Gulf of, an inlet of the Atlantic Ocean, on the coast of Venezuela, between the island of Trinidad and the mainland. Its form is nearly rectangular; and it is about 100 miles long by 40 broad. On the N. it is separated from the Caribbean Sea by a peninsula about 70 miles long, projecting from the continent, and terminating in Cape Punta de la Peña, or Paria. Between this headland and Trinidad, about 20 miles off, there are three rocky islands, forming four straits, the widest of which, called the Dragon's Mouth, lies nearest the mainland, and is about 6 miles across. A strong current runs northwards through all the straits, and the tides are also very powerful; so that ships can only enter with a strong breeze. The southern entrance, about 10 miles wide, between Cape Punta Icacos in Trinidad and the delta of the Orinoco, is so obstructed by a sand-bank as to leave only a narrow passage for ships. This channel is called the Serpent's Mouth. The depth of the gulf varies from 3 to 30 fathoms, and the anchorage is everywhere good; so that it forms one of the best harbours in the world.