[color=#ff0000]WARNING. THE SECURITY AND HEALTH SITUATION HAS CHANGED SINCE THESE REPORTS WERE WRITTEN. YOU ARE ADVISED TO SEEK ADVICE ON THE CURRENT SITUATION FROM SOURCES SUCH AS THE UK FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH TRAVEL ADVICE SITE, BEFORE CRUISING IN THESE WATERS.[/color]
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/venezuela

Flying Fish Articles


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Mike Bickell - Grandpa’s Maps

True Colours Voyage 2008 - 2010 blog on Venezuela

True Colours Voyage 2008 - 2010 The Offshore Islands of Venezuela   

The logs and pictures of S/Y Kelly 's EyeVENEZUELA JULY TO SEPTEMBER 2006


El Vagabond 's website 2008
El Vagabond 's website 2007
   
The Travelog of Poco Andante



Places Covered, roughly East to West - Please note the dates of some of these reports and treat with CAUTION

Orinoco Delta & the Macareo river – 09°57.00'N,61°39.00'W
Rios Manamo, Pedernales and Angosto – 10°07.28'N,62°08.58'W
Islas Los Testigos – 11°22.98'N,63°05.83'W
Marguerita - Porlamar – 10°57.27'N,63°49.94'W
Marguerita - Juan El Griego – 11°09.53'N,63°53.57'W
Cubagua – 10°49.60'N,64°09.93'W
Isla Blanquilla –11°49.04'N,64°36.15'W
Puerto La Cruz – 10°12.49'N,64°39.75'W
Puerto La Cruz (Venezuela) – 10°00.00'N,64°40.00'W
Isla Borracha – 10°17.58'N,64°45.36'W
Tortuga – 10°57.49'N,65°14.05'W
Tortuga – 10°57.00'N,65°20.00'W
Cayo Herradura – 10°59.45'N,65°22.80'W
Los Roques - Francisqui – 11°57.57'N, 66°39.10'W
Isla El Gran Roque – 11°57.00'N,66°40.00'W
Los Roques - Crasqui – 11°53.81'N,66°44.60'W
Los Roques - Sarqui – 11°53.70'N,66°48.40'W
Los Roques – 12°10.00'N,66°50.00'W
Los Roques - Carenero – 11°53.01'N,66°50.73'W
Los Roques - Cayo Agua – 11°49.84'N,66°56.96'W
Las Aves Barlovento – 11°56.77'N,67°26.34'W
Las Aves Sotavento – 12°02.62'N,67°40.73'W
Las Aves Sotavento – 12°01.21'N, 67°40.98'W
Isla Monjes Del Sur – 12°21.75'N,70°52.75'W



Orinoco Delta & the Macareo river – 09°57.00'N,61°39.00'W Information provided by Alfred and Rosemarie Alecio 1998
NOTES ON ORINOCO DELTA, THE MACAREO

Alfred and Rosemarie Alecio - Ironhorse

1998.

The Orinoco Delta lies on the NE coast of Venezuela. The Macareo River is part of that Delta. It’s mouth opens into the narrow area of seaway known as The Serpent’s Mouth, which links the Atlantic to the Gulf of Paria and separates Venezuela from Trinidad, the narrowest points between the two being only about 8 miles apart.

Notes on our preparation/experiences.

Ironhorse is 38’ in length and draws 6’. We went in August, the Rainy Season, only because our friends were on holiday with us at that time! We spent just under 2 weeks in the river, and went no further than about 25 miles in. We would recommend going during the Dry Season if you have the choice. The volume of water collecting in and rushing out of this delta with much vegetation etc. did not make for the most relaxed trip.

This is a malaria area: Advice would be to take prophylaxes.

We made sure we had with us and readily available, mossy netting to enclose our cockpit. insect repellant and spray.

We also took some trading goods — fishing hooks, cotton fabrics, thread and sewing needles, small packs of rice, flour and sugar. Next time colourful books for various ages of children must be on the list.

