Venezuela - Security
General
Venezuela has seen a decline in the number of visiting yachts over the last decade 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 100s of offshore islands, Venezuela is a vast cruising area and whilst there are some parts that should still be avoided, or at least approached with care, there are other areas that are safe to cruise 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.
Perhaps the “safest” places to anchor in Venezuela are 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.
If considering other places, it is recommended to consult ONSA’s webpage.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Recent Reported Incidents:
- May 2022: Yachts on Passage Followed in Suspicious Circumstances
- September 2021: Yacht on Passage boarded by Armed Pirates
- May 2019: Migrant activity between Venezuela and Trinidad is on the increase.
- April 2019: Trinidad Hibiscus Oil Platform: Pirates fire shots at sailboat
- December 2017: Attempted Piracy off Cabo Tres Puntas.
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
The Caribbean Safety and Security Net provide information by anchorage or by the island. If you experience a boarding, robbery or attack on your yacht or have information about a yachting-related security incident, go to the CSSN homepage and click on the “Report an Incident” icon.
Be sure to check related security reports for Venezuela.
Last updated: June 2022
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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