Cabo de la Vela (Uribia)
- Freestyle, Freeride
- Best for
- Beginner
- Skill Level
- Flat, Shallow, Ocean
- Spot Type
- Moderate
- Crowd Level
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Cabo de la Vela is a remote, desert-meets-Caribbean kitesurf/windsurf/wingfoil spot known for butter-flat conditions driven by trade-wind offshore flow. Water quality is described as clean, with shallow water close to shore that quickly transitions deeper enough for foiling further out. The beach is sandy with a medium-sized riding/launch area that provides space for rigging and launching. Wind is consistently described as East/E-leaning trade winds, with most sources pointing to strong, rideable conditions nearly year-round. Peak wind months cluster around January through April, with additional windy periods also mentioned by different sources for the wider calendar. Typical reported wind strengths are roughly 25–35 knots, and the thermal pull from desert heating is commonly noted as part of the reason the wind is reliable, with stronger periods during the daytime—often afternoon but also referenced in the morning/late afternoon by some providers. For kitesurfing, the offshore setup creates very flat water that is excellent for freestyle and freeride, and can also support big-air/foil progression. However, safety depends heavily on your ability to ride upwind: the middle bay is generally positioned for riders who can get back against the wind, while learning is typically done further down the bay where conditions are more cross-shore. Sunset sessions are popular, and wind consistency is repeatedly emphasized across a broad daily window. On the safety side, the main practical hazards are the offshore wind (downwind drift if you can’t return), strong UV/sun exposure, dehydration risk, and limited medical/rescue coverage in a remote setting. Local guidance across providers stresses staying in designated kite zones, respecting Wayuu sacred sites and local fishing areas, and carrying/arranging repair support. Clinics and hospitals are not right at the beach; in reported cases, the nearest major hospital is in Riohacha (about a 2-hour drive).
- Butter-flat riding from offshore trade-wind flow
- Strong, consistent trade winds with typical 25–35 knots
- Warm, shallow, clean water for progression (including wingfoiling further offshore)
- Offshore wind zone management: advanced riders in the middle bay, learning further down-bay
- Butter-flat, shallow, clean water with consistent trade winds suited to freestyle and progression.
- Large sandy launch/rigging area and warm water year-round.
- Multiple schools with rentals/gear storage and repair support reported.
- Offshore wind makes the main bay unforgiving for riders who cannot ride upwind back to shore.
- Limited medical facilities and restricted formal rescue coverage.
- Rustic access and terrain (incl. cacti/thorns on land) with limited on-the-ground infrastructure.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- E, E, E
- Offshore directions
- E
- Wind Range
- 25–35 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — Alisios trade winds; typically strong and steady over the bay/headland.
- Reliability
- 355 days/year
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts — Reported as light-gusts by one provider; trade-wind consistency otherwise emphasized.
- Best Months
- January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, December
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 6–9 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Flat, Shallow, Ocean
- Beach
- Sand — Sand beach.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Flat — Reported as flat/very small waves; butter-flat conditions emphasized.
- Chop Level
- Described as flat water; chop not a dominant factor in sources.
- Launch
- Medium — Wide sandy beach with ample space for rigging and launching; gentle slope reported.
Through the year
Peak around January–April, with lower activity/conditions reported May–June; highest crowd noted around Colombian public holidays (Christmas/Easter).
None overall in one provider; other sources suggest reduced wind and occasional heavy rain around September to November.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Butter-flat, shallow water shaped by offshore winds makes it a strong freestyle and freeride destination. Offshore wind means the main bay suits riders who can reliably ride upwind back to shore; learning is typically done further down the bay where conditions are more cross-shore.
- Kite Sizes
- 6–10 m²
Freeride and freestyle in flat water with consistent trade winds; also described as suitable for speed runs and technical practice. Offshore wind suitability depends on rider ability and chosen area.
- Sail Sizes
- 3.5–7 m²
Suitable for foiling due to lack of shore break and deepening beyond the shallow shelf; offshore wind requires dependable upwind ability. Minimum depth is reported as around 100 meters offshore to clear the shallows.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes — Foil-friendly conditions reported.
- Min Depth
- Approximately 100 meters offshore to clear the shallow shelf
- Wing Sizes
- 3–7 m²
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Cabo de la Vela (Uribia) in the full forecast view.
