Sailing: Netherlands Antilles to Venezuela

July, 2008

With only a short sail today of just under 80NM from the Netherlands Antilles to Venezuela, I’m hoping the wind is kind and nothing goes wrong…

Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles, Chichiriviche, VenezuelaThe Sail

Bonaire: 12°09.850’N 68°17.110’W
Chichiriviche: 11°06.758’N 68°13.283’W

Leaving Bonaire in the Netherlands Antilles, the 76NM sail to Chichiriviche in Venezuela is without any dramas today.

With only an uncomfortable rolling sea and a queazy sickly feeling again, nothing much else happened on this sail from the Netherlands Antilles.

Gorgeous Reality sails well and is very comfortable – purchasing Reality from the US is a good choice so far.

Venezuela: Chichiriviche
SV Reality

Chichiriviche

Reaching Chichiriviche, we anchor behind a little island before moving up to the lake area to see the Caquetios cave.

Chichiriviche: Caquetios cave, Venezuela, South America
Caquetios cave

Sheer craggy cliffs against the clear blue sky surround Reality and is quite dramatic.

Some cliff-sides are over 200 metres high and sprawl right down to the water’s edge.

This area is dotted with caves and inlets.

Caquetios Cave

Taking the dinghy to a small cave, which was used by the Caquetios since 3,400 B.C., this cave is still used today as a type of shrine.

The whole area is covered in small religious statues, people’s medical cards, photos, rosary beads, ornaments, and an array of other various religious artefacts, cemented into the rock forms.

The cave also contains numerous rock carvings of various meanings such as the dawn of time and birth – it’s an extremely fascinating region.

Chichiriviche: Shrine
Shrine in Chichiriviche

Puerto Cabello

Chichiriviche: 11°06.758’N 68°13.283’W
Puerto Cabello: 10°28.596’N 68°00.751’W

After a couple of days exploring around Chichiriviche, this next sail is down to Puerto Cabello as we need to officially check into the country.

When checking into Venezuela with a boat, it’s supposed to be easier if you use an “Agent” for all the running around to the various departments, for a fee of course.

Chichiriviche, Puerto Cabello, Venezuela

Our agent Carlos speaks fluent English, which is a bonus but also means that he is savvy to making loads of money.

He turns up in a bright new shiny Harley Davidson and over the next few days, arrives in 3 different expensive vehicles.

Our first quote to check in is USD$800 – I nearly choke!

When I baulk at this price, the following day Carlos advises the fee decreased to USD$500, but also advises: “if we sail to another port it would probably be cheaper as this is a commercial port” – yeah right. Now I know how Carlos affords all his expensive vehicles.

It appears that the entry cost is at the Port Master’s discretion (and pocket) – so much for Venezuela being a cheap destination!

Although allowed to stay in Puerto Cabello for a few days before officially checking in to Venezuela, the private marina doesn’t really want us here and the boat isn’t in a safe spot.

Local warnings

Caracas, Venezuela, South America
Pan Pipes throughout the streets of Venezuela – Caracas

Loads of locals warned us about where and where not to walk for our own safety. Later, we learn that this town has the worse violence in Venezuela, although walking around, I don’t really feel threatened or unsafe.

An incident

Whilst here, a sole-sailor we met was robbed at knife point on the beach opposite the marina.

This happened at midday on a Sunday with children and people watching around him, but no one came to his aid – after all, he is a gringo.

Two guys held a knife at him, ripped his shorts half-off, and stole his wallet. Whilst walking back to the marina still in shock, a local laughed at him and yelled out “hey Gringo, you got robbed!”

Obviously, this a common occurrence here and a big joke with everyone. The sailor returned to Reality for a drink and compassion.

Hearing what appears to be artillery firing in the hills most days and throughout the nights, it’s worrying.

As tensions are increasing between Colombia and Venezuela, we’re not sure if this is actual artillery fire or training. Later, we learn that the Festival of the Drums is on in a couple of days and the firing is only the sound of fireworks – rocket launchers – paranoia setting in…

Caution required

There is a lot of violence in this town.

Whilst here, the same friend been robbed on the beach became friends with some locals and invited to a street party.

Whilst at the party, someone was shot in front of him. Everyone apart from our friend danced on as if nothing happened and he wasn’t sure if the guy died or just injured.

We met some really helpful locals and don’t have any problems with anyone or with any violence…maybe it’s good Karma?

In the streets, some locals smile at us and others just look, but this happens everywhere. We are the only 3 gringos in town, so we do stand out – not many foreigners visit this town.


La Guaira

La Guaira, VenezuelaPuerto Cabello: 10°28.596’N 68°00.751’W
La Guaira: 10°35.957’N 66°56.723’W

Deciding to sail the 67NMs to the next port for a cheaper entry fee, this still cost USD$350 (cash of course) to check in.

At least it’s cheaper than USD$800.

