San Andres · Colombia
San Andres Island / Rocky Cay, Colombia
14.3kts
ENE · Wind season
San Andres Island trades steady wind for technical conditions: shallow reefs, unpredictable currents, and choppy Caribbean water. Demands respect and 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
- 12.5435, -81.7040
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 variable swell and strong currents around Rocky Cay
- Shallow reefs and rocky outcrops near the launch area requiring careful navigation
- Sudden wind shifts and thermal effects common in Caribbean island microclimates
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
- Local beach bars and restaurants within walking distance on San Andres Island
- Equipment rental shops and basic repair services in nearby town areas
- Accommodation options ranging from hostels to resorts on the main island
Local tips
Best conditions occur during winter and summer months (Jan-Feb, Jul-Aug) when trade winds peak; check local weather windows as wind can be inconsistent during shoulder seasons.
Launch & beach
Launch from designated beach areas during consistent NE and ENE wind periods; choppy water demands caution with entry and exit points near Rocky Cay's shallow sections.
Local etiquette
Respect local fishing activities and swimmers in shared water areas; maintain awareness of other water sports operators in this popular Caribbean destination.
What to wear
A 2-3mm wetsuit or rash guard provides adequate protection in warm Caribbean waters year-round; consider reef booties for rocky launch areas.
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
Rocky Cay sits just offshore San Andres, surrounded by shallow reefs and strong currents. Launching here means picking your entry and exit carefully—there's no room for sloppy technique. Wind is genuinely steady (rare for the Caribbean), but thermal effects and sudden shifts during shoulder seasons will test your focus. This spot doesn't forgive poor planning.
Wind & Conditions
247 windy days per year averaging 14.3 knots. Trade winds run ENE to NE with real consistency. January–February and July–August are your strongest months. March through June and September through December flip between decent sessions and flat spells, often with thermals messing the wind direction. When it works, it works. When it doesn't, you're wasting the day.
Water & Hazards
Choppy baseline conditions. Variable swell adds lumpy texture. Strong currents wrap the cay—use them, don't fight them. Shallow reefs near launch require careful navigation; walk out through existing channels, not over coral. Same on exit. The reef system is live and productive—treat it as off-limits for board contact.
Who Should Go
Intermediate minimum. You need solid board control, solid chop reading, and the judgment to call a session if wind goes sideways. Not a wave-learning spot. Not a beginner progression zone.
Scene & Local Info
Basic infrastructure exists—bars, rentals, repair shops, accommodation options. Not a major kite hub, so you won't find hundreds of kiters on the beach. Local kiters exist and have dialed the thermal patterns and current windows. That knowledge gap is the difference between fun and frustration. Talk to them.
Live network data powered by Antigravity Alliance Inc.