Santa Veronica (Salina del Rey)
- Wave, Shortboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Flat, Small waves, Chop
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Santa Veronica’s Salina del Rey launch is known for high, steady Northeast trade winds and a versatile mix of conditions: protected water near/inside the point and clean wave riding where the point affects the surf. The main riding season runs from December to April, with the strongest and most consistent winds commonly reported from January through March. For kitesurfing, riders typically use the NE wind to access both freestyle and wave options. Multiple sources describe a sandy setup with the ability to launch across the beach, while also flagging that the point area and shoreline edge can be rockier and more demanding. That combination can make the spot very rewarding for intermediate riders and above—especially those who want clean wave lines without giving up flatter water for learning or practicing. Surf conditions at the point are described as clean and rolling, with a semi-sheltered feel compared to fully exposed stretches: the point provides wave structure, while inside water can be flatter. Reported wave size windows are in the small-to-medium range, with moderate wave power and a peeling shape suited to rideable, sustained sections. Safety planning is important here: sources repeatedly mention rocks/stony patches near the waterline and hazards like logs and broken tree trunks near shore, plus a moderate shore break and side-shore currents depending on conditions. Use careful launch choices, check the shoreline before entering, and consider starting further down the beach if the main point shore break is uncomfortable.
- Reliable Northeast trade winds during December to April
- Mix of protected flat water and clean point waves for progression
- Warm tropical water year-round (around 26–28°C)
- Consistent Northeast trade winds in the main season with reliable strong speeds.
- Excellent mix of flat water and clean wave riding conditions for progression.
- Warm water year-round; beach is sandy with room to set up and launch.
- Kitesurfing is a primary focus at this location with dedicated infrastructure nearby.
- Rockier point/shore-edge areas can make launch more technical (rocks/stony patches).
- Narrow or sensitive launching zone and logs/tree trunks near shore reported.
- Moderate shore break and side-shore currents reported.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- NE
- Wind Range
- 18–35 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — Northeast trade winds (passat/Alisios) dominating the season
- Reliability
- 90%+ in peak season (very high reliability reported)
- Gust Factor
- Steady — Generally steady winds during the peak season (reported as steady/light-gusts across sources)
- Best Months
- December, January, February, March, April
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 7–10 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Flat, Small waves, Chop
- Beach
- Sand
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Small — Sources describe wave conditions from small to medium depending on activity area and day.
- Chop Level
- Light chop — Flat/protected water exists inside the point; overall conditions can include chop and small waves depending on the zone.
- Launch
- Medium — Sandy beach with room to set up and launch; stony starting area at Salinas del Rey with a narrower launching zone near the point.
Through the year
Uncrowded even in peak season.
September to November (rainy season; winds reported lighter/less reliable).
By sport
What to expect for each.
Salina del Rey (Santa Veronica) is a premier kitesurfing destination with a mix of flat water (protected inside/near the point) and wave riding at the point. NE trade winds are typically strong and consistent during the December to April season.
- Kite Sizes
- 7–10 m²
Reported as excellent for high-wind windsurfing due to consistent side-onshore winds and ample space.
- Sail Sizes
- 4–5.5 m²
Growing in popularity; consistent wind is suitable for foiling, though the initial launch/shore break can be challenging for beginners.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes — Minimum depth available beyond the immediate shore break for long-mast foils
- Wing Sizes
- 3–5 m²
Point break wave that barrels down the coastline; clean, rolling waves outside/around the point and flatter water inside the point.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- NE
- Swell Height
- 1.5–2.5 m
- Shelter
- Semi-sheltered — Protected flat water inside the point; exposure varies between inside vs around the point.
- Wind Effect
- Side-onshore NE wind affects the point; inside the point the water is protected and can be flatter.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds size well; swell can pick up with wind.
- Wave Quality
- Good — Clean, rolling waves reported
- Wave Power
- Moderate
- Wave Shape
- Peeling
- Peel Speed
- Medium
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Santa Veronica (Salina del Rey) in the full forecast view.
