Maiquetia International Airport (Simon Bolivar / IATA: CCS) is the main gateway to Venezuela's sailing destinations. The airport sits on the coast at Maiquetia, separated from Caracas by the Avila mountain range and connected via a winding highway that takes 30-60 minutes depending on traffic.
We recommend staying near the airport the night before your Los Roques flight, as early departures are common — most flights to Gran Roque depart between 6:30 and 8:00 AM. The Eurobuilding Express Maiquetia and the Hotel Catimar are both within 10 minutes of the terminal and offer secure parking and airport shuttle services. For those preferring to stay in Caracas, the Altamira and Las Mercedes neighborhoods offer international-standard hotels but require a 5:00 AM departure to reach the airport for Los Roques flights.
Taxi transfers from the airport to Caraballeda Marina take approximately 25 minutes along the coastal Autopista Caracas-La Guaira. Pre-arranged transfers through your charter company are strongly recommended over negotiating taxis at the terminal. For charter clients departing directly from a marina, many operators provide complimentary airport pickup.
Caraballeda Marina (Marina Caraballeda) is the primary yacht charter departure point for Los Roques and the western Venezuelan islands. Located on the Litoral Central coast at approximately 10°37'N 66°51'W, the marina has capacity for 140 vessels with slips accommodating boats up to 80 feet LOA. Services include 110V/220V shore power, potable water, diesel and gasoline fueling, laundry facilities, and 24-hour security with a gated perimeter. The marina office can arrange customs clearance, provisioning delivery, and mechanical assistance. Haul-out services are available via a 60-ton travel lift.
Puerto La Cruz, located 320 kilometers east of Caracas on the coast of Anzoategui state, is Venezuela's second major sailing hub. The city's six marinas — including Marina Amerigo Vespucci, Marina Puerto La Cruz, and El Morro Marina — collectively offer over 800 slips with comprehensive yacht services, chandleries, and boatyards. Puerto La Cruz is the preferred departure point for charters heading to Margarita, La Blanquilla, and La Tortuga.
Bahia de los Piratas (Carenero), 45 minutes east of Caracas by car, is a smaller but well-protected marina used as the departure point for charters heading to La Tortuga and La Orchila. The anchorage is scenic and tranquil, surrounded by mangroves, though facilities are more basic than Caraballeda.
Gran Roque village is the only settlement in the Los Roques archipelago and home to all posada (guesthouse) accommodations. The village has approximately 60 registered posadas ranging from basic backpacker rooms to comfortable boutique options.
For a premium experience, Posada Acuarela and Posada Mediterraneo offer air-conditioned rooms, waterfront terraces, and gourmet seafood dinners prepared by in-house chefs — expect to pay $120-180 per person per night including full board. Mid-range options like Posada Galapagos and Posada La Cigala provide clean private rooms with fans or air conditioning and excellent home-cooked meals for $70-100 per person per night. Budget travelers will find basic but clean rooms at posadas near the airstrip for $40-60 per person per night, with simple but filling meals included.
All posada rates include breakfast and dinner — typically fresh-caught fish, arepas, salad, and tropical fruit juice. Lunch is generally taken on the beach during day-trip excursions. Many posadas arrange fishing, diving, and island-hopping packages that bundle accommodation with guided activities. Booking directly with posada owners via WhatsApp or email often yields better rates than third-party platforms. Confirm payment methods in advance, as credit card acceptance is inconsistent.
Serious provisioning for a multi-day yacht charter should be completed on the mainland before departure. In Caracas, the Central Madeirense and Excelsior Gama supermarket chains stock international products, fresh produce, quality meats, and imported wines. The Quinta Crespo market in central Caracas is the best source for tropical fruit, fresh vegetables, and local specialties at reasonable prices.
Near Caraballeda Marina, the Excelsior Gama in Caraballeda and the smaller abastos (corner markets) along Avenida La Playa carry basic provisions, ice, and beverages. Marina staff can arrange delivery of bulk water, ice blocks, and fuel to your vessel.
On Gran Roque in Los Roques, provisioning options are extremely limited. A small general store near the airstrip carries canned goods, pasta, rice, cooking oil, and basic toiletries. Fresh bread is baked daily at the village bakery. Fresh fruit and vegetables arrive on the weekly supply boat but sell out quickly. Ice is available from the village ice plant but should be ordered a day in advance during peak season. There is no butcher on the island — bring all meat from the mainland, frozen and packed in coolers.
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