La Carmela (Isla Margarita)
- Freestyle, Wave
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Small waves, Medium waves
- Spot Type
- Quiet
- Crowd Level
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
La Carmela (Isla Margarita) is a crystal-clear, small-to-medium wave kiting and wind sports spot on the north side of the island. The beach is small and generally sandy, and conditions are best during the January to June trade-wind season when the wind comes most consistently from N, NNE, and NE. For kitesurfing, the spot combines wave riding potential with flatter, smoother sections that support freestyle and freeride styles. Typical wind speeds are reported in the ~15–25 knot range, and riders commonly use mid-size kites (about 9–12 m) during the core months. Safety requires extra care: sources highlight rocky sections near the shore (and scattered rocks in the water), along with shore break and currents. Launch and landing should be done cautiously because of limited space and the underwater hazards; additionally, the swell can increase quickly, so timing and awareness matter. Wingfoiling is possible but described as limited, with emphasis on caution around shore break and rocks, and minimum depth guidance is provided in the sources. Windsurfing is also suited for freeride and wave styles, though skill demands may be higher depending on how exposed the conditions feel offshore.
- Trade winds from N to NE (January–June)
- Crystal-clear water
- Freestyle-friendly flatter sections alongside small waves
- Rocky inshore sections and shore break make launch/landing more technical
- Crystal-clear water
- Trade-wind setup with reliable N to NE directions in the windy season
- Works well for freestyle/flat-water sections alongside small-to-medium waves
- Rocks near the shore and scattered in the water
- Limited beach space can make launch/landing more technical
- Currents and shore break require attention
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- N, NNE, NE
- Wind Range
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — Northeast trade-wind regime.
- Reliability
- high
- Best Months
- January, February, March, April, May, June
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Small waves, Medium waves
- Beach
- Sand — Sandy beach.
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Small — Sources describe both small-wave and medium-wave conditions.
- Launch
- Small — Narrow sandy beach with some rocks nearby.
- Launch Difficulty
- Easy — Some sources describe moderate launch difficulty due to narrow space and nearby rocks.
Through the year
Usually quiet even in peak season.
October to December
By sport
What to expect for each.
Freestyle and wave riding on small-to-medium waves with smooth flatwater sections; a wave-oriented north-coast spot with side-on trade winds.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Freeride and wave styles on small-to-medium waves with flatter sections; less popular than the south-coast lagoons.
Foilable conditions, but wingfoiling requires caution due to shore break and underwater rocks.
- Foil Friendly
- Limited — Foilable but limited by shore break/rocky shallows.
- Min Depth
- 2 meters
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for La Carmela (Isla Margarita) in the full forecast view.
La Carmela (Isla Margarita) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 6–13 ktsGusts 24 kts
- Direction
- ENE78°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2413 kts
- Windy days
- 3/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.7–1.0 m6s period
- Temperature
- 27–33 °C
Over the next 7 days, La Carmela (Isla Margarita) is forecast for daytime winds of 6–13 kts, peaking around 13 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 24 kts. The prevailing direction is ENE. Waves run 0.7–1.0 m with a period of about 6s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- rocks
- shore break
- currents
- underwater rocks
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — No official public rescue services specifically based on these beaches; rescue is generally coordinated by local schools or private operators.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest major medical facilities are in Porlamar (about 60–90 minutes away). Emergency number: 911.
Rules of the spot
Respect local fishing areas if present.
- Launch and land with care due to the limited beach space and rocky sections.
- Keep an eye on the swell as it can increase quickly.
- Respect local fishing areas if present.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Porlamar
- Nearest Town
- Playa El Agua
- Parking
- Limited parking available near the beach access.
- Public Transport
- Public transport is limited; most visitors rely on taxis/rental cars/organized transfers.
- Access
- Accessible by road from the main northern coastal route of Isla Margarita.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Spanish
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Various hotels and guesthouses are located in the nearby Playa El Agua and Parguito areas.
- Food & Drink
- Local restaurants and beach bars in nearby tourist zones.
- Equipment Rental:
- Rental centers are primarily located in El Yaque, though some mobile operators may provide gear.
- Gear Storage
- Storage is limited and typically available via local posadas or mobile school operators (nearby areas).
- Gear Repair
- Minor repairs may be available through local kite shops in the El Yaque or Playa El Agua regions.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at La Carmela (Isla Margarita)?
The best overall months at La Carmela (Isla Margarita) are January, February, March, April, May, June.
Which wind directions work at La Carmela (Isla Margarita)?
La Carmela (Isla Margarita) works with N, NNE, NE winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at La Carmela (Isla Margarita)?
Recommended equipment sizes at La Carmela (Isla Margarita): Kitesurfing: 9–12 m². The typical wind range is 15–25 kts.
What skill level is La Carmela (Isla Margarita) suitable for?
La Carmela (Isla Margarita) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Windsurfing: Intermediate to Advanced · Wingfoiling: Intermediate to Advanced.