Santa Veronica (Salina del Rey) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–8 ktsGusts 14 kts
- Direction
- W274°
- Strongest day
- Wed, Oct 288 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.3–0.7 m5s period
- Temperature
- 25–31 °C
Over the next 7 days, Santa Veronica (Salina del Rey) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–8 kts, peaking around 8 kts on Wednesday, October 28 with gusts to 14 kts. The prevailing direction is W. 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
- rocks at/near the point
- stony patches at the water’s edge
- logs and broken tree trunks near shore
- narrow launching area
- moderate shore break
- strong currents (side-shore currents in some conditions)
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Spot-level sources describe rescue as available, while the regional baseline characterizes rescue as limited and often supported by local kiters/schools; larger medical support is in Barranquilla.
- Emergency Info
- Rescue service available (spot-level) and limited informal rescue support; major hospitals are in Barranquilla (about 1 hour away). National emergency number is 123.
Rules of the spot
Launch carefully; standard right-of-way rules apply. Respect any designated swimming areas if present.
- Some sources indicate more technical/expert-level riding may be required at the rockier point area.
- Check for logs and tree trunks before launching.
- If the shore break at the main point is too heavy, launch further down the beach.
- Carry cash because there are no ATMs in the immediate vicinity of the beach.
- Use sun protection (sun is extremely strong).
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Barranquilla
- Nearest Town
- Santa Veronica / Salinas del Rey
- Nearest Airport
- Ernesto Cortissoz International Airport (BAQ) ~55 km; Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG) ~85 km
- Parking
- Parking nearby/ample near schools and local restaurants; some access roads to certain spots can be sand and brush. Car recommended.
- Public Transport
- Limited; inter-city bus services along the main highway between Cartagena and Barranquilla with stops near access points, plus local buses and taxis to Juan de Acosta and Barranquilla.
- Access
- Drive via main coastal highway (Via del Mar) connecting Cartagena and Barranquilla to reach Santa Veronica/Santa Veronica beach area; parking nearby, with final access sometimes involving sand/brush. Public transport options exist via inter-city buses along the main highway and local taxis/buses to Juan de Acosta and Barranquilla.
- Cost Level
- Budget
- Local Language
- Spanish
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Hostels and guesthouses are available within walking distance in Santa Veronica; additional options in nearby areas.
- Food & Drink
- Local restaurants/stores (including seafood-focused options) near the beach and in Santa Veronica.
- Equipment Rental:
- Equipment rental available through local kite schools at Salina del Rey.
- Gear Storage
- Gear storage offered by most local kite schools (daily/weekly fee referenced in provider data).
- Gear Repair
- Basic repair services for kites/boards via local schools reported.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
The area is more rustic and sport-focused than highly developed resorts, with nearby coastal and cultural landmarks and low-key day activities.
A small mud volcano where visitors can bathe in dense, buoyant mineral mud.
Coastal village heritage and sand dune formations at Salinas del Rey.
A large architectural monument in the shape of the traditional Colombian hat located in nearby Juan de Acosta.
A historic pier that was once one of the longest in the world and a major gateway to Colombia.
Long-distance downwind trips along the coast toward Puerto Colombia or Cartagena.
Small beachside eateries in the Santa Veronica village.
Casual beachfront eateries serving traditional fried fish, coconut rice, and patacones.
Beach walking and shallow-bay exploration.
Nearby colorful town known for palm weaving crafts and the house of poet Julio Flórez.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Santa Veronica (Salina del Rey)?
The best overall months at Santa Veronica (Salina del Rey) are December, January, February, March, April.
Which wind directions work at Santa Veronica (Salina del Rey)?
Santa Veronica (Salina del Rey) works with NE winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Santa Veronica (Salina del Rey)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Santa Veronica (Salina del Rey): Kitesurfing: 7–10 m² · Windsurfing: 4–5.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 3–5 m². The typical wind range is 18–35 kts.
What skill level is Santa Veronica (Salina del Rey) suitable for?
Santa Veronica (Salina del Rey) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate · Surfing: Intermediate.