Punta Gallina (La Guajira Coast)
- Shortboard, Advanced riders
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Ocean
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Punta Gallina is a rugged, remote surf spot on the northern Caribbean coast of La Guajira, exposed to open-ocean conditions. It’s characterized as an occasional working point break that becomes best when the required north swell wraps around the point. Even then, the wave is described as inconsistent—“works once in a while”—so plan around the swell window and be ready for flat or messy periods when conditions miss. The spot is notably hazardous due to rocks, both at the shoreline and in/around the lineup. Multiple sources stress surfing in a group, and emphasize that the rocky entry/sections make it higher risk than typical sandy launches. Currents are described as strong for the exposed setting, with occasional rip currents, and there are no nearby lifeguards or formal water rescue services—emergency care is reportedly hours away in Riohacha. Seasonally, winter and spring are the best period for surfing Punta Gallina, with the spot specifically highlighted as best in June in surf-forecast data. For winds, ideal surf setup is described as southeast winds (offshore/ideal angle for the point), though trade winds are generally very strong in the La Guajira region and can shift the effective wind angle relative to the point. The area is rarely crowded due to extreme isolation. Access is difficult and typically requires a 4x4 vehicle route across the desert or a boat trip from Cabo de la Vela; practical logistics and self-sufficiency matter. Plan for arid conditions, intense sun, plenty of water, and bring appropriate protective gear for rocky entry (including booties where recommended).
- Exposed point break that only works occasionally.
- Best swell alignment is north wrapping the point.
- Rock hazards—group surfing and careful entry strongly recommended.
- Winter/spring season described as the most favorable period.
- Iconic desert-meets-ocean setting on an exposed point with uncrowded conditions.
- Best swell direction is north, with favorable winter/spring period for the break.
- Ideal southeast winds are described for surf setup.
- Exposed, rock-heavy environment makes sessions unforgiving.
- Works only occasionally and needs the right north swell and swell/wind alignment.
- Very remote access and no nearby medical facilities or formal rescue.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- E, ESE, ENE
- Offshore directions
- SE, ESE, E
- Wind Range
- 18–30 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — Consistent trade winds (Alisios) with strong acceleration in the desert-to-sea setup; strongest wind conditions typically build through the afternoon.
- Reliability
- very-high during dry season (regional); spot-level reliability noted via monthly clean/blown stats
- Gust Factor
- Steady — Spot-level data indicates steady conditions for surfing; regional context also indicates strong, persistent winds with thermal reinforcement peaking in the afternoon.
- Best Months
- January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 7–10 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Ocean
- Beach
- Mixed — Rocky point/sections with adjacent sandy areas for launching; one source notes rocks as composition while another notes sand.
- Beach Size
- Tidal
- Waves
- Medium — Wave size described as medium overall; can handle larger swells when the wind doesn’t over-power the wrap.
- Launch
- Medium — Launching is typically done from sandy beach areas adjacent to the rocky point.
- Launch Difficulty
- Moderate — Launch difficulty described as moderate given rocky access and remote exposure.
Through the year
Rarely crowded year-round.
September to November can see occasional heavy rainfall; November to mid-December can also be stormy.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Strong and consistent winds make the area well suited to adventure-focused kitesurfing (including downwinders) rather than a stationary hub-style school setup at the point itself.
- Kite Sizes
- 7–10 m²
Rarely visited due to extreme remoteness and difficulty transporting equipment, though conditions are described as suitable for high-wind freeride.
- Sail Sizes
- 4–5.5 m²
Suitable for experienced foilers; strong winds and rocky conditions require care.
- Foil Friendly
- Limited — Foil-friendly conditions are described as limited, requiring extra attention to hazards and depth.
- Min Depth
- 1.5 meters
- Wing Sizes
- 3–4.5 m²
Exposed point break on the far northern edge of the coast; it only works occasionally and requires specific swell/wind alignment to be truly rideable. The wave is described as capable of longer rides when a solid north swell wraps the point.
- Wave Direction
- Left
- Optimal Swell
- N, NE
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- All tides — Sources also note it can work at all tide stages.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Open ocean exposure with minimal shelter; rocks and exposed positioning make it a higher-stakes spot.
- Wind Effect
- Southeast winds are described as ideal/offshore for the surf at this exposed point; trade winds can also run side-onshore to side-offshore depending on the precise angle.
- Bigger Swell
- Can handle larger swells but may become messy if the wind is too strong.
- Wave Quality
- Average — Quality is described as average overall, but can become much better when the correct north swell wraps and wind angles line up.
