Spot Highlight: Salinas del Rey

Spot Highlight: Salinas del Rey, Colombia

Join the GKA, as we take you with us to some of the most epic kiteboarding locations around the world. In this spot highlight, we’re heading to Salinas del Rey, Colombia, the location of the very first World Tour stop on the 2022 Freestyle schedule 

Salinas del Rey, Colombia is the newest location added to the GKA Kite World Tour. Located on the northern coast of Colombia, outside the small fishing village of Santa Veronica, the point of Salinas del Rey offers wind, flat water, waves and warm weather. As a result this spot is heralded as one of the best wave riding and flat water spots on the Colombian Caribbean coast. Therefore this kitesurfing paradise will host the first stop of the 2022 World Tour season!

The Wind Conditions

The primary wind season in Salinas del Rey is January through April, with daily winds averaging between 20-35knots. While February and March are the windiest months, May through July also often average 15-25kt days. In order to maximize conditions, the GKA will be hosting the first tour stop there in March!

The predominant wind direction is from the NE making for a side-onshore breeze. Visitors to the area should search Santa Veronica on Windguru and ikitesurf in order to find accurate wind readings. 

The Climate

Located on the Caribbean ocean, the ambient temperature is 28ºC and the water temperature is around 26ºC. The ocean is warm all year round therefore no wetsuits are needed. Pack your bikinis and your board shorts!

The Kiting

The point of Salinas del Rey extends out into the Caribbean ocean, creating a point break wave that barrels down the coastline. On the inside of the point, the water is protected, smooth and flat. As a result, this location offers conditions for wave-riding and freestyle alike. 

Besides the main spot of Salinas del Rey, there are a variety of additional kite spots, most boasting small waves and chop. As a relatively undiscovered kitesurf location, many spots are uncrowded.

The Travel

Travel to Salinas del Rey is relatively easy. Two international airports are located within 1.5hrs. Barranquilla is just 45 minutes away and Caragena is 1 hour 20 minutes. Once arrived, you can hop on the coastal bus (Expreso Colombia Caribe) in Barranquilla and for 7000 pesos catch a ride all the way to Santa Veronica/Salinas del Rey. 

The most common form of public transport in Salinas are the three-wheeled taxis known as tuk tuk’s or carro-coches. Additionally, there are a handful of kite hostels to choose from—visitors can stay anywhere in Santa Veronica, Salinas and Las Villas, all villages extremely close to the kite spots. Very few shops and restaurants are in the area, so come prepared to eat at home.