Venezuela is one of the largest countries in South America bordering the Caribbean Sea between Colombia and Guyana. 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.
The Venezuela offers a large type of yacht charter such skippered and crewed yacht charter, catamaran and sailboat and luxury yachts charter..
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, Puerto la Cruz 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
Simon Bolivar International Airport (CCS). Getting to Los Roques is not as challenging as one might believe. It may however require an overnight in the capitol city of Caracas. There are direct flights available from the USA as well as London and other European cities. Flights to Grand Roque leave by mid afternoon, and in some cases you may not be able to arrive in time to catch the flight.
Weather and sailing conditions
Trade winds are steady throughout the year but vary in the intensity by season. The months of January to July winds tend to blow 25 knots with temperatures averaging around 80 degrees. From August thru December the winds are lighter around 20 knots. Although there is no true rainy season in Los Roques, locals find that the most rain occurs from the end of October to the beginning of December. Even then the showers are short lived and the sun returns. Los Roques is not in the hurricane belt like other parts of the Caribbean, and boats often take refuge here during the active sea
Diving and Fishing
Diving and snorkeling is amazing with brilliantly colored coral and reef fish. Request us to organize your scuba diving courses. Whale Sharks can be seen off the Venezuelan coasts. There are also lots of Marlins from May to September, as well as other game fish like Tarpons and Bone Fish. Spear fishing is forbidden in Los Testigos and Los Roques.
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
Everywhere you will meet sympatric and helpful people. The Venezuelan coast reveals a succession of islands and wild coves each different from the other and is proud of Margarita, the capital of duty free and night life or of the archipelago of Los Roques which is known as a coral jewel. Since it is a marine reserve, the fauna is abundant and varied, which makes diving a real treat. While fishing, you will be protected from the surge of the open sea thanks to the large reef.
If you choose to do a complete cruise from Grenada to Las Aves and return (minimum 3 weeks) you will probably do one of your nicest and finest cruises.
Desert moorings.
Sympathy of the inhabitants.
Fly and spear Fishing (except Los Testigos and Los Roques).
Excursions and tours guide inside the country (Canaima Park and the Angel Falls, tropical rainforest, snowed-covered mountains and desert landscape).
