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Los Roques, Venezuela

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.Beach of Los Roques

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.

Boat in the archipelago of Los RoquesChartered 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.

Lost World Adventures 800.999.0558

phone: 404.373.5820 fax: 404.377.1902
email: info@lostworld.com

 


 

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