Las Salinas (Coche)
- Freestyle, Freeride
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Flat
- Spot Type
- 15–28 kts
- Wind Range
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Las Salinas (Coche) is a wide, sandy flatwater area known for extremely smooth riding—ideal for freestyle kitesurfing and flat-water wingfoiling, with the seabed shallow near shore. The conditions are shaped by consistent easterly/ENE trade winds (often side-offshore/offshore relative to the main riding area), which helps create mirror-flat water close to shore. Wind is reported to be very consistent in the peak months, with the best window broadly listed from January through June. Thermal effects commonly reinforce the trade wind as the island warms, with stronger afternoon sessions frequently reported. Sessions are typically described as steady, which makes it easier to plan equipment and transitions for freestyle-focused riding. From a safety perspective, the key consideration is the offshore wind orientation: riders should ensure rescue coverage before launching and use established launch areas where schools monitor conditions. Dehydration risk and strong sun/reflection off white sand and salt pans are specifically highlighted—bring sun protection and hydrate. The spot is reachable by boat or ferry from Isla Margarita, and there is basic infrastructure on/near the island such as toilets and places to eat/drink and refill freshwater. However, medical support on the island is limited, so for serious emergencies transport back to Isla Margarita is typically required.
- Very flat water from offshore/side-offshore wind orientation
- Consistent easterly (ENE/E) winds with afternoon strengthening
- Shallow sandy bottom suited to freestyle progressions
- Well-known training/playground feel for flatwater riders
- Very flat, shallow sandy water creates smooth conditions for progression
- Consistent easterly trade winds with afternoon strengthening
- Established activity around freestyle kitesurfing, plus wingfoiling and windsurfing on flat water
- Offshore wind orientation increases consequence of mistakes
- Medical facilities are limited on the island
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- E, ENE
- Offshore directions
- E, ENE
- Wind Range
- 15–28 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — E/ENE easterly trade winds with thermal reinforcement; commonly reported as consistently offshore/side-offshore on the riding area.
- Reliability
- Very high during the peak season (December to June).
- Gust Factor
- Steady — Reported as steady during typical sessions.
- Best Months
- January, February, March, April, May, June
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 7–12 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Flat
- Beach
- Sand — Sand beach with shallow sandy bottom.
- Beach Size
- Big
- Waves
- Flat — Flat/no surf described for this flatwater riding area.
- Launch
- Big — Wide sandy beach with ample space for rigging and launching.
- Launch Difficulty
- Easy — Reported as easy due to wide beach space and shallow gradients.
Through the year
Highest during carnival and Easter holidays; generally moderate other times.
Rain is rare; short showers may occur between October and December.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Flat-water freestyle destination with very smooth conditions and shallow, sandy bottom; suitable for progression in freestyle and strapless riding, and also used for freeride/foil in the right conditions.
- Kite Sizes
- 7–12 m²
Good for slalom and freestyle due to the flat water and easy high-speed runs/transition practice.
- Sail Sizes
- 4.5–6.5 m²
Flat-water foiling conditions on shallow shelves; riders should be mindful of offshore wind and plan for rescue availability.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes — Foil-friendly conditions reported for the flat-water area.
- Min Depth
- Approximately 1.5 meters beyond the initial shallow shelf
- Wing Sizes
- 3–5 m²
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Las Salinas (Coche) in the full forecast view.
Las Salinas (Coche) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 7–20 ktsGusts 27 kts
- Direction
- ENE76°
- Strongest day
- Fri, Oct 2320 kts
- Windy days
- 7/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.3–0.9 m4s period
- Temperature
- 27–32 °C
Over the next 7 days, Las Salinas (Coche) is forecast for daytime winds of 7–20 kts, peaking around 20 kts on Friday, October 23 with gusts to 27 kts. The prevailing direction is ENE. Waves run 0.3–0.9 m with a period of about 4s. 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
- Offshore wind
- Dehydration
- Occasional shells and small stones near the water line
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Boat rescue services are provided by local kite/windsurf centers during operational hours.
- Emergency Info
- Medical facilities are limited on the island; major emergencies require transport back to Isla Margarita. Emergency number is 911.
Rules of the spot
Rescue/monitoring is managed by local schools; riders are encouraged to use established launch areas in front of schools for safer rescue coverage.
- Always confirm rescue boat availability before heading out.
- Sun protection is critical due to intense reflection from white sand/salt pans.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Porlamar
- Nearest Town
- San Pedro de Coche
- Nearest Airport
- Santiago Mariño Caribbean International Airport (PMV)
- Parking
- Limited parking at boat terminals in El Yaque; visitors typically don’t bring cars to the spot.
- Public Transport
- Local access primarily via lancha (boat taxi) from El Yaque or ferry from Punta de Piedras.
- Access
- Accessible via boat (lancha) or ferry from Playa El Yaque on Isla Margarita.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Spanish
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Direct — Several beachfront hotels and posadas are located directly at the spot.
- Food & Drink
- Hotel restaurants and small beach bars serve local seafood and drinks.
- Equipment Rental:
- Equipment rental is available through major resort-based centers.
- Gear Storage
- Storage offered by local schools and hotels for daily or weekly fees.
- Gear Repair
- Basic kite and board repairs are often available at local schools/centers.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
A quieter, nature-forward island experience centered around wind-based water sports and relaxed local routines.
Historical salt flats known for striking pink hues and great photographic opportunities.
Main village on the island, offering a glimpse into local fishing culture and traditional architecture.
Guided buggy or ATV tours exploring desert terrain and red cliffs.
Popular beachfront spot for sunset drinks and local seafood.
Boat excursions to nearby reefs for snorkeling in calm, clear waters.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Las Salinas (Coche)?
The best overall months at Las Salinas (Coche) are January, February, March, April, May. The best wind months are January, February, March, April, May, June.
Which wind directions work at Las Salinas (Coche)?
Las Salinas (Coche) works with E, ENE winds. Offshore directions are E, ENE.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Las Salinas (Coche)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Las Salinas (Coche): Kitesurfing: 7–12 m² · Windsurfing: 4.5–6.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 3–5 m². The typical wind range is 15–28 kts.
What skill level is Las Salinas (Coche) suitable for?
Las Salinas (Coche) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate.