Yes there are security issues, it was all quiet for about two years but blew up again about a year ago. Places to avoid: Paria peninsula (stay at least thirty miles off); southern side of Gulf of Cariaco; anywhere around Santa Fe; islands off Puerto La Cruz.

Take care in islands south of Margarita (i.e. only go in company). Margarita has had a fair amount of crime recently, dinghies must be lifted on deck at night. There was even a boarding in Los Testigos a few months ago and approaches made by a fake coastguard boat in the Aves. But mainly the out islands ae viewed as safe.

Sarifundys is certainly going strong as the hangover from the last happy hour willl attest :-)