Cabo de la Vela · Colombia
Punta Gallinas, Colombia
18.5kts
E · Wind season
Punta Gallinas: relentless wind 329 days a year, zero infrastructure, and water that demands respect. Intermediate+ only.
- 18.5kts
- Average wind
- 330
- Windy days / year
- 10:00–13:00
- Peak wind hours
- E
- Primary direction
Location
- Nearest airports
- Airport - Barranquilla
- Coordinates
- 12.4581, -71.6625
Monthly wind profile (peak window)
Jan
100%
rideable
20.5 kts
Feb
91%
rideable
19.8 kts
Mar
100%
rideable
19.8 kts
Apr
100%
rideable
19.8 kts
May
98%
rideable
19.9 kts
Jun
97%
rideable
21.8 kts
Jul
98%
rideable
22.2 kts
Aug
92%
rideable
19.6 kts
Sep
85%
rideable
17.9 kts
Oct
58%
rideable
16.9 kts
Nov
65%
rideable
18.1 kts
Dec
97%
rideable
17.8 kts
Best wind directions
- E
- ENE
- NE
- ESE
- NNE
Water conditions
- Ocean
- Choppy
Best months
Hazards
- Choppy ocean conditions with strong currents and unpredictable wave patterns
- Sharp rocks and reef hazards in shallow water areas near Punta Gallinas
- Extreme heat and intense sun exposure in this desert coastal region
- Remote location with limited rescue services and medical facilities nearby
What that means for you
- Reef booties recommended at low tide
- Walk gear out — don't drag downwind across rocks
- Strong current — walk back upwind, don't body-drag down
- Mind your fins and lines in standing-depth water
Amenities
- Basic accommodations and guesthouses in nearby Cabo de la Vela village
- Local food vendors and small restaurants serving fresh seafood
- Limited supplies available; stock up on water and essentials before arriving
Local tips
This is a remote, underdeveloped spot best suited for experienced intermediate riders comfortable with minimal infrastructure. Plan your trip during peak wind months (Jan, Mar-May, Jul-Aug) and bring all necessary supplies, as resupply options are very limited.
Launch & beach
Launch from sandy beach areas when winds are from the E to NE directions for optimal conditions. Watch for choppy water conditions and time your launch during calmer periods to avoid capsizing in rough shore break.
Local etiquette
Respect local fishing communities and avoid launching near active fishing areas. Keep a safe distance from other riders in the choppy conditions and follow standard right-of-way rules.
What to wear
Lightweight or no wetsuit needed due to warm Caribbean waters year-round; focus on UV protection with a rash guard and hat. Reef booties are essential for rocky areas and sharp terrain.
What to pack
Kite sizes
- 11–14 mtypical sessions, 14–22 kn
- 8–10 mstrong days, 20–28 kn
Boards
- Twintip — universal, bring one
What to wear (by climate)
- In the water
- Boardshorts or bikini with a rashguard or sun shirt.
- On land
- Light cotton; pack a rain jacket if the season overlaps rains.
Derived from the spot's latitude (tropical zone) and current season.
Right of way & manners
- 1Rider entering the water has right of way over riders coming in.
- 2Upwind rider gives way — keep your kite high when passing downwind riders low.
- 3Starboard tack (right hand forward) has priority when crossing.
- 4Overtaking rider keeps clear of the slower rider's line.
- 5Wave riding: the rider on the wave owns it — don't drop in.
Spot guide
The Experience
Punta Gallinas sits at Colombia's northernmost tip—a desert peninsula where consistent trade winds meet serious remoteness. You're here for wind, not comfort. The landscape is sparse: sand, rock, and shallow reef near the point. Launch windows exist, but you need to earn them through sharp reading of conditions and currents.
Wind & Conditions
18.5 knots average year-round, with January–May as the reliable peak. E to NE wind is most workable. Expect strong currents threading through the point and chop that builds fast once swell wraps in from the Caribbean. No off-season means you can chase wind any month, but consistency comes with a price: unpredictable water surfaces and power that arrives with teeth.
The Water
Shallow reef and rock near the point require careful line selection. Launch from sand when you can; respect the current corridors. Warm water means minimal thermal protection, but sun exposure here is extreme—bring sunscreen and a hat. Dehydration is a real hazard.
Who It's For
Intermediate riders with solid current-reading skills and real self-rescue experience. You need genuine self-sufficiency and comfort managing emergencies alone. This isn't a learning spot.
The Scene
Cabo de la Vela has basic guesthouses and seafood vendors. No repair shops, no supply runs. Bring everything you need before arrival.
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