Isla de Margarita · Venezuela
El Coche / El Coco, Venezuela
15.7kts
ENE · Wind season
El Coche pumps 322 days a year with trade winds, but shallow reef and strong currents demand solid fundamentals—sloppy technique gets punished here.
- 15.7kts
- Average wind
- 322
- Windy days / year
- 15:00–18:00
- Peak wind hours
- ENE
- Primary direction
Location
- Nearest airports
- Airport - Porlamar
- Coordinates
- 10.7813, -63.9003
Monthly wind profile (peak window)
Jan
98%
rideable
18 kts
Feb
95%
rideable
18.3 kts
Mar
95%
rideable
17.7 kts
Apr
97%
rideable
17.4 kts
May
95%
rideable
17 kts
Jun
97%
rideable
16.7 kts
Jul
84%
rideable
15.3 kts
Aug
69%
rideable
14.7 kts
Sep
63%
rideable
14.4 kts
Oct
71%
rideable
15.7 kts
Nov
95%
rideable
16 kts
Dec
98%
rideable
16.9 kts
Best wind directions
- ENE
- NE
- E
- ESE
- W
Water conditions
- Ocean
- Choppy
Best months
Hazards
- Choppy ocean conditions with strong currents common in the Caribbean trade wind corridor
- Shallow reef areas and rocky outcrops near launch zones requiring careful navigation
- Sudden wind shifts and thermal variations typical of tropical island locations
- Local boat traffic in popular anchorage areas around Isla de Margarita
What that means for you
- Reef booties recommended at low tide
- Walk gear out — don't drag downwind across rocks
- Strong current — walk back upwind, don't body-drag down
- Watch for moored boats and marked channels
- Mind your fins and lines in standing-depth water
Amenities
- Beach bars and restaurants within walking distance of launch area
- Local kitesurfing schools and equipment rental shops catering to tourists
- Basic accommodation options in nearby coastal villages
- Fresh water rinse stations at popular beach access points
Local tips
Best conditions occur during winter months (Dec-Mar) when trade winds peak at 322 windy days annually. Check local weather reports for sudden Venezuelan weather systems that can create unpredictable wind patterns.
Launch & beach
Launch from shallow water areas during calm morning periods when wind is lighter. ENE and NE winds dominate; avoid launching during E/ESE directions when chop becomes severe and offshore currents strengthen.
Local etiquette
Respect local fishermen's nets and avoid their traditional fishing zones. Maintain distance from other kiters in choppy conditions and communicate launch/landing times with nearby water users.
What to wear
Light 2-3mm wetsuit or rash guard year-round due to warm tropical Caribbean waters; water temps remain 26-28°C consistently. Sun protection is critical with tropical UV intensity.
What to pack
Kite sizes
- 14–17 mlight wind, under 14 kn
- 11–14 mtypical sessions, 14–22 kn
- 8–10 mstrong days, 20–28 kn
Boards
- Twintip — universal, bring one
- Hydrofoil — light-wind spot, rideable from ~10 kn
What to wear (by climate)
- In the water
- Boardshorts or bikini with a rashguard or sun shirt.
- On land
- Light cotton; pack a rain jacket if the season overlaps rains.
Derived from the spot's latitude (tropical zone) and current season.
Right of way & manners
- 1Rider entering the water has right of way over riders coming in.
- 2Upwind rider gives way — keep your kite high when passing downwind riders low.
- 3Starboard tack (right hand forward) has priority when crossing.
- 4Overtaking rider keeps clear of the slower rider's line.
- 5Wave riding: the rider on the wave owns it — don't drop in.
Spot guide
The Experience
Trade winds dominate this Venezuelan island spot. You're looking at consistent ENE and NE flow most days, which sounds ideal until you're actually managing shallow water over reef and Caribbean currents that don't forgive positioning mistakes. Morning sessions run lighter and smoother. By afternoon, thermal buildup cranks the wind harder and chop stacks up fast. Currents strengthen and push harder the longer you stay out.
Wind & Conditions
15.7 knots is the average—actual sessions vary. ENE/NE work best; E and ESE flip the conditions ugly, with nasty chop and offshore push. Winter (Dec–Mar) is more consistent, though "consistent" here still means 15–20 knot swings. Tropical systems move fast and forecast changes happen. Local wind check before paddling out saves frustration.
The Water
Shallow reef near launch zones isn't scenery—it's the constraint you work around. Don't walk the reef; stay on sand and navigate entry/exit routes that avoid coral. Strong Caribbean currents are constant, especially during ESE wind angles. Understand your exit before committing. Boat traffic around Isla de Margarita's anchorage areas is real; share the water carefully. Rinse stations at main beach access points handle salt and residue.
Who It's For
Intermediate kiters with current awareness and shallow-water comfort. You need to read water and adjust angle of attack in real time. If edge control in choppy water feels uncertain or shallow-water reef launches spook you, this spot will punish mistakes hard. Consistent wind requires consistent technique.
The Scene
Kite schools and beach bars sit close to launch. Rental shops serve tourists. Accommodation in nearby coastal villages is basic but functional. Winter brings other kiters; off-season is quieter. You're getting a working coastal experience, not a packaged resort vibe.
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