Los Roques
Venezuela
A small cluster of islands settled in the clear Caribbean Sea of Northern Venezuela, Los Roques National Park is a place of outstanding natural beauty.
White sandy beaches lie alongside sparkling, blue waters that stretch out towards a seemingly infinite distant horizon. The islands are encircled by magnificent coral reefs with some of the most exceptional flora and fauna and where some of the most memorable snorkeling and diving in the Caribbean can be experienced. Soft, white sandy beaches are not the only place to soak up the baking Venezuelan sun; there are rocky beaches with strong surf and bays with still water and deep green lagoons aplenty. Basic but charming ‘posadas’ are dotted around with colourful facades – once fisherman’s houses, these are now idyllic guest houses.
While wonderfully serene, Los Roques is by no means deficient in things to do. As well as outstanding diving, there is also ample opportunity for windsurfing, sailing, deep-sea fishing or dipping in a light aircraft over the rolling ocean. Moreover, in the second week of September, visitors can join in traditional celebrations of the Virgen del Valle and at the beginning of the lobster-fishing season in November, the Lobster Festival is spectacular to witness. According to Original Travel’s South America experts, this archipelago is home to barefoot beaches at their most beautiful.
