WWS

San Andres · Colombia

San Andres Island / Haynes Cay and Acuario, Colombia

14.3kts

ENE · Wind season

Flat-water lagoon progression spot with exceptional wind consistency (247 days/year). Shallow coral requires constant navigation; technique-focused, not thrilling.

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
12.5517, -81.6888
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 sea grass beds requiring careful navigation and awareness of water depth
  • Strong currents and tidal flows common in Caribbean waters affecting drift and positioning
  • Boat traffic in shallow waters around the islands, particularly near popular anchorages
  • Sharp coral cuts when wading or falling in shallow areas

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 clubs and restaurants within walking distance of launch areas
  • Kitesurfing schools and equipment rental shops on San Andres Island
  • Accommodation options ranging from budget to mid-range resorts nearby
  • Basic supplies and fresh water available in the main island settlement

Local tips

Best wind consistency occurs December-August; plan visits during these months for optimal conditions. The shallow lagoon format makes these spots excellent for progression but requires constant attention to depth and obstacles.

Launch & beach

Launch from the flat water lagoon areas at Haynes Cay or Acuario with easy beach access. Consistent trade winds from the ENE/NE make these protected spots ideal for beginners, with minimal shore break and gradual water deepening.

Local etiquette

Share the shallow water zones respectfully with snorkelers and fishing boats common to the area. Stay aware of local regulations regarding marine protected zones and respect marked swimming areas.

What to wear

A light 2-3mm wetsuit or rash guard is sufficient year-round given the warm tropical climate and consistent water temperatures around 27-29°C. Sun protection is essential due to equatorial sun intensity.

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

The Setup

San Andres Island's Haynes Cay and Acuario launch into a shallow lagoon—think massive flat-water pool. You're threading between coral heads and reading depth constantly. The trade wind pattern locks in from ENE/NE and runs year-round at an average of 14.3 knots. December through August peaks, but this spot works when most Caribbean locations are dead.

Wind Reality

247 rideable days annually. You're not chasing forecasts or waiting for swells. Wind direction stays predictable, so your drift is manageable and launch angles don't shift. January, July, and December guarantee solid sessions. Even off-months deliver.

Water & Navigation

Shallow coral lagoons demand attention. Bottom comes up fast, and you need gloves and booties—coral cuts are real. Currents and tidal flows push hard, so account for aggressive drift in your line choices. Avoid dragging across reef; navigate around it. Boat anchorages cluster near popular spots; stay aware of vessel traffic.

Who Belongs Here

Flat water + obstacles = ideal progression environment for learners. You dial edge work and control with zero shore break drama. If you're past flat-water dependency, you'll bore out quickly—no waves, no freestyle, no swell component. This is a fundamentals refinement spot, not a limit-pusher destination.

Scene & Services

Schools and rental shops on the island mean you can arrive without gear. Beach clubs and restaurants within walking distance. Budget-friendly accommodation and basic supplies available. It's functional infrastructure, not a destination vibe—you're here for wind and water, not the scene.