At approximately 2pm local time, we checked out of Chaguaramas Bay, northern Trinidad, and used our British Admiralty Chart 493 for the passage to the south. At dusk, considering it not wise to be underway through the mass of oil fields in the area (some of which is not lit) in the dark, we anchored at Pointe a Pierre. We continued as day dawned the following morning, passing between the two markers at Icacos Point on the SW corner of Trinidad, and into The Serpent’s Mouth.

We went at NEAP TIDES.

The Admiralty Chart diamond ‘A’ indicated negligible current against its. So it proved as we made a direct course diagonally across to the first waypoint for entrance into the river. There was deep water all the way across until this point. The Ore Ship, marked on the chart as a buoy, was a useful marker close to the entrance. NB Not to deter... but be prepared to touch bottom! The sandbar here shifts and for a short way it is necessary to sound your way very diligently. The current set quite strongly to the west as we crossed the bar.

At mid-tide for us, we found no less than 8 feet over the bar going in, but slightly less on leaving. The river, once over the bar, became deeper and by the time we reached the several small islands on the left side of the river, (a roosting area for Scarlet Ibis and many other birds) we had a good 10 metres. THE WATER ALWAYS RAN OUT OF THE MOUTH WHILST WE WERE THERE. There were no navigational aids in the area we were in.

These waypoints saw us safely in and out over the bar. THESE WAYPOINTS ARE IN WGS4 DATUM AND WOULD NOT BE ACCURATE WITH OUR ADMIRALTY CHART!

09º57?N 61º39?.4W

09º54?.8N 61º39?W

09º54?.16N 61º41?W

09º52?.15N 61º39?.2W

Brief comments on our visit:

Once in 10 metes, we were able to take in more of the surroundings. We enjoy wildlife and had our fill of wonderful birds, monkeys and pink dolphins. We traded fish and our other goods for our offerings. (Check exchanges for cockroaches, unless you welcome them!)

You may be visited by Antony Collins, as we were. He is from Guyana and speaks good English. Married to one of the indigenous Indians, he lives with his family in the largest of the villages in the lower part of the river. He gave us good information.

At each group of dwellings families in canoes approached us. They use their own language, although a few understood a little Spanish. If you trade, be aware that the strong current will carry you downstream. Our effort to tow one back to their village was somewhat worrying with their lack of freeboard.

The river in August was always full of serious flotsam as far as one could see. Great chunks of bank complete with vegetation, whole trees, branches etc. We DID find areas to anchor, which were slightly outside of the mainstream current, thus avoiding too great a problem with trapping of this stuff on the chain. The holding, in thick mud, was excellent.

The insects were colourful and voracious! We enclosed our cockpit from about 4pm local time to 08.30am.

We were the only cruising yacht on the river. Two or three commercial boats passed by whilst we were there. Larger fishing canoes —perhaps 3 or 4— passed during the late evening and early morning. Prepared, though we were, we found no opportunity for checking in and saw no signs of officials.

All in all, an experience none of us would wish to have missed.


Rios Manamo, Pedernales and Angosto – 10°07.28'N,62°08.58'W Information provided by Brian Wallace 2009
Security Alert June 2012:

The Manamo River in Venezuela has always been a good getaway destination from Trinidad and is inhabited mainly by Warro Indians who are a pleasant and peaceful race and have a reputation for their friendliness.
However that peace was broken last week-end. Friends of ours, Nils and Hanneke on the...ir catamaran "Pelagie" were anchored outside the Orinico Delta Lodge, about twenty miles upriver, and entertaining their friends from another boat when they were boarded by four armed men. At gunpoint they were told to stay still with their heads down whilst the gang proceeded to rob them of computers, cameras, cash and clothing. One of the gang then took the other skipper across to his boat and took money. Luckily no-one was harmed.
The men were all wearing military type boots and were well disciplined. Make your own conclusions about that. Our friends immediately wrote out a report in Spanish and proceeded the next morning to Perdinales to report to the river police. The officer on duty took the report to the office of his superior who was not interested and refused to come out of his office to see them. You can also make your own conclusions about that.
This is a great blow to the cruisers in Trinidad as The Manamo has been a great destination to see things 'in the wild '. I believe that it has now gone sour like the rest of Venezuela."
Not only a huge blow to Trini cruisers I think, but to any of us cruisers who were interested in visiting this area.

