Venezuela - Facts
- Lying on the direct route to Panama and also being rarely affected by hurricanes, the Venezuelan coast and particularly the off-lying islands are a convenient cruising destination. The islands abound in picturesque anchorages and diving is excellent almost everywhere.
- Sadly, however, the number of foreign yachts visiting Venezuela has declined substantially in the last few years, not only due to the high crime rate but concerns over the unstable government, corrupt officials, high consumer prices, widespread shortages and so on.
- Cruisers continue to visit Los Roques and Los Aves – see cruising reports.
- The Delta of the Orinoco has been popular with cruising boats in the past as much of it can be explored by keeled boats (see security advice below for this region).
- Those interested in the mountainous interior can leave their boats in the safety of one of the many marinas.
- Venezuela is cheaper when provisioning for price-controlled goods, such as fuel, beef, chicken and coffee, but little else.
- Repair facilities are generally good and the prices competitive since labor costs are low; however, a written estimate should be obtained before embarking on any major work. There are good repair facilities and several boatyards in Cumaná, however, be sure to check on the current situation as in the past there have been a number of attacks on yachts here.
- The majority of cruising yachts that need work done choose Puerto La Cruz where there are haulout facilities and spare parts can be obtained. Puerto La Cruz has now become the boating capital of Venezuela as far as foreign vessels are concerned, due to the good shipyards and marinas that have opened in recent years. Security is good also.
- The Venezuelan Coast Guard (Guardia) do on occasion stop boats for spot inspections. They will ask the name of vessel, ask to see your boat papers and perhaps inspect the boat. If all is correct you are free to go. If something is found to be wrong they can and will ask you to return to their port. Local cruisers advise however that the Guardia are not well trained in seamanship or piloting and the Captain should use discretion and only follow their orders if he/she feels it is safe to do so.
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How can I contact Alejandro Linares?
https://www.yachtservicelosroques.com/
You can also join thé fb group Los Roques Cruisers
We went from Martinique to Los Roques with a Nautitech 46 open catamaran. Two days and two nights of sailing. I had everything arranged with an agent in Los Roques Alejandro Linares. We paid everything on forehand on what concerns immigration, customs, parkfees … When we arrived, we just sat down in a bar called Play, next to the immigration office and 5 minutes later, our passports were stamped and we received a small flag for the boat to proof all was paid. Unbelievable service. We then did all the islands for 5 days and this is the most beautiful place I ever saw. Since Maduro cleaned up the crime scene in Venezuela, no more problems with piracy. Local people were super friendly. Not much for bunkering though exept for a few small shops. When we continued to Bonaire, you pass Aves Sotovento. It is actually a military base. We did not know and ancred in the bay. They came on board to say we could not stay, but directed us to an island not far from there, altough also military, we were allowed to stay for the night. Anyhow, great experience!
I am looking for the latest intel oon marinas, boat yard for the Lecheria are of Venezuela. Honest agents? Spares for filters, lubricants, maintenance?
captwampler@aol.com
And what does that translate to?
It seems for the moment not good to visit Los Roques and Las Aves. Alejandro who looked after the cruisers and was harbour master and a sort of Agent is no more there. Officials take what they get from the yachts. The islands are not safe for the moment, to use Alejandros word’s: it is “Wild west”.
The Aves are now under the prodection from Los Roques, same problems.
Trees van Mierlo says:
Oct 01, 2018 11:19 PM
1 Oct 2018: we just returned from a 2 week holiday in los Roques and las Aves ( barlovento) it is paradise for us. We felt safe. If you want to go there, be sure to stock enough provisions. Shops were empty because the freightboat did not arrive for 2 weeks. In los Roques we were escorted by a local friend. We paid for coastguard, customs and immigration 5 US dollar per boat. the national park was for us ( 40ft sailboat and 2 persons) 215 US dollar… This was much more than we counted for. Even our friend was stunned. But the Bolivar rate was just changed. 1 week later it could be half the price or lees, he assured us. I think we were there with a bad timing (for rates). We stayed and had a wonderful time with the sweetest people (great Spa!) and enjoyed the lovely remote anchorages, the red footed booby’s in the marshes of Barlovento and beautiful snorkeling spots.
We intend to visit Bonair at July 2019. Is there anyone nearby now or at this time?
The situation in Los Roques is changing on a daily basis. Read the latest reports from cruisers adjacent (top right) in the report “Los Roques, Las Aves, Bonaire & Curacao: Latest Updates”.
Los Roques and Los Aves November 12-24, 2017
We had a great time in these islands. We had absolutely no security issues. All the immigration officials were extremely friendly as was everyone else we met. Although we had 6 stops to check in I would much rather do that then check into Antigua. With the current currency situation a 42 foot boat with 2 people cost $50. I was dinged for another $40 got get a transit visa since I’m American. The rules were that I was required to have a visa before I got to Venezuela so this was their work around. A Canadian traveling with me did not have to pay extra.
I checked on the exchange rate on dolartoday.com before I got there to know roughly where the unofficial exchange rate was currently. It was 50,000 bolivars to $1 but the best we could do was 30,000 bolivars to $1 but even with that rate everything was an incredible bargain. Beers at real nice beach bars were $.50 and a three course meal was $6 – think excellent cerviche for $1.
Free wifi was available in the main town square and in the same building as immigration by the airport. If you have long range antenna you can get it on your boat.
While we were there we only saw two other cruisers and had all the anchorages we stayed at completely to ourselves. It is just like the Bahamas without the people – endless white sand beaches, good snorkeling, good holding and great sailing.
Los Aves were equally spectacular and equally void of cruisers.
Based on some comments here and elsewhere I was a little concerned about stopping but it turns out we stumbled into paradise. I only wished I had time to stay longer