The concentrations of heavy metals Co, Cr, Pb and Zn in the bioavailable fraction in surface sediments of marine-coastal region of the city of Cumana, Venezuela, were studied during periods of drought and rain, in 17 sampling stations located along the shoreline. Significant differences between the two periods of sampling were detected for chromium and lead concentrations, reaching the highest values during the rainy season. For the rest of the metals studied a similar behavior was found for both periods. Likewise, significant differences were observed for chromium and lead, showing a greater enrichment of the latter in the area of high river influence.