Addendum to the “Cruising Notes to the Rio Macareo” Cruising Notes on the Rios Manamo, Pedernales and Angosto, Venezuela By the crews of Sailing Yachts Do It, La Gitana and SeaLoon

Introduction

These notes have been written as an addendum to the Cruising Notes to the Rio Macarec” written by Alistair Buchan. They were compiled as a result of a cruise by SIYs Do It (UK), La Gitana (Germany) and SeaLoon (USA) along the Manamo, Pedernales and Angosto Rivers in August and September 2006 during which nforniation provided by the crew of SlY Odyssey was used.

Previous cruisers in the area had traveled the Rio Macareo, however, advice had been received that the Rio Macareo was being used by drug traffickers and should be avoided. As a result, a number of cruisers made passages along the Manamo and Pedernales as a way of escaping the noise, polluted water, security issues and expense of the Chaguaramas area.

This guide has been written to provide background information for future cruisers to allow them to prepare for an enjoyable visit.

BIG DISCLAIMER. The following notes are how things were during our visit. Things, including depths, procedures Warao hospitality, etc will probably change with time and increasing tourist numbers. Approach the visit with an open mind, good seamanship and a sense of adventure. Use these notes as guidance only.

Customs

If departing from Trinidad, there is a temptation not to bother checking out so that one does not have to undergo the occasionally disagreeable check-in procedure on return. However, it is worth considering the advantages, not only is checking out a useful method of resetting the immigration clock but it also permits the purchase of duty free drinks at the shop in Crews Inn. We stated that we would be traveling to the Manarno River, Venezuela’ on our departure paperwork and that seemed to be acceptable.

Checking into Venezuela can be done at the Guardia (River Police) Post on the east side of the Pedernales village peninsular. Previously, we understand that the officials seemed a little bemused by these strange arrivals and didn’t seem to know quite how to handle them. However, they now seem to have a procedure and like to see all the crew members from each yacht in their office/bar in their waterfront building by the large radio aerial, with passports and boat registration documents. They were very friendly and helpful and just take a note of the details; no form filling, stamp thumping or money is required. You are now allowed to cruise the canos but you are not officially cleared into Venezuela

The ease of checking back into Trinidad appears to be a lottery and will depend on who processes your application. As the River Police in Pedernales do not issue paperwork, you will have no clearance certificate. Most of the Trinidad officials understand this, others may take some persuading that you have been to Venezuela and back for innocent purposes.

Money

US$ can be changed into Bolivars in a number of shops in the Pedemalos village, however, the exchange rate varies considerably and it is worth hunting round. In August 2006, we were offered 2200 Bolvars to the USs, others were offered 2000 Bolivars to the US$. Money will be useful for buying cold beers in the lodges and some of the Warao prefer cash to trading - generally the ones close to lodges and villages.

Charts

Beyond the river entrance, there are no paper charts that we could find, and electronic charts are good for general guidance only. That is a large part of the fun, finding your way around by oneself like an early explorer - we spent an enjoyable 2 days in a river which did not exist on the electronic charts. It really isn’t difficult and all that is needed is a depth gauge and common-Sense. However, we have included a printout of the entrance and general area from Cmap and Cap’n Charts.

River Entrance

From Chaguaramas Bay to the river entrances around 48 nm and is easily covered in a day with an early departure, allowing the crew to check-in and have a wander round Pedemales village in the late afternoon. The entrance to the river is a broad estuary with unusual buoyage. The waypoints and notes on the attached chart let were provided by the Sn’ Odyssey. Note that the red and green buoys in the entrance are not channel markers but mark a shoal. The tanks shown on the map are hidden in the trees however, there is a yellow oil platform within 200 meters of waypoint 4 which can be seen from many miles away ~s you approach the waypoints you will sea a variety of buoys and metal structures to port and starboard.

Beware a shoal north of the Pedernales village WhiCh extends about half-way across the channel.

