Tanaguarena (Caraballeda)
- Advanced riders
- Best for
- Advanced
- Skill Level
- Chop
- Spot Type
- Moderate
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Tanaguarena (Caraballeda) is a sheltered right-hand point break near Caraballeda that tends to be inactive for long stretches. It does not work very often, with very low clean conditions reported, so it’s best treated as a “wait for the right swell and tide” location rather than a daily surf stop. When it does fire, it favors North to Northeast swell wrapping into the bay, typically at high tide. South winds are generally favorable because they help groom the wave face and support the wave shape on the point. The spot’s output is described as moderate in power, with a tendency toward mixed/peeling characteristics depending on the day.
- Sheltered point break that requires high tide and N/NE swell to wrap into the bay
- Long rides possible when conditions align (up to ~150 meters reported)
- Sheltered right-hand point break
- Can produce long, peeling rides when swell alignment is right
- South winds can be favorable (offshore/grooming effect)
- Best conditions cluster around high tide with North/Northeast swell
- Rarely works and is highly inconsistent
- Wave quality is often poor/average
- Rocky bottom with submerged rocks; strong currents possible on larger days
- Water quality can worsen after heavy rains
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- S
- Offshore directions
- S
- Wind Range
- 10–20 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — Trade-wind influence with offshore-facing southerly winds at the spot.
- Reliability
- low
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts
- Best Months
- January
- Shadow Zones
- The point can create a wind shadow for offshore winds.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Chop
- Beach
- Sand — Sand with nearby rocky structure.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Medium
- Chop Level
- Moderate chop — Water is described as having chop.
- Launch
- Medium — Sandy sections between rocky outcrops.
Through the year
Low most of the year due to infrequent working conditions; can be very crowded on weekends and holidays.
May to November
By sport
What to expect for each.
A sheltered right-hand point break with a rocky bottom that is highly dependent on the right swell and high tide. Works best when a significant North or Northeast swell wraps into the bay.
- Wave Direction
- Right
- Optimal Swell
- N, NE
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- High
- Shelter
- Sheltered
- Wind Effect
- South winds are offshore and help groom the wave face; east winds are cross-onshore.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds size well but becomes difficult to paddle out and can create stronger currents.
- Wave Quality
- Poor — Overall wave quality is described as poor by one source; another describes it as average.
- Wave Power
- Moderate
- Wave Shape
- Mixed — One source notes mixed shape; another describes peeling waves.
- Peel Speed
- Slow — Can peel; one source describes slow peels, another describes medium peel speed.
- Ride Length
- Medium — Can offer rides up to about 150 meters when conditions align.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–150 m
- Ride Length Details
- Typical rides can be roughly 50–150 meters when the swell aligns with the point.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Tanaguarena (Caraballeda) in the full forecast view.
Tanaguarena (Caraballeda) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–10 ktsGusts 18 kts
- Direction
- ENE61°
- Strongest day
- Thu, Oct 2910 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.7–1.1 m7s period
- Temperature
- 27–33 °C
Over the next 7 days, Tanaguarena (Caraballeda) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–10 kts, peaking around 10 kts on Thursday, October 29 with gusts to 18 kts. The prevailing direction is ENE. Waves run 0.7–1.1 m with a period of about 7s. 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
- Submerged rocks and rocky shelves near the point
- Strong rip currents possible near the point during large swells
- Pollution risk that can worsen after heavy rains
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguards reported.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — No dedicated rescue service at the spot; emergency support depends on local assistance and civil protection.
- Localism / Vibe
- Moderate
Rules of the spot
Best around high tide with south winds.
- Standard surfing etiquette applies.
- Does not work very often; check swell and tide carefully.
- Wear booties to protect against the rocky bottom when entering or exiting near the point.
- Water quality can deteriorate significantly after heavy rains.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Caracalleda
- Nearest Town
- Caraballeda
- Parking
- Parking available near the beach entrance; limited parking reported near beach clubs and public access points.
- Access
- Accessible via a short walk (5-15 minutes) from nearby roads; access road may be rough and best navigated with 4WD. Also described as accessible via the main coastal road from Caracas.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Spanish
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Near — Accommodation options in Caraballeda and nearby La Guaira.
- Food & Drink
- Local kiosks and beach clubs offer seafood and refreshments.
- Equipment Rental:
- Rental is described as available for surfing and SUP in the wider area.
- Gear Storage
- Limited gear storage described via local surf schools; many visitors store at accommodation.
- Gear Repair
- Yes
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Caraballeda is commonly described as a popular weekend getaway from Caracas, combining coastal relaxation with outdoor adventure near the mountains.
A small mountain village known for its flowers and restaurants.
The colonial heart of the region, featuring restored buildings and historical fortresses overlooking the harbor.
Extensive trail networks through the national park offering panoramic views of the Caribbean and Caracas.
A hub for local seafood restaurants and bars popular with both locals and visitors from the capital.
A nearby beach stretch with calmer waters and services, suitable for families and sunbathing.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Tanaguarena (Caraballeda)?
The best overall months at Tanaguarena (Caraballeda) are January.
Which wind directions work at Tanaguarena (Caraballeda)?
Tanaguarena (Caraballeda) works with S winds. Offshore directions are S.
What skill level is Tanaguarena (Caraballeda) suitable for?
Tanaguarena (Caraballeda) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate to Advanced.