Sediments in the Gulf of Venezuela (top center) leave thick light brown sediments by the Paraguaná Peninsula on the east side of the gulf, and greenish sediments on the west side by the Guajira Peninsula.
The Gulf, also known as the Gulf of Coquivacoa, by the Venezuelan states of Zulia and Falcón and the Colombian department (state) of Guajira.
It is connected to Lake Maracaibo, in Venezuela to the south, by the 54 km Tablazo Strait. The lake, appearing silvery here due to sun glint, is large and brackish. It is fed by numerous rivers, the largest being the Catatumbo.