Venezuela Water Sports
Venezuela
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Venezuela sits on the extreme northern tip of South America and is the sixth largest country in this region. Nowhere else quite encompasses the diversity of landscape that Venezuela cradles within her borders: explore the northern extremities of the Andes, trek through huge areas of Amazon Rainforest, roam across enormous fertile plains (known as llanos) bathe in warm waters along miles of Caribbean shoreline, or set up camp in the desert sands of the north-west. On top of this rich topography, the nation has a few geographical superlatives up its sleeve; Angel Falls, the world's highest waterfall; South America's biggest lake, Lake Maracaib... (Read more...)
o and the eternally-fertile Orinoco River Delta. Venezuela covers 340,560 square miles and has around 1,700 miles of coastline. It shares a border to the south with Brazil, west is Colombia, and east is Guyana. Directly north is the Caribbean Sea and the Caribbean islands of Trinidad, Tobago, Grenada, St. Lucia, Barbados, Curacao, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Bonaire, Aruba, and the Leeward Antilles. Northern Venezuela boasts incredible white sand beaches and tropical jungle - perfect for a multitude of water and land-based adventure sports. Venezuela’s capital city, Caracas, is located just inland from the northern coastline.
North-western Venezuela is made up of shifting desert dunes that are home to a few rugged locals, an oil refinery and many wandering goats! This area is separated from the rest of the country by the Gulf of Venezuela.
Western Venezuela touches the northern-most extremities of the Andes Mountains. The town of Merida makes a good base from which to explore the country’s highest peak, Pico Bolivar (5,007 metres).
In south-eastern Venezuela is one of the world’s oldest geological formations: the Gran Sabana. This is a bizarre landscape that incorporates flat, forested plains with towering sandstone massifs. These mountains are locally referred to as Tepui, the tallest of which rises to 2,800 metres. The peaks are characterised by flat, slab-like summits and steep surrounding cliffs. The plateaus of the Tepui’s are ecological islands, which are disconnected from the ground forests below; a variety of isolated ‘Lost World’ type species have been found living in the sky-scraping lakes and flora. Another bonus is the multitude of waterfalls that cascade off the precipitous edges of the Tepuis, most notably Angel Falls, the world’s tallest waterfall which tumbles 979 metres over the edge of the Auyantepui Mountain.
Central and eastern Venezuela is dominated by the Llanos grasslands. Here the enormous Orinoco River cuts through the savannah from Colombia on its way to the Atlantic Ocean. The river sustains a healthy amount of plant and animal life and makes for a great place to spot wildlife.
Venezuela’s proximity to the Equator gives it two climatic seasons. The dry season is December to April, the wet from May to November. The average temperature is about 27C, but cooler temperatures prevail at higher elevations.
North-western Venezuela is made up of shifting desert dunes that are home to a few rugged locals, an oil refinery and many wandering goats! This area is separated from the rest of the country by the Gulf of Venezuela.
Western Venezuela touches the northern-most extremities of the Andes Mountains. The town of Merida makes a good base from which to explore the country’s highest peak, Pico Bolivar (5,007 metres).
In south-eastern Venezuela is one of the world’s oldest geological formations: the Gran Sabana. This is a bizarre landscape that incorporates flat, forested plains with towering sandstone massifs. These mountains are locally referred to as Tepui, the tallest of which rises to 2,800 metres. The peaks are characterised by flat, slab-like summits and steep surrounding cliffs. The plateaus of the Tepui’s are ecological islands, which are disconnected from the ground forests below; a variety of isolated ‘Lost World’ type species have been found living in the sky-scraping lakes and flora. Another bonus is the multitude of waterfalls that cascade off the precipitous edges of the Tepuis, most notably Angel Falls, the world’s tallest waterfall which tumbles 979 metres over the edge of the Auyantepui Mountain.
Central and eastern Venezuela is dominated by the Llanos grasslands. Here the enormous Orinoco River cuts through the savannah from Colombia on its way to the Atlantic Ocean. The river sustains a healthy amount of plant and animal life and makes for a great place to spot wildlife.
Venezuela’s proximity to the Equator gives it two climatic seasons. The dry season is December to April, the wet from May to November. The average temperature is about 27C, but cooler temperatures prevail at higher elevations.
