Tortuga
From CaptainWiki
Spanish for "tortoise" or "Turtle" was named this because of it's shape. Isla La Tortuga is Venezuela’s second-largest island and lies west of Margarita. The island has a small sandy airstrip.
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There is one hotel type place on the island and the rest are a few seasonal lobster fisherman. Watch out for little blood-thirsty puri-puris (sand-fly's)
[edit] Anchorages
[edit] Playa Caldera
The anchorage on the NE end of Tortuga itself is extremely pretty, but has sanded up over the past years and is now only useful to very shallow draft vessels i.e. under 5 ft draft. All other yachts may find it rolly as they have to anchor a fair bit out. Superb walks, fantastic beach, temporary fishing village ashore.
[edit] Las Tortuguillas
On the NW side of Tortuga is fairly open as an anchorage and is mostly regarded as a day anchorage, good for snorkelling and exploring. Safe, but not especially comfortable in the tradewind season.
[edit] Cayo Herradura
Anchorage on the West side of Herradura, also NW Tortuga, is very protected, shows no roll in any winds from SE to NNE. Head straight east to the deepest part of the half moon shaped bay. Leave a shoal of 5 ft to the north when approaching the anchorage. Another reef, even breaking in low tide, is in the extreme south of the bay. 6-8 ft of perfect sand about half a mile from the shore offers great protection against the swell. Picture perfect beach with little vegetation growing on it. There is a little iron light tower on the north end of Herradura. In February 2005 it was working.
A temporary fishing camp is located on Herradura. No supplies, no water, but great shelling.
[edit] Los Palanquinos
Outlying reef great for snorkeling but the surf can get through.
[edit] Laguna El Carenero
[edit] Regulations
You should, in theory, have cleared into Venezuela or i.e. out of Isla Marguerita via Tortuga to another port. But there are no authorities here.
[edit] Island Trade
During fishing season you can trade with the fisherman for lobster and fish. They only eat fish and lobster during this season so any other foods are greatly appreciated and can be traded for.
[edit] Communication
The hotel in Playa Caldera has internet access as of August 2006.
[edit] Things To Do
- Fishing, diving
- There is a plane wreck you can snorkel on.
- Superb spot for those seeking solitude and have enough provisions on board.
- Windsurfers and Kiters will find perfect conditions.
- Limited snorkelling, water often silted up by the beach.
[edit] Contacts
Frenchman Jean-Luc Tersin, based in Puerto La Cruz, flies a 6-seater Airplane to visit the island for $200. Phone: 281 2635181 - 0416 4827454 Email: jeanluctersin@hotmail.com
