Coche - Wind, Merengue and Salsa

Venezuela and Coche Island were discovered by Christopher Columbus on his third voyage in 1498. The group of 3 islands, Coche, Cubagua and Margarita, are now known as 'Nueva Esparta', i.e. 'New Sparta'. Coche Island is about 10km south of the famous windsurfing and kitesurfing mecca of El Yaque, some 40 km from the Venezuelan coast. 

Coche is not only a kitesurfing paradise; it also offers opportunities for other airborne sports. You can fly over the beach like Ikarus in an ultralight plane (which is not always completely danger-free). A short runway also allows planes to fly to Coche, but only small ones. Twice a day, a ferry arrives from Punta de Piedra, on the neighbouring island of Margarita (within sight). The ferry transports both passengers and vehicles. The passenger ferry from El Yaque to Coche runs several times a day! The ferry carries all hotel guest to Coche as well kitesurfers who just want to spend the day in Coche.

Those who are interested in exploring the island can expect to find an extremely arid landscape, with thistles, cacti and scrub – a landscape that nevertheless has its attractions.

Good wind conditions, friendly people and an interesting culture without stress are things you can expect of Coche.
Apart from awesome kitesurfing conditions, with the famous speed track, and a magnificent white sandy beach, Coche is also a great place for relaxing!

Insider tips:

• Tour of shrimp farm
• Tour of island with visit to "Playa del Amor"
• Meal at "El Bohio" restaurant in San Pedro

The spot in Coche
The Island of Coche, has a picture-book beach with magnificent kitesurfing conditions for all kitesufing skills. There's no doubt about it: kitesurfring beginner or expert, you will be absolutely thrilled with this kite surfing spot. The kitesurfing area is right hand side from our center all along the beach. A reliable rescue boat service for kitesurfers and course participants is always on standby.

Coche is now well known and popular among kitesurfers, as witnessed by the fact that it was selected for events of the PKRA World Cup season! A number of national kitesurfing competitions have also been held in Coche in the past few years. The kiteboarding events have all been very successful and popular.

Wind and waves
The offshore wind, direction from the east, blows at a speed of about 12 knots in the morning, gradually building up to around 25 knots in the afternoon. Kitesurfing in this wind direction feels a little strange in the beginning, but once you have got to know the fishermen who are in charge of the rescue service for kitesurfers, you will feel absolutely safe. Nowadays, apart from catching fish, the fishers spend most of their time helping kitesurfers up out of the water; they perform this task well and reliably, so there's absolutely no risk of drifting away.

The water is as smooth as glass and the wind is constant and stable. The offshore wind and shallow area (only 1 –2 m) make the spot very safe for kitesurfers. Due to the offshore wind and depth of the water, manoeuvres and jumps can be practised directly offshore. A few spectacular shots taken at Coche are an absolute "must". Kitesurf beginners should, of course, book lessons and intermediates should book (boat) supervision or a rescue package. Rescues are not included in the kitesurfing rental price, it has to be paid locally.

The Center
Our center is in front of the Kite Lodges to the left of the Coche Paradise Hotel. It is about 5 min. on foot to the hotel and the ferry wharf. We offer equipment rental and lessons for beginners till expert kitesurfers. The kitesurfing center has the latest gear from North Kiteboarding. Coche is also a good spot for video coaching – all kitesurf expert sessions are videotaped, allowing mistakes to be analysed precisely after the lesson.