Cabo de la Vela Kitesurf Spot in La Guajira
South America Kiteboard Spot in Colombia
Cabo de la Vela is a tiny little headland in Colombia, which due to the geography offers pumping wind nearly all year round and butter flat warm water, perfect for freestyle kiteboarding. The offshore wind makes the middle of the bay a spot for people who can already kitesurf, but it’s possible to learn further down the bay where the wind is blowing more cross shore. It’s a very relaxed destination where the main activity other than kitesurfing is going to be relaxing and taking in the local culture, but if you’re looking for a remote flat water kite spot then this definitely has to make the shortlist. The Wayuu indiginous people are still living in the Guajira area, and the remote location means it still has a fairly untouched feel compared to a lot of South American kite spots.
Cabo de la Vela Kitesurfing wind conditions
As mentioned the middle of the bay is for advanced kitesurfers as you need to be able to ride upwind to get back to the beach, but it’s also where you will find the flattest water, perfect for freestyle or practicing tricks. Most of the year here the wind blows between 25 and 35 knots, with the lightest wind in May and June when it can be 15-25 knots, but more gusty and inconsistent. The best kite sessions will be in the morning or in the late afternoon, when the wind is most consistent and blowing fully offshore. In the middle of the day it can swing more cross shore making for less fun conditions, but still perfectly kiteable.
body wear
- board shorts
downwinder
- No
ride type
- freeride
- freestyle
- hydrofoil
- wakestyle
skill level
- beginner
- intermediate
- advanced
- professional
spot type
- ocean
starting area
- sandy beach
water condition
- flat water
wind daytime
- in the afternoon
- midday
wind type
- trade winds
Impressions
Wind Stats for Cabo de la Vela Kiteboarding
Around the Kiteboarding Spot Cabo de la Vela
Nearby you can take a short trip to hike up Pilon de Azucar to see an amazing panorama of the Guajira desert, and experience a sacred place for the Wayuu people. The sunsets from Cabo de la Vela looking West over the Caribbean are incredible, or you can head down to Playa del Pilon after climbing the Pilon and have a dip in the ocean. It’s a quiet little place with not much going on, but you’ll find local hospitality with some small restaurants, and the Wayuu people are known for their woven bags, so if you want to pick up a few gifts for family or friends these make for nice keepsakes.
camper parking
- Not allowed, but possible
car parking
- Nearby
emergency
- A rescue service
- Kite repair
has restaurant
- Yes
has toilet
- No
has shower
- No
How to get to Cabo de la Vela and how to bring it about while you're there
The simplest way to get here is to fly to Riohacha (RCH) vía Bogotá, and then get a taxi the remaining two hours to Cabo de la Vela. If you book in advance through your accommodation provider you’ll save yourself some hassle on arrival. If you do decide to just get a taxi at the airport just be sure to barter and agree a price up front.
accommodation
- near the spot
public transport
- Poorly developed
rental cars
- Recommended
Notice
Given the critical Situation in Venezuela the closest junction where you change Cars can be dangerous. It is recommended not to drive through the Desert on your own. Bring small Bills as there is not much money around in Cabo de la Vela and waiting for change can take a while. If you have the opportunity to bring some extra food, don't hesitate to do so.
Forget about electricity all day and long showers out there.
It’s flat-water offshore, so maybe not everyone’s taste.
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