San Andres · Colombia
San Andres Island / El Paraiso, Colombia
14.3kts
ENE · Wind season
San Andrés serves up 247+ windy days annually with locked-in ENE winds. Early mornings are smooth; midday gets choppy. Reef hazards and strong currents demand local knowledge.
- 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
- 12.5219, -81.7138
Monthly wind profile (peak window)
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
- Choppy
Best months
Hazards
- Choppy ocean conditions with strong currents around the island
- Shallow reef areas and coral formations requiring careful navigation
- Occasional tropical storms during shoulder seasons with sudden wind shifts
- Boat traffic in the channel between San Andrés and nearby waters
What that means for you
- Reef booties recommended at low tide
- Strong current — walk back upwind, don't body-drag down
- Watch for moored boats and marked channels
- Mind your fins and lines in standing-depth water
Amenities
- Beach bars and restaurants near El Paraiso beach area
- Kite schools and equipment rental shops in San Andrés town
- Hotels and accommodations within walking distance of launch points
- Local shops for basic supplies and repairs
Local tips
San Andrés has excellent wind consistency with 247+ windy days annually, making it highly reliable. Check local weather for hurricane season impacts and plan trips during the listed best months for optimal conditions.
Launch & beach
El Paraiso offers direct beach access with consistent ENE to NE winds ideal for launching. Watch for choppy conditions during midday; early morning launches provide smoother water despite lighter winds.
Local etiquette
Respect the established launch zones and stay clear of swimmers and snorkelers in the shallow reef areas. Local spots can get crowded during peak season; communicate with other riders and share the space respectfully.
What to wear
A 3mm wetsuit is suitable year-round due to warm Caribbean waters (28-30°C). Rash guards or lightweight tops provide sun protection in the intense tropical sun.
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
- 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
El Paraiso beach is your launch point. The trade wind here is relentless and onshore—you won't find nuance or wind variety, but you will find consistency. ENE to NE dominates year-round. Midday chop builds fast once the sun gets high and thermal activity kicks in. Early sessions are noticeably cleaner.
Wind & Conditions
247+ windy days annually puts San Andrés in the reliable tier. January through August is steadiest, but wind appears almost every month. The tradeoff: locked onshore direction means you're riding whatever swell window exists, not playing with multiple swells. Late afternoon often gets blown out.
The Water
Reef and shallow coral scatter throughout the launch zone and beyond. You need a guide or local intel to find safe lanes—this isn't optional. Currents run hard, especially toward the mainland channel. Boat traffic adds another layer of awareness needed. Warm water year-round is the only unambiguous advantage.
Who It's For
Intermediate minimum. Beginners should take lessons from town schools first, but reef navigation and currents make this a poor learning spot. If you dial edge control and can read water, early mornings reward that discipline. Wind reliability means your session doesn't evaporate into flat spells.
The Scene
Kite schools and rental shops sit within walking distance of El Paraiso. Hotels and food are nearby—no 45-minute commute. Expect a working Caribbean vibe, not resort aesthetics. May-June and September-October bring tropical storm risk with sudden wind shifts.
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