Description: Cayo Punta Bravo is a magnet for locals, especially on weekends, and can be found beyond eastern end of Avenida Libertador. The street runs to a bridge connecting mainland to the National Park. There's a small entry fee if driving. Otherwise, it was about a 15-minute walk.
Anticipation rose every step of the way under the blistering sun for my first Venezuelan Caribbean beach experience. The walk was rather interesting passing dense mangrove forests concealing far too much pollution from heavy usage as well as some pretty rancid lagoons overcooked from the tail end of dry season. Revelers kept passing; I finally accepted a ride in back of a beat-up truck which included complimentary beer and laughs.
The main strip of beach is expansive and alluring at first glance until taking a closer survey. For a Saturday afternoon, I expected crowds and their littered evidence but not in proportions that we're inescapable. With few garbage cans, trash was everywhere on sands and bobbing in tides; unfortunately what seemed to be the entire country's trademark signature!
The sea was dirtier, rougher than I'm used to leaving a sticky film-feeling over your body like greased up with oil. I wasn't. Walking around in waters was also rather difficult thanks to sinkholes dispersed around exposed tops of rocks and coral. Between stumbling around these, combined with strong waves washing you against many frolickers, I'd all but given up.
My preferred position sitting on the crest of sand where tides roll in was also challenging thanks to natural and man-made debris. Chunks of dead broken-off coral, along with garbage, kept raking across my legs with quite the stinging affect. I eventually retired to shade under a palm tree indulging in what's likely the greatest bonus - People Watching.
From direction you first approach, walking to the right beyond crowds leads back into a deserted area with pathes miandering along palm trees, seagrapes and mangroves giving quick peeks back out to sea. I never felt unsafe, but remember conciously looking around to make sure no one appeared out of no where.
Left of the main beach, you'll see many small sandy areas enclosed by vegetation and dotting the distant coast. Parking lots extend to tip of the cay so I went searching for something better. Aside from a nice walk, I never found it - actual conditions more rocky and uninviting than the main strip.
Regardless of where you decide to park, you won't need anything more than what fits in your backpack. Swarms of vendors rent beach chairs/umbrellas along with hawking foods/drinks. At least they weren't pesky and pushy; a simple no sent them on their way.
OK, I've been badly spoiled when it comes to beaches but will give one useful suggestion: If you make a boat trip to other Morrocoy cays first, don't bother coming here cause this beach will seem beyond third rate.
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