Surfing and Paddle Boarding

Cartagena is probably one of the better places in the world to learn to surf. The water is genuinely warm year round (we're talking bath water warm), the waves are gentle and forgiving, and the instructors are top notch. Both the surfing and paddleboarding scenes are anchored around the break near Las Velas in El Laguito, Bocagrande.

For surfing, our first recommendation is Surfing Cartagena, led by Hugo, a local legend who has been surfing Cartagena since the late 70s. Hugo teaches with a genuine passion for the sport rather than just selling lessons. If Hugo is fully booked, Shaka Surf CTG is another excellent surf instructor and also the person to call for paddleboarding. Both speak English and Spanish, have great style in the water, and will make for a genuinely fun morning activity.