Islas Los Roques
Islas Los Roques lie 150 km due N of Caracas; the atoll, of about 340 islets and reefs, constitutes one of Venezuela’s loveliest National Parks (225,153 ha). There are long stretches of white beaches and almost 20 km of coral reef with crystal-clear water ideal for snorkelling (best at the southern part of the archipelago) and diving. There are many bird nesting sites (eg the huge gull colonies on Francisqui and the pelicans, boobies and frigates on Selesqui); May is nesting time at the gull colonies.
Advertisement
For more information write to La Fundación Científica Los Roques, Apdo No 1, Av Carmelitas, Caracas 1010, T 326771. The islands are best visited midweek as Venezuelans swarm here on long weekends and at school holidays. Prices are higher than the mainland and infrastructure is limited but the islands are beautiful and unspoiled. Average temp 29°C with coolish nights. You will need strong sunblock as there is no shade. Park entry US$10.
Many of the islands’ names are contractions of earlier names: eg Northeast Cay is Nordisqui, ‘Sarky’ comes from Sister Key, ‘Dos Mosquices’ from Domus Key, where there are sea turtles and a Marine Biology Centre researching the coral reef and its ecology.
Gran Roque is the main and only permanently inhabited island. The airport is here, as is the national guard, food stores, public phones, medical facilities, a few restaurants and accommodation. There is nowhere to change TCs. Park Headquarters are in the scattered fishing village (pop 900). You can negotiate with local fishermen for transport to other islands: you will need to take your own tent, food and (especially) water. Madrisqui has 9 summer houses. Francisqui is three islands joined by sandspits, with calm lagoon waters to the S and rolling surf to the N.
Ads
More . . .
Isla de Margarita
Isla de Margarita is in fact one island whose two sections are tenuously linked by the 18 kilometres sandspit which separates the sea from...Porlamar
Most of the hotels are at Porlamar, 20 kilometres from the airport and about 28 kilometres from Punta de Piedra, where most of the ferries...Islas Los Testigos
Islas Los Testigos are the first islands approached by yachts coming from Grenada or Trinidad. No official clearance is given, the...Parque Nacional Morrocoy
The National Park of Morrocoy comprises hundreds of coral reefs, palm-studded islets, small cosy beaches and calm water for water-skiing,...Tucacas
Tucacas is a hot, busy, dirty and expensive town, with lots of new building in progress, where bananas and other fruit are loaded for...Mochima
Puerto La Cruz: Venezuela’s second Caribbean coastal National Park is Mochima, 55 kilometres from the port of Puerto La Cruz. This city is...
Excursions - Isla de Margarita
The capital, La Asunción is a few kilometres inland from Porlamar. It has several colonial buildings, a cathedral, and the fort of Santa...