River Navigation

We have purposely given little information on navigation within the river system beyond the attached skeleton chart as much of the enjoyment is finding your own way around and making your own discoveries. The character of the vegetation and wildlife changes at every stop Dinghy excursions are particularly rewarding giving access to the narrowest little mangrove tunnels. There are many cañoes which are not shown and most are easily navigable. Depths are generally at least 3-4 meters and occasionally 15-20 meters. The few shoals can be easily detected with a depth alarm and avoided The odd excursion onto mud does no harm if the speed is low on arrival

Generally: the deepest water is on the outside of bends and islands have banks upstream and downstream of them. The broader the cario. the shallower Even the narrowest side arms generally had 5 meters or more.

It is possible to motor from the Manamo river to the Pedemales river via one of the cañoes that cross between them (marked on the attached map). Haft way across, the channel gets narrow and over hanging trees can catch rigging. Likewise, fallen trees can poke out into the water. A good lookout aloft and at the waterline will avoid embarrassment. If you plan to anchor in the narrower caños, be aware of swinging room at the turn of the tide to avoid ending up in tile bushes. A stern anchor may help if you can persuade it to set well enough to hold the vessel central against the current.

The water hyacinth can be a bit of an irritation, particularly as it tends to accumulate at the mouths of side channels. However, as it floats close to the surface, it only caused problems with the dinghy propellers.

The Angosto River is of a very different character with wide banks, low trees and broad mudflats. It is not quite as scenic as the two main rivers, however, the open aspect allows cooling breezes and a respite from the dreaded bugs Weather During our cruise, the weather was generally settled with !ight winds. The odd tropical wave just produced grey overcast sky and the occasional shower.

Eric, in Trinidad, on 3.855 MHz LSB gives a relevant forecast As you are tucked safely in your caño surrounded by manaroves. you can think of the mayhem back in the Chaguramus anchorage as the squalls come through. I know where I will be headed if a tropical revolving storm ever threatens the area. When the ITCZ wanders north of 10°N. it will get very hot in the river system, since the cooling afternoon rain shower does not happen.

Currents and Tides

The currents go up and down the river. That is about all you need to know The timings bare little relationship to any standard ports and depend on your location within the network of caños. Once you have figured out the time for slack water, you can easily forecast the current for the next day. The tidal range appears to be around I meters although the Guardia at Pedernales did advise that it could be as much as 3 meters.

Trading

There are plenty of candidates for trading on the Manamo River. Either canoes will row out with goods to trade or hopeful merchants will wave baskets and bowls from the shore side. There were very few opportunities to trade in the Pedernales and none that we spotted in the Angosto. You will probably need your fenders to be touching or floating in the water as the Warao canoes have a freeboard of about 5 cm and ride under fenders set at a normal height. Communications can be in Spanish, Warao, sign language or with smiles, all seem to work well. Many of the items for trade will contain bugs and critters. It will be worth putting the newly acquired possessions in a plastic bag and giving any stowaways a welcoming blast of insecticide.

You will probably find that many of the canoes that come out are full of children who are just there to smile and wonder at these strange apparitions. If you wish to visit a palifito (the small riverside huts on stilts), approach slowly, in small numbers, and ask politely before coming ashore. Preferably seek permission from one of your canoe traders before approaching otherwise you may find the inhabitants disappearing into the bushes at your approach. The list of trade goods in the original Maracreo notes still held good.

Childrens clothing was specifically requested. Much has been written on the moral issues. Do consider the effects of your trading whether it be more or less than fair trades or giving out alcohol, cigarettes and sweets/candy.

As written by David and Lin Thorley on Wild Orchid in their Addendum to the Macareo River notes (available from the Boca Office in Crews Inn) We feel the circumstances warrant more than the usual consideration”. Lodges

For those missing there fix of civilization or would like more information there are a number of tourist lodges that can provide cold beers, guided tours or even an internet terminal (at the Orinoco Delta Lodge). The lodges are currently not prepared for tourists who are not on a all inclusive packages. However, arranging a jungle tour is possible if they have the staff available. The attached chart let shows the location of some of the lodges.

