Home › Destinations › Los Roques
Los Roques, Venezuela - Things to Do in Los Roques

Things to Do in Los Roques

Los Roques, Venezuela - Complete Travel Guide

Los Roques is a pristine archipelago national park located in the Caribbean Sea, about 160 kilometers north of Venezuela's mainland. This stunning collection of over 300 small islands and cays is renowned for having some of the most beautiful and untouched beaches in the Caribbean, with crystal-clear turquoise waters, powdery white sand beaches, and vibrant coral reefs. The archipelago is a protected national park, ensuring its natural beauty remains preserved while offering visitors an exclusive tropical paradise experience. The main hub is Gran Roque, a charming fishing village with colorful colonial houses and sandy streets where no cars are allowed. From here, visitors can explore the surrounding cays, each offering unique experiences from world-class fishing and diving to simply relaxing on deserted beaches. Los Roques is particularly famous among sailing enthusiasts, sport fishermen, and those seeking an authentic Caribbean escape away from crowded resort destinations.

Top Things to Do in Los Roques

Island Hopping to Remote Cays

Explore the pristine uninhabited islands and cays that make up the Los Roques archipelago, including Francisqui, Madrisqui, and Crasqui. Each cay offers unique landscapes, from flamingo colonies to pristine beaches with crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The boat rides between islands provide spectacular views of the turquoise lagoons and coral formations.

Booking Tip: Book full-day island hopping tours through local operators in Gran Roque for $80-120 per person including lunch and snorkeling equipment. Best to book upon arrival to compare prices and boat conditions, and choose tours that visit 3-4 different cays.

Sport Fishing for Bonefish and Tarpon

Los Roques is considered one of the world's premier destinations for saltwater fly fishing, particularly for bonefish, tarpon, and permit. The shallow flats and pristine waters provide ideal conditions for sight fishing with experienced local guides. The archipelago's protected status has preserved excellent fish populations in crystal-clear waters.

Booking Tip: Book fishing charters 2-3 months in advance during peak season (December-April) for $400-600 per day including guide, boat, and equipment. Look for operators with certified English-speaking guides and modern equipment, and confirm if fishing licenses are included.

Scuba Diving and Snorkeling

Discover vibrant coral reefs, underwater caves, and diverse marine life in the protected waters of Los Roques National Park. The archipelago offers excellent visibility, warm waters year-round, and pristine coral formations that are home to tropical fish, rays, and sea turtles. Multiple dive sites cater to different skill levels from beginners to advanced divers.

Booking Tip: Book diving packages through certified PADI operators for $60-90 per two-tank dive including equipment. Best visibility is typically in the morning, and many operators offer combination snorkeling and diving trips for mixed-skill groups.

Sailing and Catamaran Excursions

Experience the archipelago's beauty aboard sailing vessels, taking advantage of consistent trade winds and calm protected waters. Multi-day sailing trips allow for exploring remote cays, anchoring in secluded lagoons, and enjoying sunset sails with panoramic views of the islands. Day sails typically include stops at multiple cays for swimming and beach time.

Booking Tip: Book sailing excursions for $100-150 per person for full-day trips including meals, or $800-1200 per day for private yacht charters. Choose operators with newer vessels and experienced captains, and confirm what's included in terms of food, drinks, and equipment.

Kitesurfing and Windsurfing

Take advantage of Los Roques' consistent trade winds and shallow, flat waters that create ideal conditions for kitesurfing and windsurfing. The archipelago offers both beginner-friendly areas with steady winds and more challenging spots for advanced riders. Equipment rental and instruction are available from local operators based in Gran Roque.

Booking Tip: Rent equipment for $80-120 per day or take lessons for $150-200 per day including instruction and gear. Best conditions are typically December through July, and it's advisable to book equipment in advance during peak season to ensure availability.

Getting There

Los Roques is accessible only by air, with regular flights departing from Caracas (Maiquetía Airport) and other Venezuelan cities. The flight to Los Roques Airport on Gran Roque takes approximately 40 minutes from Caracas. Several local airlines operate daily flights, including charter services, with round-trip tickets typically costing $200-400 depending on the season. Due to limited flight schedules and aircraft capacity, it's essential to book flights well in advance, especially during peak season from December to April.

Getting Around

Transportation within Los Roques is primarily by boat, as no cars are allowed on the islands. In Gran Roque, the main settlement, everything is within walking distance along sandy streets. To reach other cays and islands, visitors rely on local boat operators who offer day trips, fishing charters, and island-hopping excursions. Water taxis can be arranged for transportation between specific islands, and many posadas (guesthouses) can arrange boat transfers as part of tour packages.

Where to Stay

Gran Roque Village Center
Gran Roque Waterfront
Francisqui Cay
Madrisqui Cay
Crasqui Area
Noronqui Cay

Food & Dining

Dining in Los Roques focuses on fresh seafood and Caribbean flavors, with most restaurants located in Gran Roque village. Local posadas typically offer meal plans featuring freshly caught fish, lobster, and traditional Venezuelan dishes prepared with a Caribbean twist. Several small restaurants and cafes serve casual meals, with many specializing in grilled fish, ceviche, and tropical fruit dishes. Most dining establishments are family-run operations that emphasize fresh, local ingredients, and many visitors opt for full-board packages at their accommodations due to limited restaurant options and the remote location.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Venezuela

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

View all food guides →

Sempre Dritto Ristorante

4.6 /5
(1243 reviews) 2

Aprile

4.6 /5
(968 reviews) 3

Restaurante Da Guido

4.5 /5
(924 reviews) 2

Pasticho - Chacao

4.6 /5
(771 reviews)

Sottovoce Ristorante

4.5 /5
(741 reviews) 4

Pazzo Ristorante

4.6 /5
(587 reviews) 3
all dining options →

When to Visit

The best time to visit Los Roques is during the dry season from December to April, when weather conditions are most stable with minimal rainfall and consistent trade winds ideal for water activities. This period offers the calmest seas, best visibility for diving, and optimal conditions for fishing and sailing. May through November is the wet season with higher humidity, occasional rain showers, and rougher seas, though temperatures remain warm year-round. Hurricane season (June-November) can bring unpredictable weather, though direct hits are rare due to the archipelago's southern Caribbean location.

Insider Tips

Bring cash in US dollars or Venezuelan bolívars as there are no ATMs on the islands and credit cards are rarely accepted
Pack reef-safe sunscreen and bring extra as marine-grade products are not available for purchase on the islands
Book accommodations well in advance as there are limited posadas and rooms fill up quickly during peak season and holidays

Explore Activities in Los Roques