Counting the waves…
Counting the waves…
El Carrizal stretches in a gentle arc between low headlands, the sand fine-grained and sun-bleached to the color of wheat. Fishing nets hang from weathered posts driven into the beach, their green nylon mesh spotted with dried seaweed and shell fragments. A few wooden boats rest above the tide line, their paint peeling in long strips to reveal gray wood beneath. The water is warm and placid, the color of jade tea, rarely deeper than chest-height even a hundred meters offshore. The beach sees little traffic midweek—perhaps a vendor selling coconuts from a cooler, or a fisherman mending nets in the shade of a thatched ramada. Pelicans skim the surface in formation, and ghost crabs scuttle sideways across the wet sand at the waterline. The air is thick with heat and the faint mineral tang of exposed mudflats to the south, where mangrove fingers probe the coast. On weekends, families from La Vela stake out the shadiest spots, bringing folding tables, portable speakers, and coolers packed with beer and soda. Children dig moats and castles in the sand, and adults wade into the shallows with beers in hand, chatting knee-deep in the tepid water. By late afternoon, the sun hangs low over the gulf, gilding the wavelets and turning the fishing boats into dark cutouts against the flare of the sky.
Places, rentals, tours and events within walking and driving distance of Playa El Carrizal.
Photos
Playa El Carrizal is generally suitable for swimming, being part of the La Vela coastal area with typically calm Caribbean waters. As a less-visited local sector, it may have fewer lifeguards or formal safety services compared to main beaches. Always assess water conditions before entering, watch for currents, and avoid swimming alone. The quieter nature means fewer people around, so bring a companion and inform someone of your plans. Keep belongings secure and maintain general beach safety awareness common to any remote coastal area.
Playa El Carrizal is already a quieter, less-crowded option along the La Vela coast, making it ideal for those seeking solitude. For maximum tranquility, visit on weekdays outside Venezuelan holiday periods and school vacations. Early mornings offer the most peaceful experience with cooler temperatures. The dry season from December to April provides the best weather, though this beach remains relatively uncrowded even during peak months. Being a local sector that may blend with Playa La Vela, it naturally attracts fewer visitors than the main tourist beaches.
Playa El Carrizal is located within the La Vela de Coro coastal area in Falcón state. From Coro, take transportation toward La Vela de Coro, then ask locals for directions to the El Carrizal sector, as it's a specific local area that may not be well-marked. Taxis or por puestos from Coro can drop you in the general area, but you may need to walk or arrange specific drop-off. Having a local contact or asking at your accommodation for precise directions is advisable, as this is a less touristy section of the coast.
Being a quieter, more hidden local beach sector, Playa El Carrizal likely has minimal on-site facilities. You may find occasional local vendors selling snacks and drinks, particularly on weekends, but don't count on consistent services. It's wise to bring your own food, water, and supplies. For meals and accommodation, head to the nearby town of La Vela de Coro or the city of Coro, both offering budget-friendly posadas, guesthouses, and restaurants. Plan ahead and pack what you need for a self-sufficient beach day.
Playa El Carrizal offers a more secluded, authentic local beach experience away from tourist activity. As a sector that may be geographically part of the larger Playa La Vela area, it provides the same sandy coastline but with greater solitude and a hidden gem quality. This makes it perfect for travelers seeking quiet sunbathing and family time without crowds. The lack of commercial development means a more natural setting, though with fewer amenities. It represents traditional Venezuelan coastal life where locals know the spot but tourists rarely venture.
