This paper presents the numerical study to explain the driving forces that affect the oceanographic dynamics in the Gulf of Uraba, Colombia. The steps followed for the calibration of a mathematical model known as ELCOM are showed. Several numerical experiments were conducted to analyze the model sensitivity to numerical and physical driving forces. This analysis helps us to describe the circulation patterns in the Gulf of Uraba. Field data showed that the Gulf water is stratified, explained by the discharge of the Atrato River. The wind direction is very important to explain the Atrato river plume dynamics. The simulated circulation patterns were analyzed in two typical climatic seasons in the zone. Norwesterly and southwesterly winds were studied and the model showed that if winds are mainly southwesterlies the plume leaves the Gulf by its northeastern boundary; on the other hand, northwesterly winds are able to invert the plume direction, and it is confined to the south region of the Gulf. Other driving forces (tides, Earth’s rotation, among others) show particularly important effects for some local zones.