WWS

San Andres · Colombia

San Andres Island / Chameys Nautica, Colombia

14.3kts

ENE · Wind season

San Andres delivers 247 windy days a year with flat water. The reef that creates the protection will end your session if you don't scout launch zones first.

BeginnerIntermediateFreerideFoil
14.3kts
Average wind
248
Windy days / year
08:00–11:00
Peak wind hours
ENE
Primary direction

Location

Nearest airports
Airport - San Andres Island
Coordinates
12.5545, -81.7038
Open full map

Monthly wind profile (peak window)

18
Jan
17
Feb
15
Mar
16
Apr
16
May
16
Jun
17
Jul
15
Aug
14
Sep
15
Oct
16
Nov
17
Dec

Jan

94%

rideable

17.6 kts

Feb

88%

rideable

17.3 kts

Mar

52%

rideable

15.2 kts

Apr

72%

rideable

16.4 kts

May

73%

rideable

16 kts

Jun

70%

rideable

16.4 kts

Jul

94%

rideable

17.3 kts

Aug

66%

rideable

15.3 kts

Sep

33%

rideable

14.1 kts

Oct

27%

rideable

15.4 kts

Nov

55%

rideable

15.6 kts

Dec

90%

rideable

16.9 kts

Best wind directions

  • ENE
  • NE
  • E
  • NNE
  • N

Water conditions

  • Ocean
  • Flat Water

Best months

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Hazards

  • Shallow coral reefs and rocky outcrops in the flat water area—always scout before launching
  • Strong currents near the channel between San Andres and nearby cays can sweep riders offshore
  • Occasional seagrass beds that can tangle lines; check conditions with locals before riding
  • Tropical weather changes quickly; monitor for sudden squalls common in Caribbean waters

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

  • Kitesurfing schools and rental shops available at Chameys Nautica and nearby beach areas
  • Beachfront restaurants and bars within walking distance of the launch zone
  • Fresh water showers and basic facilities at the main beach access points
  • Local hotels and accommodations throughout San Andres town, 10–15 minutes away

Local tips

With 247+ windy days annually, this is a reliable destination, but always check local wind reports and tide conditions before heading out. Hiring a local guide on your first session is highly recommended for navigating reef hazards.

Launch & beach

The flat water and sandy launch areas make this ideal for beginners. Winds predominantly from ENE to NE create consistent side-shore conditions; launch early when winds are lighter before sea breezes build.

Local etiquette

Respect local fishermen and boat traffic in the shallow flats. Stay aware of other kiters in the tight launch area and follow local guide recommendations for wind-dependent launch times.

What to wear

A 2–3 mm shorty or spring suit is sufficient year-round; water temperatures stay warm (26–28°C). Protect against sun and coral with a rash guard.

What to pack

Kite sizes

  • 14–17 mlight wind, under 14 kn
  • 11–14 mtypical sessions, 14–22 kn
  • 8–10 mstrong days, 20–28 kn

Boards

  • Twintip — universal, bring one
  • Hydrofoil — light-wind spot, rideable from ~10 kn

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

  1. 1Rider entering the water has right of way over riders coming in.
  2. 2Upwind rider gives way — keep your kite high when passing downwind riders low.
  3. 3Starboard tack (right hand forward) has priority when crossing.
  4. 4Overtaking rider keeps clear of the slower rider's line.
  5. 5Wave riding: the rider on the wave owns it — don't drop in.

Spot guide

Wind & Conditions

Consistent ENE to NE winds year-round—January through November, reliably. Average 14.3 knots means steady side-shore conditions, ideal for building time on the board without fighting variable wind. Morning sessions are cleanest; afternoon sea breeze stacks harder. Watch for Caribbean squalls; they're fast and real. Know your exit before launching.

The Water

Flat. The reef and shallow areas create the protection, but they're also the main hazard. Scout your launch zone every session—don't assume yesterday's safe channel is safe today. Seagrass can wrap lines. Strong currents run between San Andres and nearby cays; insufficient wind won't fight current pushing offshore. Water is warm.

Hire a local guide your first time. Not optional.

Who It's For

Beginners who want genuine flat water with consistent wind. Schools and rental shops operate here; basic facilities exist. You don't need complex reef reading skills, but you do need to listen when locals tell you where not to go. Intermediate riders expecting waves or freestyle terrain will be disappointed. Conditions are the entire appeal.

The Scene

Tourist infrastructure without overcrowding. Restaurants and bars within walking distance of launch. No seasonal lag—247 windy days means the community relies on this wind; it's not a gimmick. Isolation in the good way: everything's on the island.

Hire a guide who knows which sandy zones work and how tide shifts the reef.