With more than 2000 kms of coasts on the Caribbean Sea, Venezuela and its archipelagos have a lot of secret spots with white sandy beaches, coconut palms and an underwater world that is home to five hundred species of fish and several different coral types surround these exciting islands.
In Venezuela, chartering a boat has two requirements:
- The boat should be licensed by the Venezuelan authorities
- A Venezuelan « marineros » is mandatory aboard
As a consequence the only way of discovering the coasts and the Venezuelan archipelagos on a yacht without crew is by boarding in another country. You can board at Martinique or Grenada.
Venezuela is not well charted as the eastern Caribbean. That's another reason why we highly recommend to have a "marineros" aboard.
Venezuela Marina & starting bases
There are two main bases and several main island groups to explore along the northern shore of Venezuela. Your sailing areas are:
Puerto La Cruz: at the east of the northern coast ,PLC is the center of yachting in Venezuela. You can easily fly from Caracas or Margarita to Barcelona Airport, 20 minutes from PLC. There are over than 6 marinas and you can find all the services for your yacht. The coast and offshore islands constitute the Mochima National Park, and PLC is also a good starting point for inland excursions.
The sailing area from Puerto La Cruz to Grenada included La Tortuga, La Blanquilla, Margarita, Mochima national Park, Los Testigos.
Los Roques: Access to the archipelago : a half hour flight from the international airport of Caracas to Gran Roque. Gran Roque are the only inhabited islands at the west of the offshore islands (except some fishermen on some islands) and the cruising area incorporates Los Roques and Las Aves archipelago if you stay more than 2 weeks.
Grenada: Grenada is the nearest rental base from Venzuela and you will find here the finest choice of yachts to prepare your cruise with or without crew.
Airport
International Simon Bolivar Airport, Caracas. Flights from Europe, USA, Canada and South America are available every day.
Weather and sailing conditions
Venezuela's northern coast and the surrounding islands have a tropical climate and experiences only two seasons, a dry season from December to May, and the rainy season from June to November (however, on the islands, rains are very rare).
The offshore islands, from Bonaire to Los Testigos in a regular trade winds belt northeast-southeast blowing between 15 and 30 knots. Along the coast the wind varies in direction, generally often blowing hard during the days and dies at night.
A westerly setting current flows throughout the area.
The whole area is considered to be south of the hurricane belt, which is why many people visit during the summer.
Diving and Fishing
Diving in Los Roques is exhilarating with its secluded reefs and its abundance of marine life. There are several diving clubs in Grand Roque and a wide variety of dive sites, shallow reefs, perpendicular drop-offs, pinnacles, and caves. Many of these sites can be visited during night and day allowing the diver to see two witness different scenery and species in one place.
Local Language
Spanish, and people working in tourism speak English, German and French.
Currency
US Dollars are used. Major credit cards may be accepted in hotels, restaurants and some shops.
Strong points
• The National Marine Park is one of the largest marine reserves in the world
• Unspoiled pristine beaches
• Fantastic destination for diving
• Only crewed charters available
• Year round tropical climate and pleasant sailing conditions
Sample cruises
Los Roques - Los Roques
Grenada - Testigos - Margarita - Tortuga - Los Roques - Grenada
Puerto La Cruz -Mochima -Tortuga - Puerto La Cruz
Puerto La Cruz - Mochima - Margarita - Puerto La Cruz
Puerto La Cruz- Los Roques - Puerto La Cruz
LONDON
SAN FRANCISCO