We’ve since learnt that it may cost another USD$200 to exit this country…gotta love corruption. Again, the cost depends on where you exit Venezuela, so a little research is required before leaving.

The easy overnight sail to La Guaira sees us sailing East, and catching glimpses of Venezuela’s beautiful coastal mountain range: Cordillera de la Costa, whilst nearing Caracas at dawn.

The mountains are over 900-metres high and appear to push downwards to the sea.

The sprawl of the city creeps upwards from the sea and deep into the hills, which are covered with a million lights and dimly lit hints of rooftops.

Venezuela: Caracas dawn sailing
Sailing the Caracas dawn – not a great shot with my small compact camera

Finally reaching La Guaira’s commercial port in the early hours of the morning, we soon realise that this port isn’t set up for private vessels.

The height between our boat and the jetty means that the officials can’t and won’t, climb down onto the boat to do our check-in to Venezuela. Half-heartedly, the official motions that we’re free to go – bonus.

As the morning is still young and a lovely breeze about, we continue on a short sail to Caraballeda to find a marina or at least somewhere to drop the pick.


Caraballeda

Caraballeda, VenezuelaLa Guaira: 10°35.957’N 66°56.723’W
Caraballeda: 10°37.302’N 66°50.807’W

I radio the marina ahead of arriving for a spot but advised nothing is available and to anchor outside the marina instead.

We decide to try our luck in person instead.

As a result of the 1999 floods this marina is still under renovation and not accepting any new boats. So, only manage to get 3 nights here as the berth belongs to another boat returning in a few days.

Also need to check with the extremely upmarket surrounding private marinas and clubs, which are full of berthed multi-million dollar launches mostly flying American flags.

Later we learn that one club’s membership is USD$80,000 per year – obscene. Guess this sets the scene of the amount of foreign money that’s sitting in Venezuela.

Venezuela: Caraballeda boat local
Caraballeda local

Walking around Caraballeda you can’t but help notice massive hotels such as the Hilton, closed down and deserted – a legacy of the 1999 floods – nothing around here seems to happen in a hurry.

Such a waste of a massive building and infrastructure, especially as there are so many homeless.

Caraballeda is a seaside resort town and very popular with Venezuelans, but most of the resorts are abandoned and I can only imagine the opulence here before the floods.


Pirates in Caraballeda

During the stay of around a week in Caraballeda, Reality is anchored outside of the marina during the day, then inside the marina each night – for our own safety and under the Port Captain’s instructions. The captain is worried that we may be held up at gunpoint and robbed if anchored outside. Comforting thought!

As it turns out, he is not exaggerating.

Two weeks after leaving this exact spot, we hear that a French Catamaran is boarded by pirates in this very anchorage. The skipper was shot and later died from four gunshot wounds.

This further confirms how dangerous Venezuela is for a cruising boat.


Caracas for one day

Caracas, VenezuelaDeciding on a little day trip, we take the local bus into Caracas, on a Sunday as it’s not so busy.

The bus swerves around huge mountain ranges and it’s a very picturesque trip, albeit a little nauseating.

Caracas is a sprawling and bustling city.

Security bars and razor wire adorn most buildings. Even 30-storey apartment blocks are graced with bars on windows, around balconies, doors, and right up to the 30th-floor, resembling jails.

What to see?

Actually, walking around this city you notice that most homes have iron security bars on all doors and windows. The tops of 3-metre high walls are cemented with broken glass and bottles, then topped with an electric fence. Surely this is overkill or maybe there’s a huge problem in this country?

Strolling around for the day, wanting to see the museum and the cable car, both are closed so opt for a wander through the street markets instead.

Caracas, Venezuela, markets
Market butcher preparing a delicious marinade

Venezuela is full of street markets and stalls selling a myriad of stuff – pens, lollypops, drinks, food, lingerie, and clothes.

Caracas, Venezuela, markets
At least Venezuela can feed itself

You can even buy a single cigarette from a pack – just about anything can be purchased on the street.

Caracas, Venezuela, markets
Fresh produce

It’s common to see a lady sitting on a small stool on the broken pavement with half a dozen mobile phones securely chained to her stool and selling cheap phone time – a great system. This means you don’t need to scour the streets looking for a public phone, which usually don’t work in most countries.

Venezuela: Simón Bolívar's birthplace
Entrance to Simón Bolívar’s birthplace

Sail to the Los Roques Archipelago

Venezuela: Los Roques Archipelago
Los Roques Archipelago

Caraballeda: 10°37.302’N 66°50.807’W
Los Roques: 11.8575° N, 66.7575° W

This stunning area belongs to Venezuela and is only an 80NM sail from La Guaira.

The short distance sees that the area is frequented by many Venezuelans from Caracas on day trips. But, also many wealthy tourists, especially from Europe and the US.

Never hearing of this area until arriving in Venezuela and checking the Nav charts, this must be a well-kept local secret.

