Venezuela - Security

Venezuela Security for Yachts

ALERT: U.S Military Strikes - Venezuela

Sailing anywhere inside or near to Venezuela’s territorial limits is extremely high risk at this time due to U.S. Military strikes against suspected narco-trafficking vessels in international waters off the coast of Venezuela.  The US has carried out at a large number of strikes on boats in Venezuelan waters since the start of September, killing a great many people, after allegations that they were carrying narcotics. More details at Venezuela Security. For the latest numbers see Wikipedia.

If having to venture near Venezuela waters, be sure to transit as far north as possible and only where communications are functioning. Los Roques is inside Venezuela's territorial limits. See Noonsite News with more details. Remember:  1. File your Float Plan (see notes on yacht security at the bottom of this section)

• USCG Float Plan – linked to Boating Emergency Guide
• https://boatwatch.org/resources/

2. Keep your AIS ON 3. Keep your navigation lights ON Emergency Contact: The Venezuelan area of responsibility for SAR operations is huge, and extends quite far north. Due to long term inadequate funding and a reduced interest in patrolling the area - due to the enhanced American military presence - they are not a reliable security contact at this time. Instead, reach out to the USCG Puerto Rico base for assistance as US assets are more likely to be available. JRSC San Juan (Sub-Center of JRCC Miami), Puerto Rico (Caribbean Sea) 24 hour Operations Center Phone: (833) 453-1267 and/or +1 (787) 729 6770 Email: ssjcc@uscg.mil

Overall Crime and Safety

Venezuela has seen a decline in the number of visiting yachts over the last decade and a half, due to the steadily deteriorating safety situation. In certain areas (in particular Margarita and Testigos) there have been an increasing number of muggings, robberies and even knife attacks reported by visiting sailors, which have caused many to avoid this beautiful country and change their cruising plans for elsewhere. It is not so much the number of attacks that cause concern, but the violent nature of these attacks. However, it is important to remember that with a coastline of nearly 1800 miles and hundreds of offshore islands, Venezuela is a vast cruising area and while there are some parts that should still be avoided, or at least approached with care, there are other areas where sailors do not encounter any problems. Also, keep in mind that because of security considerations very few foreign yachts now visit Venezuela, so when you read of something happening to a yacht there, it is happening within the context of a much smaller population than the same incident in the Eastern Caribbean. Places that cruisers do venture in Venezuela include Los Roques, Isla de la Blanquilla (as it permanently has the Guardia Nacional sited here) and the islands of Aves de Sotavento and Barlovento. Read this cruiser's report that reiterates this point here. However, prior research should always be carried out as the situation is continually changing in Venezuela and what was relatively "safe" 6 months ago, may not be now.

Specific Areas of Concern

The Paria Peninsula has been the site of several violent piracy attacks, the latest in September 2021, when a single handed yacht on passage from Curacao to Brazil was boarded by more than 20 armed pirates.  Cruisers should fully consider the risks before traveling in this area and those using “buddy boats” should have firm, agreed plans in place for routing and regular communications as well as emergency communications and response plans for use before, during and after any perceived threat or event. If cruising the Manamo/Orinoco area of Venezuela, locals advise that visiting yachts SHOULD NOT go to villages or towns like Boca de Uracoa. Stay between the very friendly and peaceful Warao people and at the Eco Lodges, of which there are several in the region.

Maritime Issues

General advice from cruisers here is "don't let the beautiful surroundings put you off guard". Be careful not to flash money around and be sure to secure all items on deck and always lift and lock the dinghy and outboard at night, wherever you are in the Caribbean.

Offshore:

Yachts en-route and passing offshore Venezuela have also reported suspicious activity from vessel (see reported incidents below). In December 2024, crew members on a catamaran that was on passage to Grenada from Los Roques warded off an attempt by several armed intruders to board their vessel.  In July 2023 a yacht on passage from Grenada to Colombia reported suspicious activity from a fishing vessel when 60NMs north of Los Roques and in May 2022, two yachts reported being tailed by two suspicious boats when they were about 100 miles off the Venezuelan coast, well north of the offshore islands.

Reported Incidents

Caribbean Safety and Security Net

The Caribbean Safety and Security Net’s (CSSN) primary mission is the collection and dissemination of accurate information relating to crimes against yachts in the Caribbean, enabling cruisers to make intelligent decisions about how and where they cruise. The CSSN website includes all of the current and historic information on reported incidents. The CSSN website also provides incident infographics, regional piracy infographics and annual reports. You can also subscribe to email alerts sent directly to you for free. If you experience a boarding, robbery or attack on your yacht or have information about a yachting-related security incident in the Caribbean, please take the time to report it on the CSSN Incident Reporting Form.

Noonsite security reports for Venezuela.

• November 2025: Southern Caribbean/Eastern Pacific: US strikes on suspected drug-traffickers – Cruisers urged to be cautious
• January 2025: An American single-hander was boarded by the Venezuela Coast Guard on entering Venezuela waters in January 2025 and told to turn back. He subsequently lost his boat and ended up in a Venezuelan prison. Read the story here.
• December 2024: Cruiser Fend off Armed Pirates
• October 2024:  Sailor Injured by Stray Bullet
• July 2023:  Yacht Reports Suspicious Activity from Fishing Vessel

Resources

• For the latest UK Government Travel Advice to Venezuela see https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/venezuela
• For the latest US Government Travel Advice, see https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings/venezuela-travel-warning.html.
• ONSA - For Maritime Safety in Venezuela
• USCG Float Plan – linked to Boating Emergency Guide
• https://boatwatch.org/resources/

Last updated:  November 2025