Palomino
La Guajira, Colombia
Beach breakIntermediate
A laid-back Caribbean beach town in Colombia's La Guajira department, Palomino has a unique beach break where the Palomino River meets the Caribbean Sea, combining river mouth sandbars with Caribbean swell in a stunning jungle setting.
Typical Conditions
The Surf Window
Swell Window
OptimalW (270°)
WindowSSW–NNW (210°–330°)
Wind
SW
Offshore
Tide
low tide
LowMidHigh
Season
January–February
JFMAMJJASOND
The Wave
Type
Both
Bottom
Sand
Shape
Variable river mouth beach break, the sandbars shift depending on river conditions but can produce excellent peaks
Length
30–80m
Skill Level
- •Who it's for: Intermediate
- •Why: The river mouth creates unpredictable sandbars and currents, ocean experience required.
Hazards
- •River current, avoid the main channel mouth
- •Jellyfish and sea creatures
- •Limited surf infrastructure in this small village
Local Tips
- •Palomino is famous for river tubing, float the Palomino River to the sea on an inflatable tube for a spectacular post-surf experience.
- •The Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains (highest coastal peaks on Earth) are visible from the beach on clear days.
Location
11.2358, -73.8239