Cabo de la Vela (Uribia) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 3–14 ktsGusts 20 kts
- Direction
- NNE31°
- Strongest day
- Fri, Oct 2314 kts
- Windy days
- 2/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.3–0.7 m5s period
- Temperature
- 26–33 °C
Over the next 7 days, Cabo de la Vela (Uribia) is forecast for daytime winds of 3–14 kts, peaking around 14 kts on Friday, October 23 with gusts to 20 kts. The prevailing direction is NNE. Waves run 0.3–0.7 m with a period of about 5s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- Offshore wind conditions (riders can drift downwind if unable to ride back upwind)
- Strong sun/UV exposure
- Dehydration
- Limited medical facilities
- Cacti and thorny bushes on land
- Occasional fishing nets and small boats near the village
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — One provider reports seasonal lifeguard presence; another reports none.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue availability is described as yes by one provider, limited by another; regional context notes formal coast guard rescue is limited and that local school boats often assist.
- Emergency Info
- Rescue service is available but described as limited; nearest hospital is reported in Riohacha (about 2 hours away by 4x4). Kite repair is available on-site (as reported by multiple sources).
- Localism / Vibe
- None — Sources describe no localism friction.
Rules of the spot
Stay within the designated kite zones; the middle of the bay is for riders who can ride back upwind, while learning is done further down-bay where wind is more cross-shore. Respect Wayuu sacred sites (including Pilon de Azucar) and local fishing areas.
- No camping allowed on the beach.
- Respect Wayuu territories and sacred sites.
- Avoid kiting through swimming areas directly in front of the village.
- Sunset sessions are popular; wind is commonly consistent from about 10:00 AM to sunset.
- Middle bay is for advanced riders because of offshore wind; beginners should learn in the designated down-bay learning area where conditions are more cross-shore.
- Bring a repair kit as local gear shops are limited.
- Always ride with a buddy or notify a school if you plan to go far out due to offshore wind.
- Board shorts are typically sufficient; consider booties if you want extra protection from occasional debris.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Riohacha
- Nearest Town
- Uribia
- Nearest Airport
- Almirante Padilla Airport (RCH) in Riohacha
- Parking
- Nearby/informal parking reported along the beach area near schools/rancherías; rental car/4x4 recommended.
- Public Transport
- Primarily via shared taxis/colectivos from Riohacha to Uribia, followed by 4x4 desert transport to reach the coastal villages.
- Access
- Fly to Riohacha (RCH) via Bogotá, then taxi/4x4 to Cabo de la Vela. Pre-book where possible to avoid hassle; barter price if hiring at the airport.
- Cost Level
- Budget
- Local Language
- Spanish and Wayuunaiki
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Near — Nearby rustic rancherías/rooms reported.
- Food & Drink
- Nearby food options reported; local restaurants described as serving fresh seafood and local dishes.
- Equipment Rental:
- Available through major kite schools along the bay.
- Gear Storage
- Seasonal lockers/gear storage described as provided by schools for a daily fee.
- Gear Repair
- Basic gear repair reported via schools; kite repair mentioned as available during emergencies.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
A rugged, off-the-grid destination where desert landscapes meet the Caribbean, with local Wayuu culture central to the experience. Nearby viewpoints and desert attractions pair well with wind sessions.
Sacred hill with panoramic desert-to-sea views and a small beach at its base.
Expansive salt flats where traditional salt harvesting can be observed.
Indigenous communities where visitors can learn about Wayuu weaving, traditions, and culture.
A sacred hill and sacred area connected with Wayuu cultural heritage; also used for panorama views and a small beach at its base.
Guided off-road expeditions through the Alta Guajira desert to the northernmost tip of the peninsula area.
Simple eateries serving fresh local seafood, particularly red snapper and lobster.
Learn traditional mochila-style weaving from local artisans.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Cabo de la Vela (Uribia)?
The best overall months at Cabo de la Vela (Uribia) are January, February, March, April. The best wind months are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, December.
Which wind directions work at Cabo de la Vela (Uribia)?
Cabo de la Vela (Uribia) works with E, E, E winds. Offshore directions are E.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Cabo de la Vela (Uribia)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Cabo de la Vela (Uribia): Kitesurfing: 6–10 m² · Windsurfing: 3.5–7 m² · Wingfoiling: 3–7 m². The typical wind range is 25–35 kts.
What skill level is Cabo de la Vela (Uribia) suitable for?
Cabo de la Vela (Uribia) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Beginner to Intermediate · Windsurfing: Beginner to Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Beginner to Intermediate.