From fishing village to world championship venue
Salinas del Rey doesn't appear on most Colombian tourist maps. It has no airport, no shopping malls, and until recently the road to get there was a challenge in itself. But it has something that can't be bought or built: wind. A lot of wind. The kind of wind that makes professional riders from around the planet get on a plane to come here.
In 2023, when the GKA (Global Kitesports Association) announced that Salinas del Rey would host a stop of the Kite World Tour, many in the international community asked: "Where is that?" Today, after three consecutive years hosting the championship, the question has changed: "How didn't we discover this sooner?"
What makes this place unique
There are spots with good wind all over the world. What makes Salinas del Rey special is the combination of factors that are rarely found together:
The bay. Salinas has a natural protected bay that creates flat water conditions even when the wind blows hard. For a beginner, this is pure gold: you can learn without waves knocking you over every 30 seconds. For a freestyler, it's a perfect dance floor.
The open sea. Leave the bay and the swell changes completely. 1-3 meter waves that are a delight for wave riding. Two worlds in the same spot.
The coastline. 80+ kilometers of continuous beach towards the southwest. Downwinds from Salinas are legendary — you ride with the wind in your favor, covering kilometers of virgin coastline, with the desert on one side and the Caribbean on the other.
Wind data, real numbers
These aren't marketing figures. They're averages based on weather stations and kiter community reports:
| Month | Average Wind | Rideable Days | Recommended Level |
| January | 22-30 knots | 25-28 | All levels |
| February | 25-35 knots | 26-28 | Intermediate+ (very strong) |
| March | 25-35 knots | 25-28 | Intermediate+ (very strong) |
| April | 20-28 knots | 22-25 | All levels |
| May | 12-20 knots | 15-18 | Beginners (light) |
| June | 15-22 knots | 18-22 | All levels |
| July | 15-25 knots | 18-22 | All levels |
| August | 12-20 knots | 15-18 | Beginners (light) |
| Sep-Nov | 8-15 knots | 8-12 | Not recommended |
Wind direction: Predominantly northeast (NE), creating a side-onshore condition in the bay — ideal for kitesurfing because the wind pushes you toward the beach, not out to sea.
How to get there (without getting lost)
From Cartagena (Rafael Núñez Airport - CTG):
Take the road toward Barranquilla. At the Bayunca toll, continue straight. After the town of Luruaco, look for the turnoff toward Juan de Acosta / Santa Verónica. It's approximately 120 km, about 2 hours without traffic. With high-season traffic, it can be 3.
From Barranquilla (Ernesto Cortissoz Airport):
Take the road toward Cartagena and turn off toward Juan de Acosta / Santa Verónica. It's about 80 km, roughly an hour and a half.
Need transportation? At Veronikites we coordinate your transport from both cities. Just write to us.
Where to stay
Salinas del Rey and Santa Verónica have options for every budget:
- Hostels and guesthouses: From $10-15 USD/night. Basic but clean, close to the beach.
- Beachfront cabins: From $30-50 USD/night. The most popular option among kiters.
- Rental houses: For groups, from $75 USD/night. With kitchen, terrace, and space to store equipment.
Local tip: The best accommodations fill up fast in high season (Dec-Mar). Book at least 2 weeks in advance.
The community
What I like most about Salinas isn't the wind — it's the people. There's a kite community that has formed organically. Locals who grew up here and fell in love with the sport. Foreigners who came for a week and have been living here for three years. Schools like ours that were born from the dream of two childhood friends.
When you arrive in Salinas, you're not just another tourist. You're part of the spot. People greet you, tell you where the wind is best today, invite you for a beer at sunset. That's the magic that no tourist brochure can capture.
Ready to visit Salinas? See how to get there or book your class with us.