If you cannot get close enough to the wildlife to satisfy your curiosity, some of them have their own pet animals wandering around. Examples include a tapir, parrots, macaws, toucans, turtles, capybaras and capuchin monkeys. The Orinoco Delta Lodge gratefully accepts supplies for the nearby school that they support.

Security

Security does not appear to be a problem — as yet. Some of the small children may try to jump over the rails, but only out of enthusiasm. One non-Warao pirogue did stop by one of our fleet whilst under way to ask for water, beer and fuel. During the discussion, one of the pirogue crew did try to climb over the yacht rail but returned to the pirogue when requested.

Swimming

The water does not look very appealing but we were assured it was safe by lodge staff. Indeed, we saw tourists at the lodges and Warao swimming. We had a number of pleasant dips in the side caños without ill effects although we did not put our heads under the water (the main caños tended to have a fast current and a heavy silt load). We were assured that the piranhas were not a problem.

Anchoring

Being a river with a muddy bottom, you may think that anchoring will be easy. Surprisingly, it is not in most areas, there were no problems, in others a combination of very soft mud or debris on the bottom prevents a normally trustworthy anchor from digging in. If you struggle with one type of anchor (plough or Danforth type) it may be worth trying with another. If you anchor in soft mud, it may pay to leave the anchor to sink in for 10-20 minutes before digging it in.

Bugs

This area is buggy. There are mosquitoes, no-see-urns, thunderbugs and horseflies the size of small birds — and they are looking for fresh bodies. The horseflies in particular can give a painful puncture wound which can draw blood. With your delicate skin (the locals are used to it and ignore them) you will need protection. The following items are strongly recommended: - Cans of insecticide, e.g. Bop’ readily available in Trinidad, is very rapidly effective. - Smoke coils. The Goldfish coils work well. - Insect repellent. Get the stuff with a minimum of 25% Deet, preferably 50% to 100%. The scented 5% dilution juice is useless. - A mosquito net that can be draped aver the cockpit, otherwise you will be confined below during the evenings, - Mosquito nets for ports and hatches. The finer the better. There are some very tiny aggressive black flies that can get through the normal size of netting. - A fly swat, the electric ones are good fun as you can fry the little swines... - A fan over the beds at a minimum. The invaders do not like to be disturbed as they dine and a bit of breeze can discourage them. - Long trousers/pants and long sleeved shirts. - If you are prone to reacting to bites, bring along enough itch relief such as histamine blockers. We did find the odd cockroach landing on deck, possibly from the shore or water hyacinth. Keep a good lookout and a can of Bop to hand.

Wildlife

One of the fun things to do in the Delta is spotting wildlife. An early morning dinghy excursion into some small tributaries will throw you into the mayhem of forest fauna. Capuchin and howler monkeys, bats, toucans, aras, parrots, macaws, parakeets, weaver birds and soon will make their appearance during the early dawn. Bring a good bird guidebook to enhance the experience. During the evening, river dolphins may pay a visit as you sip your sundown beer. The wildlife varies every day.

The north of the Rio Manamo will delight you on arrival with flocks of scarlet ibis. As you continue south, the forest changes from mangroves to rainforest and the wildlife becomes more diverse. Although the area around the Lodges is frequented by tourist groups flown in from outside the area, we found the wildlife around there to be the most abundant and interesting. The Pedernales and Angosto rivers lack this abundant wildlife.

Miscellaneous

Provision well before leaving and top up the water. Although some fruit, vegetables/beer is available in Pedernales, there is nothing further south until you get to Tucopita (a long way south and you will need to take the bus pirogue) except what you can trade with the Warao — and they didn’t appear to have much to spare. The Pedernales Police advised that fuel was available in Pedernales, but we did not check otherwise. Further south the only fuel appeared to be at Tucopita. The locals weren’t willing to spare any as they had to fetch it via a long pirogue ride.

