Caracas
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Positives
- Constant NE windswells
- Lots of right pointbreaks
- Epic hurricane swells
- Relatively uncrowded
- Impressive mountain backdrop
Negatives
- Small, short period swells
- Onshore and turbid water
- Social and political instability
- Car thieves
- High mudslide risk
Caracas surf travel guide
Underexposed as a surf destination, Venezuela is more quantity than quality, with the majority of waves being punchy onshore shorebreaks or fun pointbreaks ruffled by sideshore winds. This quiet corner of the Caribbean offers surfers year-round, warm water, small waves to practice getting speed and making big moves. Catostrophic mudslides in 1999 buried whole towns and the coast has remained a bit of a wreck. More recently political and socio-economic upheaval has resulted in travel warnings being issued, but there are some good waves to be found for the more adventurous.
Surf spots in Caracas
Research the 15 surf breaks in Caracas and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 15 breaks in Caracas .
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Caracas
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Travel Information
General
- Current Time
- Tourists
- 427,000
- Population
- 28,435,940
- Tourist Info
- Tourist Info
Security
Health
Money
- Currency
- VEF
- Exchange rate
- $1 = 2,147 VEF VEF
Cost of living
Communication
- Dialing in
- +58
- Dialing out
- 00
- Language
- Spanish (official), numerous indigenous dialects.
Electricity
- Plug Type
- ab
Visas
EU, OZ, NZ Japan, SA and some other countries can visit visa free for stays of up to 90 days. Citizens of the USA must get a visa before arriving and it can take time so do it well in advance.
Getting There
Simon Bolivar airport (CSS) in Maiquetia is quite far from Caracas, but near the surf.
Getting Around
It’s the cheapest petroleum in the world ($0.05 per litre), but the most expensive rental cars! Expect $80 per day for a small car. Car thievery and road damage is high so insurance is also expensive. Most people drive big beat-up cars for protection against big rocks that get washed across the coastal roads.
Accommodation
Many high-rise hotels (Ole Caribe) in Naiguata or La Guaira, (fr $55-90/day). In Playa Anare, Villa Anare is $50/dble. In Cuyagua, posadas are $30/dble (Do–a Meche, Cuyagua Mar). Meals cost around $5 in small places.
Activities
Crazy beach party scene with music and cars on the beach. Breathtaking mountain scenery plunges into the ocean. Caracas is close and you can take the Cable Car back to the coast. Ambiance in Cuyagua is unreal, while Carnival is perfect for heavy party animals.
Hazards & hassles
After the 1999 mudslides, many coastal districts were destroyed; thievery and muggings have been on the rise since. Don't park or walk around Naiguata, La Guaira or Maiquetia at night. Stay out in the quiet areas from Punta Care to Los Caracas. Roads can be really bad. Beware of boulders.
Handy Hints
Fish and shortboards are ideal. There are lots of good shapers like Bachaco, Prisma and Kannibal charging $350 for a good shortboard, but they're not easy to find and there are no large surf shops. Check the peaceful Los Roques archipelago. Carnival time (February), Christmas and Easter week can be very busy with flights & pensions booked up.
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.