Miles
of deserted white sand
beaches,
countless uninhabited islands
and teeming coral reefs, Los Roques Archipelago National
Park's natural Caribbean splendor remains unspoiled and
largely undiscovered. Created in 1974, this is the first
and only marine national park in Venezuela with 546,388
acres. Located in one of the most interesting coral reef
formations in the Caribbean the archipelago is easily
accessible by plane from Caracas
and Margarita or by an overnight's
sailing
from the Venezuelan mainland. Its geographic location
allows for a agreeable climate, away from hurricanes or
tropical storms and with average year-round temperatures
of 82ºF.
Some
100 miles off Venezuela's north central coast,
an isolated chain of reef-formed "cayos" (keys)
rise from the depths of the Caribbean Sea to form this
archipelago. Los Roques consists of more than 365 mostly
unnamed and uninhabited islands, islets and keys (One
for every day of the year!). The edge of the archipelago
is surrounded by live, fringing reef that protects its
warm and shallow interior. Its miles of clear, azure water
and seemingly endless white sand beaches are cooled by
constant trade winds.
The
area was described by Columbus as "heaven on earth".
Today, bonefishing,
kayaking,
sailing,
scuba
diving, snorkeling and windsurfing
enthusiasts, nature lovers and sun worshippers find the
discoverer's description is no less fitting now than it
was when first sighted. Most islands are either dry, rocky
outcroppings or mangrove and saw grass clusters home to
wildlife
such as iguanas, lizards, some insects and spiders, bats
(the only resident mammal) and nesting sea turtles. The
rich winged life is represented by magnificent frigate
birds,
brown boobies, flamingos, scarlet ibis, pelicans, terns,
gulls and herons, just to name a few, as Los Roques is
home to 92 species in 30 families, 54% of which are migratory
birds from North America. Archeological
and scientific
research are on the works in Dos Mosquises.
Divers
are discovering a wealth and diversity of dive sites among
the splendor of Los Roques' reefs, walls, caves and caverns,
many of which are still wild, unexplored environs hosting
a tremendous display of life. Giant lobsters, moray eels,
great schools of jacks, bonefish, barracuda, tarpon, mackerel,
grouper, sharks, swirling schools of silvery bait fish
and countless species of small, colorful reef-welling
fish and crustaceans are just a few of these splendid
waters' marine inhabitants. The reef is alive with brilliant
soft coral forests, swaying sea fans, sponges, and urchins
as well as brain, fire, black, antler and gorgonian coral.
While there are dives available for all experience levels,
Los Roques is particularly attractive to intermediate
and advanced divers looking to experience challenging
dives off the beaten track.
Posada (guesthouse) accommodations and facilities on the islands themselves (no hotels here!), are intimate experiences usually including meals, excursions to the uninhabited islands and even alcoholic beverages. Perhaps the most luxurious, Macanao offers lovely views of the beach and cooling breezes through the patio and rooms. Mediterraneo is also an established favorite with excellent service. Many small guesthouses populate the town and often it is a matter of availability as to which is preferable.
Chartered sailboats are available to explore remote regions
of the archipelago that are inaccessible to visitors staying
on the main island of Gran Roque, or that are located
farther, like Las Aves Archipelago.
All of our first-class yachts are crewed by an experienced
captain (usually the boat owner) and chef serving delicious
meals of fresh fruit and seafood. Cruising the tranquil
waters of the island's interior by day, sailboats can
moor in a different location every night. Boats like the Sula Sula and Bicho are usually captained by the owners with excellent meals caught fresh from the boat. Activities such
as fishing, snorkeling, bird watching, relaxing on-board
or on a deserted beach are up to the whims of each guest,
providing a highly personalized experience for those in
search of the ultimate caribbean getaway without the crowds.
Offering exceptional privacy and space for two, three
of four guests in private staterooms, our selected boats
are ideal for such an adventure. Each vessel is equipped
with modern conveniences and equipment to deliver romance-seeking
couples, families and small groups to paradise in comfort and style.
Although
most travelers spend 3 or more nights in Los Roques, it
is possible to visit as a day trip from Caracas or Margarita
Island. Below the water's surface, Los Roques' reef and
flats thrive with an intense diversity of marine fishes
while the reef itself is a wild, unspoiled coral wilderness.
Since the entire ecosystem is protected from destruction
and over harvesting by the national park system, this
last great Caribbean sanctuary should remain healthy for
generations to come.
Contact
us to include Los Roques
Archipelago National Park in a customized itinerary of
travel to Venezuela.
