Las Americas (Cartagena)
- Freeride, Foil
- Best for
- Beginner
- Skill Level
- Chop, Small waves
- Spot Type
- Busy
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Las Americas (Cartagena) is an accessible, spacious sandy launch in Cartagena’s northern hotel zone, with clean water and predominantly chop with small waves. Launching is described as easy, with a wide beach and calm shallow conditions in the main launch area. Water depth can deepen relatively quickly compared to shallow lagoons, so riders typically need to manage their footing and exit paths. Wind is dominated by the Alisios (northeast trade winds), with the best wind direction centered on N and NNE. Conditions are most reliable in the dry season, especially from December through April, and trade winds can also be reinforced by a local sea-breeze/thermal effect during afternoon hours (a common build after midday). Typical riding winds are described around the mid-to-high teens up to around 30 knots, with one source characterizing the gusts as moderate while another describes the wind as steady. For kitesurfing, the spot is typically recommended for beginners through intermediates, leveraging the combination of space, small waves, and manageable chop. For wingfoiling, it’s described as excellent for beginners due to steady wind and adequate depth close to shore. Windsurfing is available but is commonly framed as freeride/foil/slalom rather than a high-performance wave-focused break. Safety-wise, the primary constraint is the large number of swimmers and beach users near the shoreline—particularly during holidays. Riders should strictly avoid kiting/boarding into swimming zones and maintain a safe separation from designated swimming areas, and the beach can also present near-shore obstacles such as umbrellas and guests that require extra situational awareness during launch and landings.
- Wide sandy beach for launching and landing
- Reliable N/NNE trade winds in the dry season (December to April)
- Good all-round conditions for kitesurfing and wingfoiling
- Warm water year-round
- Big sandy beach with clean water and small waves/chop
- Generally steady trade winds from the north/northeast with strong reliability in the dry season
- Very accessible for visitors staying in the northern hotel zone
- Many swimmers and beachgoers, especially during holiday periods
- Obstacles close to shore (hotel guests and beach items) can affect launch/landing
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- N, NNE
- Wind Range
- 15–30 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — N to NNE trade winds (Alisios) with afternoon reinforcement.
- Reliability
- high during the dry season (December to April)
- Gust Factor
- Steady — Described as steady in one provider; another source indicates moderate gusts.
- Best Months
- January, February, March, December, April
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 9–14 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Chop, Small waves
- Beach
- Sand
- Beach Size
- Big
- Waves
- Small — Small waves, generally with chop.
- Chop Level
- Heavy chop — Chop described as typical water state.
- Launch
- Big — Wide sandy beach directly in front of the hotel complex; wide beach with calm shallow sea for easy self-launch.
Through the year
Peak crowds during Christmas, New Year, and Easter holidays.
September to November (wettest period with less consistent wind)
By sport
What to expect for each.
Spacious, accessible kitesurfing with clean chop and small waves. Best suited to beginners to intermediates in calmer, shallow water areas with side-onshore trade winds.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–14 m²
Most commonly used as freeride/foil or slalom when trade winds are active; chop conditions are typical.
- Sail Sizes
- 5.5–7.5 m²
Ideal for wingfoiling with steady trade winds, sufficiently close-in water depth, and flat to chop conditions; instruction is available.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes — Described as foil-friendly by providers.
- Min Depth
- 1.5 meters
- Wing Sizes
- 2.8–6 m²
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Las Americas (Cartagena) in the full forecast view.
Las Americas (Cartagena) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–8 ktsGusts 17 kts
- Direction
- W275°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 248 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.2–0.5 m4s period
- Temperature
- 25–30 °C
Over the next 7 days, Las Americas (Cartagena) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–8 kts, peaking around 8 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 17 kts. The prevailing direction is W. Waves run 0.2–0.5 m with a period of about 4s. 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
- swimmers
- beach umbrellas
- tourists
- swimming areas in front of the hotel
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue availability described as limited; local kite schools may provide rescue support during high season.
- Emergency Info
- Emergency number: 123.
Rules of the spot
Maintain a safe distance from designated swimming areas in front of the hotel; avoid riding into swimmer-dense zones, especially during holidays.
- Not recommended for advanced riders in gusty conditions.
- Kiting in swimming zones is strictly prohibited.
- Avoid gusty wind at/near the marina.
- The beach is widest in front of the Americas Casa de Playa section.
- Mornings are often calmer, with wind picking up after midday.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Cartagena
- Nearest Town
- Cartagena
- Parking
- Parking available near the hotel and beach area; parking also available at/near the hotel and public lots in the La Boquilla area.
- Access
- Public access via the beach entrance or directly through the Hotel Las Americas; accessible by cab from the historical center (about 15 minutes).
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Spanish
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Near — Accommodation is available near the spot, including the Las Americas hotel and various rentals in the La Boquilla area.
- Food & Drink
- Numerous hotel restaurants and beach clubs located directly on site.
- Equipment Rental:
- Available through the hotel water sports center and nearby schools in La Boquilla.
- Gear Storage
- Available for hotel guests at the water sports center.
- Gear Repair
- Minor repairs mentioned as available via schools in the nearby La Boquilla area.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Las Americas (Cartagena)?
The best overall months at Las Americas (Cartagena) are December, January, February, March, April. The best wind months are January, February, March, December, April.
Which wind directions work at Las Americas (Cartagena)?
Las Americas (Cartagena) works with N, NNE winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Las Americas (Cartagena)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Las Americas (Cartagena): Kitesurfing: 9–14 m² · Windsurfing: 5.5–7.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 2.8–6 m². The typical wind range is 15–30 kts.
What skill level is Las Americas (Cartagena) suitable for?
Las Americas (Cartagena) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Beginner · Windsurfing: Beginner to Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Beginner.