The archipelago of Los Roques is made up of approximately 50 islands, over 250 islets, sandbanks, and keys surrounding around an extensive central lagoon, dotting the blue-green Caribbean Sea north of Venezuela.
After a 45-minute flight from Caracas (about 90 miles north), the imposing backdrop of two rocky hills cutting into the sapphire blue sky comes into view. From the island’s highest point, El Faro (the historic Dutch lighthouse), catch views of the tiny town below, open ocean and low, rolling waves to the north, and the full expanse of Gran Roque and the outlying islands to the south. A desert-like landscape is the result of prevailing trade winds that rarely allow rain, combined with an average temperature of 27.8 centigrade. Nothing more than several species of lizard and iguana have been able to adapt to this harsh environment, but the lack of terrestrial life is offset by a variety of birds to make any ornithologist swoon. More than 90 species in 28 different families have been observed: from Sea Swallows to arctic Hijackers passing the winter, gulls, frigates, herons, flamingos, two species of hawk, and the bane of every boat owner, the ever-messy pelican.
The true gems of Gran Roque’s natural landscape, however, are discovered offshore. The island’s unique marine ecosystems were classified a National Marine Park in 1972. The reefs of Los Roques are home to a myriad of pelagic fauna such as grouper, red snapper, barracuda, and jacks. Other local residents include trumpet fish, red-lipped blennies, green and spotted moray eels, lobsters, crabs, and if you’re lucky the elusive spotted drum. Reefs also boast colorful Elk, Stag and brain corals, large gorgonians, tubes, and sponges. Popular dives include a variety of slopes, pinnacles, and caves, and range between 30 and 150 feet or so. Land based dive-shops frequent sites closer to Gran Roque. Several times a week most operators make a two-tank day-trip to some of the farther flung sites like Boca de Cote where an occasional eagle or spotted ray glides silently by, and nurse sharks are almost always present hanging out under rock ledges. For non-dive days, other activities include kite-surfing, snorkeling, visits to outlying beaches and trips to the biological research station on Dos Mosquises where the “Fundación Cientifica Los Roques” protects a turtle breeding area. Hawksbill turtles are not uncommon on dives as well.
In the evenings, relax for a while in your posada, a small inn offering simple but comfortable accommodations, often including meals. Those not at the bar or the pizzeria can be found strolling around the central Plaza, or sitting in front of the inns chatting about the day’s activities over an icy Polar, the local brew. The permanent population of the whole archipelago is only about 1,000, and although international tourist traffic is still relatively light, this gem won’t remain hidden forever. Enter Los Roques into your log book while it’s still off the beaten path.
|
|
|
No photos are currently being shared for this location!
|
View
data in degrees Fahrenheit.
|
Average air temperature: |
Chance of rain: |
Hours of sun / day: |
|
|
|
Surface water temperature: |
Water temperature at 30m: |
Water visibility: |
|
|
|
|
|
Fantastic.
|
Some things to see and do.
|
English, Spanish
|
USD an Bolivares (local currency) |
Active travel warnings exist for this location (see Lonely Planet)! |
Country
Bio from Lonely Planet |
|
|
|