Just southwest of the Pedernales village is a red roofed building where you can buy fresh water shrimps that are collected and processed here. The going rate in Sept 06 was 6000 Blv/kg for the small and 10,000 Blv/kg for the bigger ones. Lodges MAY dispose of garbage for you. You should consider how you will manage waste during your trip — consider the ecological impact of disposing of various types of trash in the river. At present, there is very little floating garbage in the river.

Rumour has t that there has been not cholera or malaria on the river for 10 years. But confirm this for yourself and make your own decision about inoculations/preventative drugs. That’s it. It is a terrific trip. Have a lot of fun. Angus Ross-Thomson Sty Do It www.DoltCruise.info

Attachments: 1, Manamo River Entrance. 2. Manamo River — Significant Points.


Islas Los Testigos – 11°22.98'N,63°05.83'WInformation extracted from Mike Buckell 's Grandpa 's maps, June 2010
A possible stop on the way west. Local fishing folk - all armed with rifles. No incidents in 2000. Photos here Local fishing folk - all armed with rifles. No incidents in 2000.

Marguerita - Porlamar – 10°57.27'N,63°49.94'WInformation extracted from Mike Buckell 's Grandpa 's maps, June 2010
A Port of Entry, but it was advisable to use an agent in 2000 and 2002. It was reasonably safe then but, in common with many other places in Venezuela, security has since been reported to be more problematic. The town is quite interesting and well-provided with shops of all sorts. It used to be possible to fly to the mainland and probably still is.


Marguerita - Juan El Griego – 11°09.53'N,63°53.57'W Information extracted from Mike Buckell 's Grandpa 's maps, June 2010
Well protected from the trade winds and a pleasant small town with fewer security problems than at Porlamar though I 've been told recently (2009) that gangs of small boys can be a nuisance. Possible to travel by road to Porlamar for clearance formalities.



Cubagua – 10°49.60'N,64°09.93'W Information extracted from Mike Buckell 's Grandpa 's maps, June 2010
Cubagua. Alchemi visited these inner offshore islands and mainland in 2000 when there were security concerns but probably fewer than those prevailing in 2002 and 2009 when she passed by again but stayed farther offshore the mainland. Anyone wishing to come inshore post-2009 is strongly advised to check current conditions before arriving. This island is arid but the water clear and the anchorage sheltered.

Cayo Herradura – 10°59.45'N,65°22.80'W Information extracted from Mike Buckell 's Grandpa 's maps, June 2002
An acceptable overnight anchorage just a short distance from Tortuga, Isla Blanquilla. Alchemi came this way in 2002 after leaving Marguerita. This anchorage is less well protected than others in the region and could be rolly if the wind is in the south-east. An alternative in a small and almost perfectly round inlet on the west coast might be possible but it would be a very tight entrance and a boat would have to be anchored fore-and-aft to prevent swinging.

Puerto La Cruz – 10°12.49'N,64°39.75'WInformation extracted from Mike Buckell 's Grandpa 's maps, June 2010
Puerto La Cruz. Alchemi stayed at the Bahia Redonda marina for 5 nights permitting refuelling, restocking and a very interesting expedition inland. At that time it was possible to charter a small plane - maximum number and minimum cost per head if six cruisers went together - and fly to the Canaima National Park whence the trip continued by outboard- motor-driven dug-out canoe to the foot of the Angel Falls. It was exciting going up and down the rapids and one could see why Conan Doyle imagined a "Lost World" on one of the Tepui.

Canaima The airstrip is just a short ride by road from some impressive waterfalls and the start of the canoe journey. Angel Falls The highest waterfall in the world.ter treking through the rainforest from the riverside camp and climbing a few hundred feet it is possible to swim in the pool at the base of the falls.


Puerto La Cruz (Venezuela) – 10°00.00'N,64°40.00'W Information provided by James Leonard 1996
1) Information Submitted by James Leonard - Coro Coro

2) Date 1996

3) Harbour or Area Covered Include Lat & Long Puerto La Cruz, Venezuela. 10°13’ N 64°40’W

4) Suitability and Attraction for Yachts Apart from the numerous tropical islands, this is a major service and refitting centre. Luxury hotel facilities can be found at Marimares within the El Morro development.