Venezuela: Los Roques, Pueblo del Gran Roque
Los Roques’ blues

Consisting of approximately 350 gorgeous islands, cays, and islets in a total area of just over 20 miles and scarcely populated (only 1,500 permanent inhabitants), this area receives approximately 70,000 visitors each year.

Gran Roque

Isolated Gran Roque sits at the northeastern slice of the archipelago and is the most inhabited, which also includes a low-lying domestic airport almost at sea level and close to the beach.

Venezuela: Los Roques, Gran Roque
Gran Roque

A quiet village with a few small restaurants, Cafés, and supply shops, Gran Roque is a great stop-off.

Pueblo del Gran Roque

Moving further up to an even tinier slice of beach at the end of Gran Roque dotted with fishing shacks, tin houses, and small fishing boats provides even more serenity in this impossibly blue Caribbean sea.

Venezuela: Los Roques, Pueblo del Gran Roque
Local end of Pueblo del Gran Roque

Local islanders are friendlier here and life is very relaxed – much more than even in Bonaire.

A few days sailing around this pristine beautiful Archipelago, exploring the sparkling clear waters.

Wonderful swimming, snorkelling, relaxing, and good sailing breezes, is glorious.

Venezuela: Los Roques
Peacefulness

Visit Nilla’s Photography for more images. More posts on the Caribbean at Image Earth Travel.

Los Roques, Venezuela (Photo credit: Colin Palmer)
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33 thoughts on “Sailing: Netherlands Antilles to Venezuela

Add yours

  1. I am extremely impressed with your writing abilities as well as with the format of your blog. Is this a paid topic or did you customize it yourself? Either way stay up the nice high quality writing, it is uncommon to peer a great weblog like this one nowadays.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hi, thank you for your feed-back.
      No, this isn’t a paid topic. I write all my own posts from my own actual travel experiences. I’m not a ghost blogger. I do have one post from a guest blogger last year.

      Like

  2. I enjoyed going over the photos. Such an interesting trip. I’ve never been out of the country. Will definitely add this to my bucket list 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  3. 🤦🏽‍♀️ Yes, it was in 2008 and now it’s much worse with starvation (which you said in another comment) and sick people without medication. It’s a nightmare for me because most of my family is still in Venezuela.

    I’m so impressed that you sailed all the way from the U.S.! I can’t wait to read these posts.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I’ve heard it’s much worse and so very tragic. I would love to return but hear it’s not great for tourists at the moment.

      My then husband and I bought a boat in the US and sailed it to Cuba, Haiti, Dominican Republic, ABC’s, and Venezuela. We did travel some of inland Venezuela to Angel Falls and Merida, which are amazing. I’ve only written about the trip from the US to Venezuela so far.

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you for the nomination and great feedback!
      It may take me a few weeks to get around to writing a response but will let you know when I’m close. I’m travelling from the UK back to Italy in a couple of days so it’s quite hectic just now.

      Liked by 1 person

    1. That’s the last one for a while Gill, sorry. I have 21 years of sailing tales in hardcopy that perhaps one day I’ll get around to uploading. 🙂

      Indeed, Venezuela was great for fleecing tourists…it’s all relative though as they’re so poor.

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Julz!
      I would like to return to Venezuela but I hear that this country is in much worse shape than in 2008, which I find hard to believe; starvation there is dire. It’s a stunning country and only got to see a small part of its inland, which is a downside when sailing to a country and not finding a safe mooring. Check out my Venezuela portfolio to see some of the stunning sites – amazing!

      Like

    2. I have a couple of Venezuelian friends living in France – they are horrified by the situation. I think it is worse today. I was following a blogger but actually now you mention havent seen her online for a while

      Liked by 1 person

    3. I saw a snippet on the news last week, it is tragic but you never hear much about Venezuela. It’s such a rich country in minerals and oil but the people are so miserably poor and on par with some African countries.
      If you find the blog, please let me know as I’d like to keep abreast of what’s occurring in Venezuela.

      Like

    1. Hi Louise,
      It was a very interesting place and I think we stumbled on this cave without really knowing about it’s existence (I can’t remember). Yes, it seemed as if the purpose was so that people came to pray for their sick family members or pay respects to their lost loved ones. Although fascinating, it was also quite sad.

      Well, not always as this depends on the marina. Sadly, because of the extreme poverty in Venezuela (even worse today than in 2008), anyone can be bought. So although marinas had armed security guards with sawn-off shotguns patrolling 24/7, we still needed to pay a weekly fee of USD$50 to have a security guard patrol the boat for theft, if we left the boat for a week to travel inland. We did this a couple of times and on one occasion, a pair of size 12 flip-flops were stolen from the cockpit. To put this into perspective, I doubt that any Venezuelan uses a size 12 shoe, so no idea why this would be stolen…because it was sitting there? Also, extremely hard to find a replacement in this country! 😉 Cheers, Nilla

      Liked by 1 person

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