2025 Samana Festival, Colombia | March 23rd-30th
The Longest Extreme Kayak Race in the World is Evolving – And You’re Invited!
Samaná Fest is a 10-day river festival that brings together paddlers of all levels, outdoor lovers, and adventure seekers for a unique mix of whitewater racing, community events, and celebration. Set in Antioquia, Colombia, the festival features two major racing spots—the thrilling Cocorná qualifiers and the intense Samaná Marathon—but you don’t have to be a racer to take part! With fun river runs, rafting, conservation efforts, and legendary bridge parties, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re competing, paddling for fun, or just enjoying the festival vibes, Samaná Fest is where the river and community come together in an unforgettable way.
Samaná Fest is now a 10-day celebration of kayaking, rafting, local culture, and music, creating an unforgettable experience both on and off the water.
From March 22 to 24, 2025, the event will be based out of Cocorná, where kayakers can train on the ultra-fun roadside Cocorná River classic or take part in community stoke floats. On March 24, the Class IV qualifiers will determine who earns a spot in the marathon.
The Samaná Maratón is reaching new heights as it becomes the Enduro Kayak World Championship. With an even more challenging Class IV qualifier and a high-stakes sprint finale in the infamous Class V Tupión Canyon, this race is set to push paddlers to their limits.
During the week, from March 25 to 27, paddlers will have the opportunity to scout the Samaná Marathon race course and explore other stunning tributaries in the watershed.
The big day arrives on March 28 with the Samaná Marathon, a 42 km Class IV+ big-water race. The format is simple—a mass start, and whoever reaches the bottom first takes the win. The Top 20 finishers will qualify for the final showdown in Tupión Canyon the next day.
On March 29, the finals take place in the Class V Tupión Canyon, where the top 20 racers will battle it out in an intense individual sprint race. The champion will take home a $1,000 cash prize.
The second weekend brings the action to Puerto Garza / Narisses, the epicenter of the Enduro Kayak World Championship. This small hamlet, with its deep history shaped by dam construction, has a profound connection to the Samaná River, Antioquia’s last free-flowing river. Beyond the competition, the legendary bridge parties and concerts will celebrate the end of the championship while bringing together locals and international athletes in a shared appreciation for the river.
For those traveling from afar, the event is easy to access—just fly into Medellín, Colombia, and you’ll be one hour from the rivers. Organizers offer logistics packages, so you can focus on paddling and soaking in the experience.
Whether you’re racing 42 km of whitewater against the world’s best or supporting the ongoing conservation efforts for Antioquia’s last free-flowing river, join us from March 22 to 30, 2025, for an unforgettable adventure.
For more details, visit www.samanafest.com or contact info@samanafest.com.
The event is organised by Expedition Colombia and the local communities of the Samaná Watershed.
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