La Guaira & Caraballeda : Profile

Location

La Guaira is a large commercial port and all shore services are to be found in this city.

Caraballeda, 8NM east of La Guaira, is a more attractive stop for yachts.

Clearance

Clearance must be made at La Guaira and yachts may have to use an agent to clear in. Arriving yachts should anchor and display the Q flag. If arriving outside working hours (0700-1200, 1400-1700 Monday to Friday) one should call the port captain on VHF Ch 16 to arrange clearance. It is recommended to arrive in working hours otherwise one will probably experience some delay and have to pay overtime fees.

For a fee of up to US$100, the agent does all the paperwork and brings all the officials to the dock together. For outward clearance the agent delivers stamped passports and clearance papers to the fuel dock. Immigration is on the NW of the passenger terminal by the dock. One must clear here for Caraballeda.

Agents: Arturo Vasquez, tel 011 5814 927 6004 (mobile), Ibrahim Rodriguez ("Popeye"), mobile 011 5814 934 7386.

Port Captain
La Guaira
VHF Channel 16
Opening Hours: 07:00-12:00, 14:00-17:00 (Mon-Fri)

Docking

The marina at Caraballeda is now open and the refurbishment practically finished.

Other local advice suggests taking shelter in the bay of the private marina in Puerto Azul (www.puertoazul.com), some 6 nm East of Caraballeda (10.37.13 N 66.44.55 W). Although this is a private marina with no berths for visitors, it has a quite protected bay and when anchoring to leeward of the inner bay entrance, there is some security around and lots of light. There is a harbourmaster on duty during office hours and after office hours Puerto Azul security monitors Ch. 16. Note: not recommended as a landing place.

Last updated January 2010.

Marina Club Caraballeda (formally Marina Portofino)
Av. Sur del Yacht Club, Caraballeda 1165
Tel:58-212-714-87-16 / 58-414-130-4064, VHF Channel 68
marina01@telcel.net.ve
Located just east of La Guaira , this recently refurbished marina has friendly staff and 24 hour security. They have some berths for visitors but booking in advance is recommended. Fuel dock, water, good restaurant.

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