5) Marinas, Berthing or Anchorage Centro Marino de Oriente (CMO) has 48 berths, Bahia Redonda 130 berths & a swimming pool, Dockside & Amerigo Vespucci marina are all within the vast El Morro development to the west of the town. There is also a small marina to the east of Puerto La Cruz and it is also possible to anchor off the beach close to the town.

6) Entry Ports Isla Margarita, Cumana, Puerto La Cruz, La Guaira and Puerto Cabello.

7) Formal Requirements for Yachts Entering/Departing:

a) from/to same country Zarpe from and to the outer islands is required

b) from/to abroad Checking in is done via agents - Marisol, CMO or Dockside for a small fee

c) visa requirements Have recently been dropped and soon the 6 month stay will be extended to 18 months.

8) Location/Existence of:

a) harbour master Deal with Agents, CMO, Dockside, Bahia, Redonda, or Marisol, the latter are between Freites & Maneiro streets on Honduras St.

b) customs/immigration See above

c) health authorities See above d) police See above

9) Control of Foreign Yachts 6 months changing soon to 18 months

10) Attitude of Officials to Visiting Yachtsmen OK and getting better

11) Repair/Hauling Facilities 70 ton lift at CMO and all services available. Getting gear and equipment shipped in should be done via an agent as otherwise its arrival is in doubt.

12) Sailing Directions or Charts BA 1498.

13) Cruising Guide and where Obtainable. Include Phone and/or E-Mail Chris Doyle’s guide is good

14) Port Radio Services At 0745 local time, Mon-Sat, a cruisers’ radio net is broadcast on US77 which otherwise serves as a hailing frequency. CMO monitors 80, Bahia Redonda 71.

15) Weather Forecasts Weather is part of the morning net.. Bill on Mistery is on 6125.

16) Yacht Club(S) Are for Venezuelans mostly.

17) Other Facilities:

drinking water Marinas - water should be filtered

fuel Very cheap, a coupon must be bought from Amerigo Vespuccio before fuelling up gas

(propane)/gaz All available

chandlers Near Amerigo Vespucci marina bank In town

shops/market In town

restaurants/hotels In town

post office/telephones including mobile facilities In town

best mailing address Any of marinas will hold mail and announce its arrival on the net.

showers Yes

laundry Yes transport/air services Yes, good crew change spot

medical facilities/hospital Yes

18) Recommendations or Warnings Listen to the cruisers’ net. Spare parts are a problem here. Shipping contact MB5 on US77 or Xanadu, also on US77 or CMO. Security in the marinas is tight but do get out and about as well, as this is a beautiful country, though its personal security record is not the best. 19) Other Information – please include here general impressions, opinions, comments or any other matter which might be of use to those visiting.


Isla Borracha – 10°17.58'N,64°45.36'W Information extracted from Mike Buckell 's Grandpa 's maps, June 2010


Tortuga – 10°57.49'N,65°14.05'W Information extracted from Mike Buckell 's Grandpa 's maps, June 2010


Tortuga – 10°57.00'N,65°20.00'W Information provided by Brian Wallace 2009


Cayo Herradura – 10°59.45'N,65°22.80'W Information extracted from Mike Buckell 's Grandpa 's maps, June 2010


Los Roques - Francisqui – 11°57.57'N, 66°39.10'W Information extracted from Mike Buckell 's Grandpa 's maps, June 2010

Los Roques - Francisqui. This anchorage is calmer and better protected than the one off Gran Roque and is useful if entering via the northern channel just east of here. One can dinghy to Gran Roque from here even with a small outboard,though it can be a bit damp if the breeze sets up a chop.


Isla El Gran Roque – 11°57.00'N,66°40.00'W Information extracted from Mike Buckell 's Grandpa 's maps, June 2010

Officially one should purchase here a cruising permit for Los Roques National Park before anchoring elsewhere. Fees for national, port and park entrances can mount up so some try to avoid them - but officials in patrol boats do check from time-to-time. This island and town is the centre for the park with tourist restaurants and some basic supplies available.

