Los Naranjos
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Flat
- Spot Type
- Quiet
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Los Naranjos is an exposed river-mouth/sandbar surfing spot on the Caribbean coast near the Rio Piedras meeting the ocean. It’s generally described as a reliable “safe bet” when the sandbars are formed, with conditions that favor intermediate surfers. Surf is typically best with a northeast swell component, and the spot is characterized as an exposed beach break with peeling, fast sections. When sandbars are well-formed, riders may find short barrels. Wave power is generally described as moderate, with wave quality reported as good. Wind guidance for the spot is anchored around south to south-southwest directions, while northeast winds are commonly described as onshore and messier. Sources also emphasize that the river mouth area is where currents are strongest, and the beach is not suitable for swimming due to very strong currents/rip tides. For timing, autumn and winter are repeatedly cited as the best season, with October highlighted as a best month. Conditions are often quiet and low-profile, though the area can get busier during holiday periods in December and January. Emergency care is centered in Santa Marta, and there is no lifeguard presence on-site—so plan accordingly and stay clear of the strongest current zones.
- Exposed river-mouth sandbar break
- Best months center on autumn to winter (October emphasized)
- Fast, peeling waves for intermediate surfers
- Exposed but often consistent river-mouth/sandbar surfing during autumn and winter.
- Working swell window is commonly in a moderate range for intermediate riders.
- Low-profile/quiet reputation compared with larger international destinations.
- Strong currents and rip tides near the river mouth; not suitable for swimming.
- Rocks and river debris after heavy rain can add hazards.
- Wind can turn onshore/messy with northeast winds.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- SSW, SW, S
- Wind Range
- 10–20 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — Trade winds (Alisios) with gradient winds are common in the region; at this spot, sources describe south/southwest winds.
- Reliability
- average
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts
- Best Months
- October, November, December
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Flat
- Beach
- Sand
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Medium — Surf sources describe medium wave size, with a working swell window often around 1.0–2.5 meters.
- Launch
- Medium — Wide sandy beach near the river mouth.
- Launch Difficulty
- Moderate
Through the year
Generally quiet, but busier during Colombian holiday periods in December and January.
October and November are the wettest months (with peak rainy season commonly around September to November).
By sport
What to expect for each.
Exposed river-mouth/sandbar beach break with generally consistent waves in autumn to winter. Typically considered a reliable option for intermediate surfers.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- N, NE
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- All tides
- Shelter
- Exposed
- Wind Effect
- Wind can be clean/offshore from the south, but northeast winds tend to be onshore and messier; local windswells are mentioned.
- Bigger Swell
- Can close out when the swell exceeds 3 meters.
- Wave Quality
- Good
- Wave Power
- Moderate
- Wave Shape
- Peeling — Often described as fast, with peeling sections when sandbars are well-formed.
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Medium — Fast sections; can offer short barrels when sandbars are well-formed.
- Ride Length Details
- Fast sections that can offer short barrels when the sandbars are well-formed.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Los Naranjos in the full forecast view.
Los Naranjos wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 1–6 ktsGusts 14 kts
- Direction
- ENE62°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 246 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.5–0.9 m6s period
- Temperature
- 25–32 °C
Over the next 7 days, Los Naranjos is forecast for daytime winds of 1–6 kts, peaking around 6 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 14 kts. The prevailing direction is ENE. Waves run 0.5–0.9 m with a period of about 6s. 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
- rocks
- strong currents
- rip tides
- river debris after heavy rain
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Limited official rescue services on-site; response relies on local support and services based in Santa Marta.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest major medical facilities are in Santa Marta (about 45–60 minutes away). Emergency number: 123.
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild
Rules of the spot
Avoid the river mouth area; the spot is not suitable for swimming due to very strong currents and rip tides.
- Not suitable for swimming due to strong currents and rip tides.
- Be cautious of the river mouth area where the current is strongest.
- Morning sessions often have the cleanest conditions before the onshore breeze picks up.
- Ideal for hiking, photography, and wildlife watching (not for swimming).
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Santa Marta
- Nearest Town
- Vereda Los Naranjos
- Nearest Airport
- Simón Bolívar (Santa Marta) Airport
- Parking
- Limited parking near hostels or private lots along the main road.
- Access
- Drive about 41 km from Simón Bolívar (Santa Marta) Airport; sources also describe access via the main road toward Tayrona National Park (El Zaino entrance) with a short walk. The area involves hiking/walk access and is not suitable for swimming due to strong currents.
- Cost Level
- Budget
- Local Language
- Spanish
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Several eco-hostels and boutique hotels are within walking distance in the Los Naranjos area.
- Food & Drink
- Local restaurants and hostel bars serve typical coastal food and drinks.
- Equipment Rental:
- Limited surfboards may be available for rent at local hostels.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Jungle-and-coast environment near major protected and trekking areas; the surf spot sits near access points to nature trails.
One of Colombia's most famous protected areas, featuring white sand beaches and lush biodiversity.
River tubing and swimming where fresh water meets the Caribbean Sea.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Los Naranjos?
The best overall months at Los Naranjos are October, November, December.
Which wind directions work at Los Naranjos?
Los Naranjos works with SSW, SW, S winds.
What skill level is Los Naranjos suitable for?
Los Naranjos suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate.