Venezuela, is it safe?

[Pincoya]

I am starting to look at where we will spend next summer huricane season en route to Europe from California. Venezuela looks like a promising option but I read of some security issues. Is there anyone presently there who can give any good advice without scare mongering.

I was a police officer in Uk for 30 years and know that perceived and actual threat levels are not always in sync.

 

[Gerry]

We came through Venezuelan waters in 2005, we kept to the offshore islands and had no problems whatsover.Having said that we met a number of people who did. They were mostly Americans and got in to violent situations either in isolated anchorages or in no-go areas off the mainland.
I would certainly advise caution and a great deal of commonsense. Stick to the recognised 'safe' anchorages and try and have other boats for company.
We spent time alone in several islands and did not feel threatened at all. But I know that others did not feel the same.
Dinghies need to be locked and , preferably, lifted every night and take great care when using ATM's.We found the people we met charming and helpful but there is extreme poverty in places and you cannot underestimate the effect of true desperation.
It is a place not to be missed and somewhere we will go back to in the next year or so.

 

[Sea Devil]

I spent some time in Venezuelan waters and never had any problems what so ever. Very nice place to be... Margarita Island and Puerto de la Cruz where the two main 'ports' that I spent some weeks in.. Did all the Islands, almost, and anchored in company with other yachts or alone - again no problem... Travelled inland on public coach transport and stayed in small hotels in several towns/cities - did Angel Falls....
Just like London and NY there are areas that are dodgy, particularly at night but for the rest it is full of very nice people...

Michael

 

[jeremyshaw]

Our boat is currently in nearby Curacao (v. safe, as is Bonaire) and we've spent a fair bit of time in VZ.

The VZ marinas are generally safe as they have security guards. That said one yacht was invaded in Puerto La Cruz last year by people who came over the wall. That is however very unusual, so I'd rate marina safety the same as anywhere else in the Caribbean.

Generally, it's not sensible to walk about town, except in closed enclaves like El Morro (Puerto La Cruz are). Take a taxi, preferably a recommended one, and always ask for advice.

Many of the offshore islands such as Tortuga are regarded as safe. Close in islands vary and there have been incidents there - nearly always with boats which have been on their own.

Bottom line is I know dozens of boats in VZ who have had no problems. I know one which was badly scared off Margarita by a threatening boat when they were on their own, and there have been a few shooting incidents in the last few years but all, I believe of solo yachts in places others would not have risked.

So do go, because it's a lovely country, and very good value. As you get near, whether you are coming via the Dutch Antilles, or, more likely, Trinidad, you'll meet lots of other boats who you can buddy with and from whom you can get the latest info.

If you have SSB you can also follow the Safety and Security net - more info here: http://www.safetyandsecuritynet.com/

 

[richardwatson]

I am in Trinidad at the moment. There is a great deal of first-hand info on Venezuela available from the Boca office here at Crewsinn, mostly provided by cruisers passing through. Many cruisers here have been to Venezuela and are seemingly happy to give advice. When I have listened to the ssb, particularly the 'coconut telegraph' on 4003 kHz on the USB, at 0800 local time, many boats, mainly American, are heading to Margarita and Puerto de la Cruz for the hurricane season, and many sound like they have been there before. Hope it helps.

 

[Pincoya]

Thanks for the replies. So far I see no reason to avoid Venezuela, especially if 'The Americans' are going there with their risk averse tendencies.

Paul

 

[mandlmaunder]

We have several friends who are travelling Venezuela, VZ islands at present. They have reported few problems apart from the political situation with Chavez causing interruptions in supplies.
They wax ecstatic about Puerto La Cruz, Isla Margarita and Blanquilla and are already planning to be there again next year.
As with most advice about lonely and off-the track anchorages: don't do it alone.