Golf in the Colombian Caribbean
Beaches, Ocean Breezes, and Tropical Golf
✈ Direct Flights to the Colombian Caribbean (CTG / BAQ)
Cartagena (CTG) — Americas
Miami (3h) · Fort Lauderdale (3h) · New York / JFK (5h) · Atlanta (4h 30m) · Orlando (4h, seasonal) · Toronto (5h 30m) · Montréal (5h 45m)
Cartagena (CTG) — Europe
Madrid (10h 45m) · Amsterdam (11h) · Zurich (12h, seasonal) · Milan (seasonal)
Barranquilla (BAQ)
Miami (2h 50m) · Fort Lauderdale (2h 50m)
Main airlines: Avianca, American, JetBlue, Spirit, Delta, KLM, Edelweiss, Plus Ultra, Air Canada, Air Transat
About the Colombian Caribbean — Tropical Golf Destination
The Colombian Caribbean is a dream tropical destination where golf meets white-sand beaches, luxury resorts, and vibrant cultural history. Cartagena, with its historic UNESCO World Heritage walls, offers a unique experience combining colonial elegance with modernity. Barranquilla, known for its world-famous carnival and cultural energy, provides incomparable Caribbean authenticity.
The coastal courses offer unique conditions: ocean breezes and warm temperatures create challenging yet exciting golf conditions. Karibana en Cartagena is the only Nicklaus Design certified course in Colombia, designed in 2012 on the site of the former TPC that has hosted the Korn Ferry Tour. Lagos de Caujaral in Barranquilla, designed by Joe Lee, was nominated for the 2024 World Golf Award and features an iconic island green. Club Campestre de Cartagena, founded in 1976, rounds out the world-class sea-level golf experience.
Caribbean Climate and Best Time to Play Golf
The Colombian Caribbean maintains a warm tropical climate year-round, with temperatures between 24°C and 33°C. The dry seasons are December-March and July-August, when there is less rain and more sunshine. The best time to play is December-March when conditions are driest and courses are in their best shape. Golfers experience constant trade winds that add technical challenge. September-November is Atlantic hurricane season, though Colombia rarely suffers direct impact.
Golf Courses in the Caribbean
Colombia’s Caribbean coast offers sea-level golf with ocean breezes, temperatures of 28–32°C, and the country’s most developed tourism infrastructure. Cartagena and Barranquilla are home to the region’s 4 courses.
| Course | Architect / Year | Holes / Par | Yards | Rating / Slope | Location | From Historic Center CTG | Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Karibana Links (ex TPC Cartagena) | Jack Nicklaus · 2012 | 18 / 72 | 7.116 | 71,3 / 128 | Cartagena | 30 km · 40 min | Resort |
| Club Lagos de Caujaral | Joe Lee · 1972 | 18 / 72 | 6.710 | 71,7 / 129 | Barranquilla | 130 km · 2h | Private |
| Club Campestre de Cartagena | R. & J. Villegas · 1976 | 18 | 6.521 | 63,5 / 113 | Cartagena | 12 km · 20 min | Private |
| Country Club de Barranquilla | Jemsek (renov. 2011) · 1926 | 18 / 72 | 6.906 | 62,4 / 108 | Barranquilla | 130 km · 2h | Private |
Historia del Golf in the Colombian Caribbean
Golf on Colombia’s Caribbean coast has roots going back to 1926, when the Country Club de Barranquilla was founded — one of the oldest golf institutions in Colombia. Its 18-hole course facing the Caribbean Sea has witnessed nearly a century of golf tradition.
En 1972, renowned American architect Joe Lee — famous for the renovation of Doral’s Blue Monster — designed Club Lagos de Caujaral in Barranquilla. Its iconic Island Green on hole 6 and strategic design earned it the World Golf Award 2024 as Best Course in Colombia.
The most recent chapter arrived in 2012 with the opening of Karibana Links, designed by Jack Nicklaus. Originally operated as TPC Cartagena — the only TPC-designated course in South America — Karibana has hosted Korn Ferry Tour events and the 2019 Colombia Open, positioning Cartagena as a world-class golf resort destination.
Practical Information for Golfers in the Colombian Caribbean
🚗 Transportation
Cartagena (CTG) and Barranquilla (BAQ) have international airports with direct flights from the U.S. and Panama. Distance between both cities: 2 hours by road. Taxis and Uber available. Private transportation recommended for the golf courses.
💰 Currency and Payments
Colombian peso (COP). International credit cards accepted at hotels, restaurants, and golf clubs. ATMs available. Tip: 10% included in restaurants.
⏰ Time Zone
GMT-5 (same as New York in winter). Colombia does not observe daylight saving time. Sunrise is at 6:00 AM and sunset at 6:00 PM year-round — perfect for morning golf.
📋 Visa
Citizens of the US, EU, UK, Canada, Australia, and most of Latin America do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days. Valid passport only.
Ready to Play Golf in the Colombian Caribbean?
We design your custom golf experience in the Colombian Caribbean — from oceanfront courses to a complete tour of Colombia.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many golf courses are there on Colombia’s Caribbean coast?
The Colombian Caribbean has 6 main courses: Karibana Links (Jack Nicklaus, 2012), Club Lagos de Caujaral, Club Campestre de Cartagena, Country Club de Barranquilla, Corpoalbania Club, and Jaraguay Golf Club.
Is Karibana comparable to world-class courses?
Karibana Links, designed by Jack Nicklaus in 2012, is a 7,100-yard Par 72 links course facing the Caribbean Sea. It has hosted PGA Tour Americas events and is considered Colombia’s best links-style course.
Can you combine golf and beach in Cartagena?
Cartagena is ideal for combining golf and beach. Karibana Links is right by the sea, and all courses are within 30 minutes of the historic walled city center, Barú beaches, and the Rosario Islands.
What is the weather like for golf in the Colombian Caribbean?
Constant temperatures of 28-33°C year-round. Playing early in the morning is recommended to avoid the heat. The sea breeze at Karibana Links adds a strategic challenge to the game.
How old is golf in the Colombian Caribbean?
Country Club de Barranquilla was founded in 1926, Lagos de Caujaral in 1972, Campestre de Cartagena in 1976, and Karibana Links in 2012 as the most modern addition.