Kitesurfing Bahía Portete

Wind & Conditions

Large natural bay, La Guajira. N-NE trade wind (330–60°, 20–35 kn) Dec–Mar. Protected bay with flat water; site of tragic 2004 incident (Wayuu massacre), now UNESCO cultural heritage site. Combine with Cabo de la Vela trip.

About Bahía Portete

Bahía Portete sits on the eastern flank of Colombia's La Guajira Peninsula, one of the most remote and culturally significant coastal stretches in South America. The bay is a broad, naturally sheltered inlet where the Caribbean meets the raw, windswept landscape of Wayuu indigenous territory — and where the trade winds deliver some of the most consistent kiting conditions in the region. Getting here is part of the journey. La Guajira is genuinely remote; you're looking at overland travel from Riohacha, typically by 4WD, through a landscape of desert scrub and scattered Wayuu settlements. Plan your logistics in advance and carry your own water — this peninsula doesn't hand out comforts easily. The bay itself is large enough to give you real room to work with. The shape of the coast provides natural protection from swell, leaving the water surface flat and manageable — especially welcome if you're looking for conditions that reward technical riding rather than battling chop. The wind arc runs from 280° through to 80°, and the dominant flow is a N-NE trade wind, typically coming from around 330° through 60°. December through March is when the trades switch on properly, typically delivering 20–35 knots of steady, consistent air. That's a broad power range, so pack multiple kite sizes. At the lower end of the wind range you're in comfortable mid-range territory; when it tops out, experienced riders will want to size down. The flat, protected water can be excellent for intermediates on calmer trade days. When it's fully on, this is not a spot to be casual about — 35 knots on a remote coastline demands solid self-rescue capability and a conservative approach to kite choice. Bahía Portete carries a weight of history that matters. In 2004, the bay was the site of a tragic massacre of the local Wayuu community, an event that left a deep mark on Colombia's recent history. The site holds UNESCO cultural heritage status. Visit with full awareness of whose land this is, and treat it accordingly. For facilities, the nearest kite schools and accommodation are roughly 11 kilometres away, in the direction of Cabo de la Vela. Cabo Kite Center, Kiteboarding Cabo, Tawi Kite Center and Hostel, and Guajira Kite School — which also runs a beach club, bar, restaurant, and hostel — are all based in that area. Most riders use Cabo de la Vela as their base and include a session at Bahía Portete as part of a wider La Guajira kite trip; the two spots complement each other well. If you're travelling with your own gear and know what you're doing, the bay can be sessioned independently. Otherwise, link up with one of the local schools first. Flat water, consistent trades, and a setting that feels genuinely far from the tourist trail — Bahía Portete isn't built for convenience, and that's precisely the point.

Best Season

Check the Breeza app for the current rideable window at Bahía Portete.

World Ranking

Not globally ranked, but a kitesurf destination — a local favourite worth a check when the wind lines up.

Location

Bahía Portete, La Guajira, Colombia, Colombia

Lat: 12.214, Lon: -72.075