La Boquilla is a small fishing village north of Cartagena, just 10 minutes by taxi from the Historic Center, tucked between the Caribbean Sea and the Ciénaga de la Virgen lagoon. Most tourists never make it here — which is exactly what makes it special. While the walled city draws crowds, La Boquilla offers an authentic, unfiltered slice of Caribbean Colombia.
But La Boquilla also holds a title no other destination in Colombia can claim: the country's best kitesurfing spot. Its consistent trade winds, flat lagoon water and long beach make it where riders from around the world come to learn and perfect their technique.
Kitesurfing in La Boquilla
The conditions in La Boquilla are nearly unique in South America: trade winds blow at 15–25 knots for most of the year, the lagoon has flat, shallow water (perfect for learning without wave risk), and the beach has enough space to practice safely.
We offer IKO-certified lessons for all levels: complete beginners who've never touched a kite, intermediates who want to refine their upwind riding, and advanced riders chasing jumps and tricks. Our instructors know the spot inside out.
Available levels
- 🪁 Beginner: theory, kite control on land and first water starts. Ideal for first-timers.
- 🌊 Intermediate: perfecting upwind, direction and water re-launches.
- 🚀 Advanced: jumps, transitions and tricks with a specialist instructor.
- 🏄 Wing Foil: the new hand-sail discipline, also available at La Boquilla.
Horseback Riding on the Beach
La Boquilla's beach is long, peaceful and perfect for a horse ride along the shoreline. We offer 1-hour horseback rides available from 8 AM to 5 PM, with Caribbean Sea views stretching as far as the eye can see. A relaxed, authentic experience that pairs beautifully with a beach day or kitesurfing session.
Mangroves & Local Culture
The Ciénaga de la Virgen lagoon bordering La Boquilla is one of the region's best-preserved mangrove ecosystems. Canoe tours through its channels bring you close to wildlife (birds, fish, crabs) and offer a window into how La Boquilla's fishing families have coexisted with this ecosystem for generations.
How to Get to La Boquilla
- 🚕 Taxi: 15–20 minutes from the Historic Center. Most comfortable option.
- 🚌 Bus: from Avenida Pedro de Heredia, heading north. Cheaper but slower.
- 🚴 Bicycle: along the coastal road — a scenic ~10 km ride from Bocagrande.
Nohemi's tip: La Boquilla is the Cartagena that most tourists never see. If you want to escape the usual tourist circuit and experience something more authentic, half a day in La Boquilla — whether kitesurfing, on horseback or simply eating fresh seafood by the sea — is worth more than many of the typical city attractions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is La Boquilla Colombia's best kitesurfing spot?
Consistent trade winds of 15–25 knots, flat shallow water in the lagoon ideal for learning, and a long beach with plenty of space. The only spot in Colombia with reliable conditions on nearly any day of the year.
Do I need kitesurfing experience?
No. We offer lessons from scratch with IKO-certified instructors. Beginners learn in the flat water of the lagoon — the safest environment to start.
How do I get to La Boquilla from Cartagena?
By taxi (15–20 min from the center), by bus from Avenida Pedro de Heredia, or by bicycle along the coastal road. We confirm the exact meeting point when you reserve.
What else can you do in La Boquilla?
Horseback riding on the beach, canoe tours through the Ciénaga de la Virgen mangroves, artisanal fishing with local families, and swimming at the beach with an authentic Caribbean village atmosphere.