meters south, right in front of Mendihuaca surf camp. Though it was probably considered more challenging or technical, it felt much more predictable and easier to read so I ended up having 3 or 4 sessions here in my two days in town.

My sweet new friend Anne and I did a little photo shoot with her film camera and these are some of my favorite surf shots I've ever gotten! Like cmon, how gorgeous and in the prettiest setting. This is certainly in the top 5 most beautiful, scenic places I’ve surfed (up there with Chicama, Pavones, and the california central coast..) with the stunning mountains behind you, you can see a snowy summit in the distance, beyond the jungle.

THINGS TO DO AND PLACES TO EAT

For lack of the hostels having kitchens and the fact that there isn't even really a store to buy light groceries, you're best off packing some non-perishable snacks and bringing enough cash to eat food out during your stay. There are several low-key, economical options to eat along the beach, from seafood, Colombian dishes, and even a little Mexican joint.

THINGS TO DO NEARBY

You'll likely want to combine your visit with trips to nearby Tayrona National Park or Palomino.

TAYRONA NATIONAL PARK is a famed jungle on the beach, full of hiking trails, biodiversity, and overnight spots to pitch a hammock and stay. As it is a very touristic spot on any South American backpackers itinerary, I opted to do more than just hike in and stay at the famous beach, Cabo San Juan. Instead, I did an extra long hike to the beautiful Playa Brava and stayed the night in a hammock, then hiked back out the hard way the next morning. Arriving there, it is incredibly peaceful and secluded and you are likely to meet some really cool people. Reach out the Ecolodge Playa Brava to book directly with them!

PALOMINO is Colombia's token boho beach town, with just as many international travelers as there are Colombian transplants that have escaped the city for the hippie, jungley, beachy magic of this place. From rafting, to partying, to artisan goods, international food and cafes, and of course, the beach, it is understandable why so many people end up in this little corner of Colombia.

It had previously been compared to Montanita (my favorite surf town ever, in Ecuador) and I certainly see many similarities in terms of the beach and party lifestyle, although I don't consider it a surf town because the wave is just messy beachbreak. I spent several hours observing the waves after coming from Mendihuaca and while I saw locals attempting to surf, I didn't think anything was particularly rideable. That being said, there are local surf schools that will teach you and seem to rent boards, though it was unclear if it would be right there or in a nearby, cleaner wave. If you have better luck, please do comment and let me know, I am curious!

IN SUM

As it turns out, you can surf out here! Or if you don't surf, there are plenty of other ways to enjoy the beach in the region and take in the natural beauty. I adored Colombia as a country, and happening to stumble upon surfable (although tricky) waves added to my charmed experience of the country. Buen viaje, be safe, and let me know if you have questions or comments