Hilton is a sheltered right-hander tucked in front of the Hilton in Cartagena de Indias. It breaks over sand, and a line of jetties shapes the wave: the rights tend to shift between four small jetties before peeling off the long jetty once the swell gets bigger. Expect some nice shape and the occasional pocket of hollowness. Deeper in the bay, Castillogrande beach faces south and only breaks rarely, sitting right in front of the hospital.
When It Works
The break draws swell from west through north to northeast, and the jetties do their best work on bigger swells carrying some west in them, so northwest is the direction to hope for. It's usable from 0.3 m / 1 ft to 1.5 m / 5 ft. Consistency can be a little hit-or-miss, so it pays to catch it on the right window.
Wind and Tide
The wave is dead offshore in the northeast trades, so look for northeast offshore wind. It can work through low, mid, and high tide, with a rising tide generally the better call.
Local Tips
This is an approachable spot for beginners. Expect a moderately busy lineup when it's working.
Access
You'll find a mix of free, paid, roadside, and restricted parking around the spot.
