Los Roques

The archipelago of Los Roques has already become known as an outstanding destination for bonefishing. It can get even better, but it can never get spoilt because of the limitation placed on the island by its status as a national park.

Los Roques offers some of the most breathtaking and unspoilt scenery in the Caribbean. Here, the calm rhythm of nature invites you to slow down and to forget the rituals of your daily life.

The archipelago of Los Roques is just 80 miles from Caracas. It consists of over 350 islands and cays that emerge from the most translucent sea and coral beaches that can be found anywhere in the world. In 1972 it was declared a National Park, so the islands and reefs have been preserved in their natural pristine state. The village of Gran Roque is inhabited by more pelicans than people, has no cars and is still composed of a quaint collection of pastel painted buildings and unpaved roads. On arrival you will be escorted to your Lodge on foot !

The Fishing:

The huge number of flats at Los Roques offers more wading and stalking opportunities than almost any other saltwater fishing location. Some are vast, some are just small ‘pancakes’. And some are idyllic beach flats where the bonefish are constantly on the look out for crustacean and baitfish. Fishing in Los Roques is a dream of the ultimate sporting adventure, wading in transparent azure and turquoise waters lapping against virgin white coral sands.

The stalking of bonefish by wading the flats is such a feature of Los Roques that fishermen are accompanied by both a guide and a boatman. While you are fishing, the boatman will move his ‘panga’ downwind to the other end of the flats to meet you there, and to save the sometimes long walk back, against the wind.

Bonefish average 3-5lbs, with double figure catches not infrequent. Stalking them with one of our knowledgeable guides generates alternating panics of anxiety followed by deliria of excitement – see video.

While Los Roques has traditionally been a Bonefish destination par excellence, Tarpon are being caught in increasing numbers, in sizes up to 80-100lbs, sometimes along the beach in front of the Lodge. And the elusive Permit can often be discovered cruising slowly and temptingly over the outer edges of the flats in a way such as to say ‘catch me if you can’.

In addition to fishing the ‘traditional three’, there is a wealth of other species. Many varieties of Jack, Barracuda, Snook, Snapper, Pompano and Spanish mackerel, will rise equally well to the fly or to light spinning tackle. And then there are the blue water species out on the reef such as tuna, wahoo, etc.

Finally, the most recent species to become the prey of the avid flyfisherman is the unlikely, coral feeding Parrot Fish. This fish, with its small mouth and vice-like jaws, is as much of a challenge as a Permit, but has the advantage of not spooking as easily.

Accommodation:

On Gran Roque there are many lodges to chose from but the one that we prefer is the Villa Caracol. At this Lodge you will find a blend of services that accentuates the comfort of simple things with extraordinary attention, exquisite food, refreshing drinks, and a famously friendly atmosphere. It is a superior ‘posada’, each room with airconditioning, private bath and hot water. It is located in the village a few metres from the water’s edge.

The Programme:

The programme can be organised for any number of days. However, our most popular programme allows for 6 full days of fishing with just 5 days away from the office. On arrival at Caracas on a Saturday flight you will be met and taken to the nearby airport hotel. You will then take a commercial domestic flight (or private charter) for the short, early morning flight to Gran Roque. You will be met at the landing strip by the Posada representative and the head guide who will escort you on foot to the Casa Play Lodge. As soon as you are ready, a full day’s fishing awaits you.

After 6 full days fishing, Sunday to Friday inclusive, you will take the most conveniently timed return flight to Caracas on the following Saturday to connect with your international departure.

Other Activities:

With its numerous protected cays and varied coral reefs, Los Roques is also one of the best places in the world for snorkeling and scuba diving, and there are several certified scuba diving services/instructors from which to choose. For windsurfing and kite surfing enthusiasts, the constant trade winds and the relatively shallow waters of many of the cays offer unrivalled conditions for these sports also.

Kite surfers find Los Roques to be one of the best locations in the world. Kite surfing instruction for the beginner can also be arranged.

Los Roques offers visitors a unique Caribbean experience. Here the focus is the sun, turquoise water, and the white coral beaches. If a resort atmosphere is what you’re looking for, then Los Roques may not be what you want. But if you dream of an a escape where you can walk barefoot everywhere, bird watch, snorkel, fish , scuba, sunbathe, or simply relax while sipping a cocktail at sunset watching pelicans dive in the distance, then Los Roques is the place you need.

Seasons:

Fishing for all species at Los Roques is good year round. The (slightly) cooler months of October to March tend to produce higher numbers of the large tarpon, although if the baitfish are ‘in’, these huge tarpon will be there whatever the season. Otherwise the smaller tarpon are always found in the mangrove lagoons.

Thanks to its location to the extreme south of the Caribbean, this archipelago is off the track of the hurricanes that wreak so much havoc to other islands at certain times of the year.

Rates – 2023:

For a 6 day guided fishing package, as in the Programme above, including local transfers, with shared guide, boatman and boat, shared twin room, full board. the rate is from $5,550/person.

Included: 6 full days guided fishing with guide and boatman, shared basis; 1 night air-conditioned accommodation, shared basis, at the Caracas airport hotel; 6 nights shared, air-conditioned room, full board, at Casa Play Lodge; commercial return flights between Caracas and Gran Roque.

Not Included: international flights; meals in Caracas; airport departure taxes; drinks at the bar; Los Roques National Park fee (payable on arrival and departure); gratuities.

Alternative quotes can be made for different durations.

Supplements:

Supplements for Single room, and/or one to one guided fishing, are available. Also a charter flight option is available instead of the regular commercial flights.