Los Roques Archipelago

Los Roques Archipelago is a Venezuelan marine national park of coral cays, sandbanks and reefs in the Caribbean Sea. The protected area comprises hundreds of islets and shallow lagoons notable for clear water and marine life.

Beaches with white sand, shallow turquoise lagoons and snorkeling or diving sites over coral reefs are the main attractions; small-scale boating and island-hopping are common visitor activities. The archipelago’s clear water and sheltered cays support a variety of reef fish, sea turtles and seabirds.

The archipelago has long been used by fishing communities and later designated a national park to conserve its marine ecosystems. Protection has limited large-scale development and preserved many islands for low-impact tourism.

Los Roques lies off the northern coast of Venezuela in the Caribbean Sea, administered from the federal dependencies; the group is located north of the Venezuelan mainland and accessed by air or boat from coastal points.

• Protection status: The archipelago is a protected national park comprising hundreds of islets, coral reefs and sandbanks, so marine conservation rules apply to visitors.
• Access: Most visitors reach the islands by light aircraft from Caracas or by boat from Vargas state; small aircraft services land on Gran Roque's airstrip.

What to See #

• Gran Roque: Gran Roque is the main inhabited island and administrative center of the archipelago, with the airstrip and visitor services.
• Francisquí Cays: Francisquí is a small cluster of cays popular for day trips, snorkeling and white-sand beaches close to Gran Roque.