Venezuela - Facts

SECURITY ALERT

October 2025 onwards: If having to venture near Venezuela waters, be sure to transit as far north as possible and only where communications are functioning. 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 cost of Venezuela.  More details at Venezuela Security.

Venezuela Facts for Sailors

• Lying on the direct route to Panama and also being rarely affected by hurricanes, the Venezuelan coast and particularly the off-lying islands are a convenient cruising destination. The islands abound in picturesque anchorages and diving is excellent almost everywhere.
• Sadly, however, the number of foreign yachts visiting Venezuela has declined substantially in the last few years, not only due to the high crime rate but concerns over the unstable government, corrupt officials, high consumer prices, widespread shortages and so on.
• Cruisers continue to visit Los Roques and Los Aves - see cruising reports.
• The Delta of the Orinoco has been popular with cruising boats in the past as much of it can be explored by keeled boats (see security for more information)
• Those interested in the mountainous interior can leave their boats in the safety of one of the many marinas.
• Venezuela is cheaper when provisioning for price-controlled goods, such as fuel, beef, chicken and coffee, but little else.
• Repair facilities are generally good and the prices competitive since labor costs are low; however, a written estimate should be obtained before embarking on any major work. There are good repair facilities and several boatyards in Cumaná, however, be sure to check on the current situation as in the past there have been a number of attacks on yachts here.
• The majority of cruising yachts that need work done choose Puerto La Cruz where there are haulout facilities and spare parts can be obtained. Puerto La Cruz has now become the boating capital of Venezuela as far as foreign vessels are concerned, due to the good shipyards and marinas that have opened in recent years. Security is good also.
• The Venezuelan Coast Guard (Guardia) do on occasion stop boats for spot inspections. They will ask the name of vessel, ask to see your boat papers and perhaps inspect the boat. If all is correct you are free to go. If something is found to be wrong they can and will ask you to return to their port. Local cruisers advise however that the Guardia are not well trained in seamanship or piloting and the Captain should use discretion and only follow their orders if he/she feels it is safe to do so.