Los Roques - Crasqui – 11°53.81'N,66°44.60'W Information extracted from Mike Buckell 's Grandpa 's maps, June 2010
Los Roques - Crasqui.A calm anchorage Los Roques - Sarqui. A particularly beautiful anchorage

Los Roques - Sarqui – 11°53.70'N,66°48.40'W Information extracted from Mike Buckell 's Grandpa 's maps, June 2010


Los Roques – 12°10.00'N,66°50.00'W Information provided by Robin Brown March 2010
Los Roques, like most of the other Venezuelan islands, is in reality (datum WGS84) about 0·45 miles at 200° from its co-ordinates as they appear on the charts – once again, the error is in the official, published paper charts. The Admiralty and Spanish charts for the Venezuelan coast are based on various surveys made between 1790 and 1850 It is an amazingly picturesque spread of reefs and coral cays 20 miles east/west and 15 miles north/south, more than half of which is uncharted because in places it is only about waist deep. There are two entrance channels on the northeast and southeast approaches, which are fairly difficult. This is not an easy correction to make in your head, both channels are less than 100m wide, and the southeast one usually has force 6 trade winds blowing in. It is very difficult to find any paper charts at all of the area which are worth a damn. However the best information is in Chris Doyle’s indispensable Cruising Guide to Venezuela and Bonaire – the waypoints are spot-on. The most useful instruments are polaroid sunglasses, although we treasure our Echopilot look-ahead sonar, (which has saved us from shipwreck in Sardinia and from stranding in a French Guyanean river.) I am quoting the admirable Nigel Calder in his Cruising Guide to the Northwest Caribbean: ‘There are only two sorts of cruisers in the Caribbean – those who have already gone aground, and those who are going to before long’.


Los Roques - Carenero – 11°53.01'N,66°50.73'W Information extracted from Mike Buckell 's Grandpa 's maps, June 2010
Los Roques - Carenero. Good snorkelling here but prone to attack by mosquitos in the evening and early morning

Los Roques - Cayo Agua – 11°49.84'N,66°56.96'W Information extracted from Mike Buckell 's Grandpa 's maps, June 2010
Los Roques - Cayo Agua. As the name implies there is "fresh" water here - but you may have to clear out the hole in the sand where it gathers.

Las Aves Barlovento – 11°56.77'N,67°26.34'W Information extracted from Mike Buckell 's Grandpa 's maps, June 2010
As the name implies there are hundreds, if not thousands, of birds here; and they are unafraid of people so you can get quite close for photos. Plenty of fish and shellfish too. Be careful of your navigation though - the remains of a yacht were to be seen on the eastern boundary reef in 2002 and there are many hazards inside the lagoon - all perfectly avoidable in a good light with the sun overhead.

Las Aves Sotavento – 12°02.62'N,67°40.73'W Information extracted from Mike Buckell 's Grandpa 's maps, June 2010
Despite appearances this is the calmest anchorage in this group. There is nothing here save for the remains of a fishing camp but it provides a goodplace for swimming and as a stop just a day-sail away from Bonaire. Alchemi stayed here in 2000, 2002, and again in 2009. On the latter visit, sailing on an "Innocent Passage" basis and not having checked in to Venezuela, some anxiety was created by the arrival of a patrol boat manned by half a dozen officials. However they were perfectly polite and friendly merely requiring information to enter on a lengthy form recording boat, personal and passage details. No doubt a survey is under way and perhaps charges will be levied in the future.

Isla Monjes Del Sur – 12°21.75'N,70°52.75'W Information provided by Brian Wallace March 2010
A couple of rocky Islands which have been joined by a rock dam. Guide waypoint is 12deg21.75N 070deg52.75W.. The bay to stay overnight is on NW part of the Islands. Here there is a rope that is strung out across the small bay, it has tails on it for you to pick up. Recommend a stern anchor. It is over 50ft deep so anchoring is not easy, The authorities want to see your papers, so be prepared to go ashore on arrival. There is a small jetty with tyres that local fishing boats use if you don’t want to get your dinghy out, or you could like we did, swim!