Surf-Travel

Surfing in Colombia

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 28 November, 2009 : - - There's fantastic surfing on Colombia's Pacific coast, located in the northwest corner of the South American continent. Colombia encompasses an area over 1.1 million square kilometers and is the only country in South America with both Caribbean and Pacific coastlines. Colombia also has international borders with five Latin American nations: Panama, Venezuela, Brazil, Peru, and Ecuador.

Colombians describe their country in climatic zones: the area under 900 meters elevation is known as 'tierra caliente' (the hot zone). Between 900 and 1,980 meters is 'tierra templada' (temparate zone), and from 1,980 meters to 3,500 meters is 'tierra fría' (the cold zone). The upper limits of the tierra fria marks the tree line and limit of human habitation. Treeless regions adjacent to tierra fria extending to around 4,500 meters are high, bleak areas referred to as 'páramos', above which is the area of 'nevado (permanent snow).

Colombia's best surfing spots are on the Pacific coast. 

Nuqui is the most common base for surfers. There are excellent surfing spots nearby:

Pico de Loro - excellent surfing a short boat ride from Nuqui.
Juan Tornillo - a short boat ride south from Nuqui, just before Cabo Corrientes, Jaun Tornillo is isolated and beautiful.
El Valle - a small town near Nuqui with cheap accommodation options.
Terco - 20km boat trip from Nuqui.
Termales - rivermouth surfing 25km south of Nuqui, or an hours walk from Terquito. There are hot springs nearby. 
Juanchaco - a one hour boatride from Buernaventura is relatively undeveloped and is good for experienced surfers.

Nuqui is an increasingly popular surfing destination. The landscape around Nuqui is one of tropical rainforest descending into pristine beaches - this is one of the most biodiverse areas on the planet. Small hamlets near Nuqui such as Tribuga offer fantasic uncrowded beaches, many of which are great for surfing. South of Nuqui lies Guachalito - here one finds some of Choco's best beaches and good hotels Near Nuqui, beautiful Playa Olimpica is 5km in length.

A tour to Parque Nacional Ensenada de Utria can be arranged locally by your hotel - there are whales, dolphins and numerous other aquatic animals to see. The nearby village of Arusi has some hot springs and there are mangrove swamps that can be visited by canoe trips. Further South one also finds Cabo Corrientes, a great spot for diving and snorkelling.

There are two ways to travel to Nuqui - by boat from Buenaventura, or you can catch a flight to Nuqui from Medellin with Satena or Ada airlines.

Accommodation & Hotels in Nuqui
The following hotels are in or close by to Nuqui. All offer a relatively remote experience with emphasis on nature and the natural surroundings, above the beaches and coastline. 

El Cantil - arguably the highest quality lodge in the Nuqui region, surrounded by beach and rainforest.
Cabanas Pijiba - an award winning ecotourism project.
Morromico - a tranquil place just North of Nuqui.
Piedra Piedra - a rustic refuge for those who love nature.
Ecolodge Nautilus is another option in the area, but has no website.

There's various basic hotels in and around Nuqui, in addition to those mentioned.
At Guachalito one can easily arrange family homestays.

Colombia's Carribean coastline also has surfing options, though the Pacific's surf is far higher in quality.

The best months for surfing on the Carribean coast are December to March and July to September.
The Carrribean's surf is consistent but the waves are not big.
There's various surfing spots near Barranquilla, in addition to possibilities near Riohacha, Cartagena and San Andres.

Lot more info at Paisa Tours

El Cantil located at Nuqui provides surfing guides, very knowable with local conditions and breaks. They have explored this region’s waves: Point breaks, beach breaks and river mouths, for years. Be an explorer yourself, surf with your friends and your surfing guide only.

For those who like power and good size waves, breaks are; “Pico de Loro” (Parrot’s beak) “Pela-Pela” (Peel-peel), “Juan Tornillo” (Juan screw) and “El Derrumbe”. The latest one discovered, is “El Chorro” (the stream), a powerful right at a unique spot. The best breaks are at places accessible only by powerboat and a boat cost per day must be taken into account

Waves are from the south west between April and December and from the north or northeast in January and February. The southwest waves are bigger, except when they occasionally come from the north of the Pacific in January an February. Ada airline only transport boards as long as they don´t exceed the 6 ´ 9´´.

Resources:
www.elcantil.com
www.paisatours.com
www.nuquilatinprocolombia.com

All photos courtesy Elcantil.com

Compilation Surfersvillage editorsl

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