Gulf of Cariaco : Profile

Docking

On Venezuela’s northern coast, stretching east from the city of Cumaná, lies the Gulfo de Cariaco. This huge, sausage-shaped bay encompasses a wonderful mult-coloured scenery of contrasting hills. It is regarded as a safe place to visit and has many small, snug coves. The northern shore offering better protection than the southern coast.

A useful sketch chart

El Muelle de Cariaco
10.28.50N- 63.40.5W
At the head of the Gulf, this is a good, safe place to leave the boat and visit the small river, Boca del Rio, and the Boca del Rio bird habitat at the Guaracho Cave. Anchor in 15 feet (5 m). There is a small grocery, bar, restaurant, pharmacy and a good dinghy dock.

Guacarapo
10.29.7N-63.48.5W
This fishing village is at the start of the more developed area of the bay, with paved roads, local public phones, and water. There is a small grocery, and taxis (porpuestos) to Cariaco.

Juanacuna
10.34.7N-64.00W
This small bay is the home of the Cangrejo Yacht Club. Anchor in 10 to 15 feet (3 to 5m) of water. There is a bar and a restaurant.

Laguna Grande
10.34.5N-64.03W
An anchorage near the entrance to the Gulf of Cariaco. This really is one of the best anchorages in the Caribbean. The scenery is breathtaking. There are many bays well protected from all directions, and you anchor in 15 to 25 feet (5 to 8m) of water.

Los Cachicatos
10.33N-53.48.5W
This is a good anchorage where a fiesta is held to celebrate the Virgin's feast days in September. There are old-fashioned fishermen and craftsmen, and a small market, as well as a restaurant and bar where Saturday nights are very lively.

Los Platitos
10.34.5N-63.59.6W , Near Juanacuna
This anchorage has some great snorkeling around the small island. No water available here.

Medregal-Village Hotel
An anchorage in front of Medregal-Village Hotel. The owners make you very welcome. Cruisers can use all the hotel facilities, including the huge swimming pool. The anchorage is in good holding, well protected in 15 feet, and there are two dinghy docks, one at each end of the area. Each Saturday there is transport to the Cariaco Village market for provisioning, 20 km away. Stops for fresh vegetables, meat and the internet café are made on the way.

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