- Wave Power
- Moderate — Works as an occasional exposed point with moderate power overall when conditions line up.
- Wave Shape
- Peeling — When it works, it forms peeling sections off the point.
- Peel Speed
- Medium — Trade winds can create side-onshore/side-offshore conditions depending on the exact point angle; this affects how clean the peeling section stays.
- Ride Length
- Medium — Provides longer rides when a solid north swell wraps around the point.
- Ride Length Details
- Longer rides when a solid north swell wraps around the point; otherwise it can be inconsistent/only occasionally works.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Punta Gallina (La Guajira Coast) in the full forecast view.
Punta Gallina (La Guajira Coast) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 5–14 ktsGusts 24 kts
- Direction
- ENE74°
- Strongest day
- Thu, Oct 2914 kts
- Windy days
- 3/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.6–1.3 m6s period
- Temperature
- 26–33 °C
Over the next 7 days, Punta Gallina (La Guajira Coast) is forecast for daytime winds of 5–14 kts, peaking around 14 kts on Thursday, October 29 with gusts to 24 kts. The prevailing direction is ENE. Waves run 0.6–1.3 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
- submerged rocks
- strong coastal currents and occasional rip currents
- extreme remoteness
- strong sun exposure
- intense currents
- no medical facilities nearby
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguards reported locally.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No — No formal water rescue service reported; safety often depends on informal local assistance and rancherias.
- Emergency Info
- Emergency services are not nearby; the nearest major hospital is in Riohacha, several hours away by 4x4. Emergency number: 123.
- Localism / Vibe
- None — Sources describe no specific localism friction, but they do emphasize respecting local community access guidance.
Rules of the spot
Surfing is best done in a group due to the rocky entry/areas; respect any access guidelines connected to local rancherias and Indigenous Wayuu community guidance.
- Remote access typically requires 4x4 vehicle transport through the desert or a boat trip from Cabo de la Vela.
- Unregulated/desert parking is available near local rancherias.
- Beware of rocks—surf in a group.
- Bring high-factor sun protection and plenty of water; the environment is extremely arid.
- Booties are recommended for navigating rocky entry.
- Plan for self-sufficiency due to remote access and lack of nearby rescue/medical support.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Riohacha
- Nearest Town
- Uribia
- Nearest Airport
- Almirante Padilla Airport (RCH) in Riohacha
- Parking
- Unregulated parking is available in open desert areas near local rancherias.
- Public Transport
- Non-existent to the northern tip; access is limited to organized 4x4 tours or shared trucks departing from Uribia.
- Access
- Remote coastal access on La Guajira typically requires a 4x4 route through the desert or a boat trip from Cabo de la Vela.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Spanish, Wayuunaiki
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Far — Accommodation is primarily in traditional Wayuu rancherias (basic rooms or hammocks), described as far/remote from the point itself.
- Food & Drink
- Local rancherias serve traditional meals, primarily fish and goat.
- Equipment Rental:
- No rental shops or schools are available at the location itself; riders typically need to bring gear, with rental/arrangements handled via schools based in Cabo de la Vela organizing excursions.
- Gear Storage
- None available at/for the location itself.
- Gear Repair
- Very limited repair support; major repairs require returning to Riohacha or bringing spare parts.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Tourism is centered on remote nature and Indigenous Wayuu rancheria culture, with limited infrastructure and a low-key social scene often focused around communal rancheria gatherings.
Massive sand dunes that plunge directly into the Caribbean Sea, with sandboarding and spectacular views.
Historic lighthouse at the northernmost point of mainland South America.
Traditional indigenous settlements where visitors can learn about Wayuu weaving, language, and culture.
Guided off-road journeys through the Alta Guajira desert landscape.
Local eatery serving fresh lobster and traditional Wayuu goat dishes.
Bird watching in nearby coastal lagoons with large colonies of pink flamingos.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Punta Gallina (La Guajira Coast)?
The best overall months at Punta Gallina (La Guajira Coast) are December, January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December. The best wind months are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December.
Which wind directions work at Punta Gallina (La Guajira Coast)?
Punta Gallina (La Guajira Coast) works with E, ESE, ENE winds. Offshore directions are SE, ESE, E.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Punta Gallina (La Guajira Coast)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Punta Gallina (La Guajira Coast): Kitesurfing: 7–10 m² · Windsurfing: 4–5.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 3–4.5 m². The typical wind range is 18–30 kts.
What skill level is Punta Gallina (La Guajira Coast) suitable for?
Punta Gallina (La Guajira Coast) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Advanced · Windsurfing: Advanced · Wingfoiling: Advanced · Surfing: Intermediate.