La Bocaina
La Bocaina is a world-class left reef break tucked inside the bay at Patanemo on Venezuela's central coast. When clean N-NE swells funnel into the bay, the wave peels for 150 to 300 metres over shallow coral, producing hollow barrels that rival anything in the Caribbean. The palm-fringed bay and laid-back fishing village setting make it a hidden gem.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NNE (20°)
- Direction range
- 350° - 60°
- Size range
- 1.5m - 3.5m
- Ideal size
- 2.9m
- Height multiplier
- 0.90×
- Ideal period
- 14s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- S (180°)
- Offshore range
- 140° - 220°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- all
- Optimal range
- 0.3m - 1.8m
Water temp
27°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Difficulty
7/10
Crowd level
3/10
Access: Drive from Valencia via Puerto Cabello. Located in Patanemo Bay.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at La Bocaina?
La Bocaina works best on a mid tide, ideally between 0.3m and 1.8m on the local tide chart. The tide chart above shows today’s strike window.
What wind direction is offshore at La Bocaina?
Offshore wind at La Bocaina blows from the S (180°). Anything in the 140° to 220° range grooms the faces; outside it, expect chop or bumpy conditions.
What swell size and direction work best at La Bocaina?
La Bocaina wants NNE swell (350° to 60°) between 1.5m and 3.5m, with a period of 14s or more for quality waves.
When is the best time of year to surf La Bocaina?
The main season at La Bocaina is Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr. A secondary window runs Sep, Oct. Winter N-NE swells from November through April. Hurricane swells in September-October.
How do I get to La Bocaina?
Fly into VLN, then allow about 65 minutes by road. Drive from Valencia via Puerto Cabello. Located in Patanemo Bay.
What kind of wave is La Bocaina?
La Bocaina is a reef break, a left-hander. Difficulty is rated 7/10.
Best Season
Peak: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
Secondary: Sep, Oct
Winter N-NE swells from November through April. Hurricane swells in September-October.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
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Los Caracas
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Puerto Azul
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Playa Kanoa
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