Kitesurfing
Northern Venezuela offers the country’s only coastline and is therefore the place to head if you’re in search of a wind-water-fun combo. Isla Coche, located 23 miles offshore from the north-eastern mainland, is a small beach island that has consistent kitesurfing conditions. Regardless of your ability you can pick up tuition on Isla Coche or on the larger, neighbouring island of Margarita. Margarita has also become renowned for outstanding conditions with reliable wind from November to June.
Other hotspots along the Venezuelan coast include Adicora and Varadero, near the Antilles Islands; Los Rochas island, north of Caracas; or for something totally different the man-made, beautiful lake - Dique de Guataparo - inland at Valencia.
Trekking
The most popular area for trekkers visiting Venezuela is the Gran Sabana region in the south-east. This is a magical land of grassy plains interspersed by bizarre sandstone peaks - the scenery can’t help but herald wonder and amazement. Roraima at 2,810 metres is the tallest peak. The hike up is moderate, the views stupendous and there’s the chance to discover previously unknown species that reside aloft the isolated mountain top.
In northern Venezuela is the small colonial town of Merida and the start point for an epic trek through the northern-most reaches of the Andes Mountains. Pico Bolivar and Pico Humboldt at 5,007 and 4,942 metres respectively are the two highest peaks in the country. Multiple day-treks through the surrounding areas cross glaciers, ford streams and eventually reach the summits; this type of trip presents a challenging but rewarding adventure.
Windsurfing
When in Venezuela should you feel the urge to freestyle then the place to go is Isla Margarita, just off the northern coast. There’s arguably not a better windsurf spot in the country. Consistent, daily, high-wind sailing, tropical sea temperatures and a shallow, sandy bay encourage intermediates and more advanced wave-sailors to strut their stuff against a knock-out, picture-postcard, beach paradise background.
Once you've had your fill of Margarita then travel to the Los Roques Archipelago National Park, in the north-west. Los Roques offers everything from flat water cruising to serious wave sailing and, the winds blow ALL the time; so why not do some island hopping around Venezuela's most impressive marine reserve?
Finally, another classic, strong wind spot is Adicora beach. Adícora is what you might call an undiscovered, semi-developed, windsurfing destination. Its back-to-basics appeal charms intrepid wave sailors to its tropical waters and you don't need to be a meteorologist to know it is one of the windiest spots in the country.
Overland Tours
One way to ensure you get off the well-trodden travel track is to plan yourself an overland tour around vibrant Venezuela. There's a wealth of natural wonders to explore, a friendly local community to immerse yourself in and a plethora of adventurous activities to punctuate the overland mileage. Isolated Amazonian villages in the south, palm-fringed Caribbean beaches to the north and the bustling, colourful cities all combine to form an exciting adventure in a country still relatively untapped by tourism. Ensure you also visit Angel Falls, the Andes and the magnificent Orinoco River.
Classic Itineraries
Fly to Caracas, which provides a convenient gateway to the country. Travel north and kitesurf, windsurf or just chill on the sugar-sand beaches that grace the uppermost fringes of the Venezuelan mainland. Then hop on a boat or take a short flight over to the islands of Margarita and Coche; snorkel, scuba, sail, kitesurf and windsurf around these charismatic Caribbean islands. Back on the mainland, get your hiking boots on and trek to the dizzying heights of Pico Bolivar, Venezuela's highest mountain and a decent challenge. No trip to Venezuela would be complete without an extensive investigation of the south-eastern Gran Sabana region. Here there's a primeval, other-worldly feel to the landscape. Finish your Venezuelan odyssey with a bumpy boat ride to the base of the world's tallest waterfall - Angel Falls. Explore the foot of this mighty watershed and after a long, hot hike, swim in the refreshing natural pools under the towering falls. Jet back to Caracas and leave for home ... albeit reluctantly.
Other Activities
If it’s land-based action that you're after while touring Venezuela, why not head for the hills and have a pop at rock climbing, horse riding, mountain biking or mountaineering. Water lovers can set their compass to the northern shores of the country and explore the marine beauty while snorkelling or scuba diving. Alternatively, remain inland and look skyward to the mountains and there shouldering valleys; here you'll be able to white-water raft. In the Orinoco River Delta, kayaking and fishing are available in the tributaries of this fertile ecosystem.
