Los Roques Archipelago

Los Roques archipelago is a collection of some 350 islands and cays covering several hundred square kilometres and offering some of the world’s finest saltwater fly-fishing. Laying 140km offshore and only a short hop of 40 minutes from the Venezuelan mainland the main island of Gran Roque is a surprisingly sophisticated settlement of 1,500 or so souls. The islands are a highly preserved national park and a favourite sunspot and retreat for both Venezuela’s elite and adventurous holidaymakers.

The main island acts as a confluence spot for truly monstrous shoals of minnows stretching for kilometres along the waterfront and attracting the attention of some of the worlds most sought after saltwater game fish. It is completely unexceptional to wander from your Posada and see tarpon, bonefish and jacks hammering schooling minnows right onto the beach, all within yards of your guesthouse / hotel.

Los Roques has become known as one of the best flyfishing destinations in the Caribbean. The numbers of bonefish can be compared to the Seychelles but the real appeal to ardent fly-fishers is the excellent opportunities for good-sized tailing fish. This is a place for those who love to stalk fish on foot rather than being confined to a boat. While the archipelago is famous for its pancake flats the area also offers great opportunities on its coral banks, sandy beaches, massive flats and mangrove lagoons. In addition to world-class bonefishing, other opportunities include tarpon, permit, jacks, tuna, snook, and barracuda.

Fishing in and around the waterfront can be exceptional for big bonefish and tarpon in the 30-80lb range however it is merely the shop window to what is on offer around the archipelago. By ranging far and wide throughout the hundreds of kilometres of flats, mangroves and small islands a roving fly fisher can have magnificent sport stalking big spooky bones on white sand flats, pitching to tailing permit and intercepting marauding Jacks. Exploring into the mangrove bays and islands produces abundant shots at small to medium sized Tarpon and even Snook in places. If you can take the adrenalin hit then Barracuda on the fly is an explosion of savagery and power that many have yet to experience.

Bonefish:

Bonefish are the primary focus of anglers on Los Roques. Everywhere in the archipelago Bones take advantage of the feeding opportunities presented by the innumerable small silver minnows that make up the primary food source. You can blast away at huge schools of fish or target wily individual or pairs of Bonefish as they cruise the flats. An average fish is around 4lbs but much larger fish are common and in some places they can reach 12-13lbs.

Tarpon:

Gran Roque provides the focus point for the larger Tarpon, 30-80lbs, which cruise along the waterfront although fish of 100lbs+are caught. Further out in the archipelago there are great numbers of 5-35lb Tarpon. Get the timing right and it is possible to hook 30+ fish in a session. Tarpon can be caught on Los Roques all year round but the greatest concentrations are from Sept-Dec when the tides are highest.

Jacks:

The other big attraction is the Horse-Eyed Jacks (5-40 lbs). Smaller ones work in groups and attack the large schools of minnows in periods of frenetic activity and being able to drop your fly amongst them during these frenzies will practically guarantee between one and half a dozen strikes as you work the fly through the school.

Barracuda:

Barracuda fishing is outstanding. Large bonefish type flies and poppers work well. Barracuda can be found everywhere and there are some huge fish although it pays to have a spinning rod to hand for the really large fish.

Permit:

Whilst not abundant there are some very good-sized Permit within the Los Roques Archipelago and if you choose to seek them out some specimens are possible. As with all permit fishing, they require the utmost stealth and a good degree of luck!

Triggerfish:

If you thought Permit were the sole contenders at the top of the tricky saltwater species...think again!  These magnificent fish which can be seen cruising around the flats with their fins flipflopping from side to side are relatively numerous, every bit as exciting to chase but are equally particular in their taking habits!  

There are two posada's that we use guests staying on Los Roques. Villa Caracol and Posdaa Caracol on the waterfront.  Widely considered to be the best accommodation on Los Roques, although both are different they both offer identical service with exceptional food.   Run by an Italian owner who first came to Los Roques 20 years ago, the knowledge he has obtained from living and working on Los Roques has meant that the standards are maintained to an exceptionally high standard, regardless of both the political complications and general shortages on mainland Venezuela.   Los Roques really is a world apart and to spend a week here, staying at either of the posadas is a privilege as much as it is a pleasure.

The food is delicious!!  The breakfast menu offers everything from a range of freshly squeezed juices, yoghurt's and cereals' to Avocado and poached eggs.  Sumptuous packed lunches are provided with snacks on return after the days fishing.  The evening meals are exceptional.   Consisting of 4 course's, typically based around a ceviche or sashimi starter, anti-pasta, fish of the day and finally dessert.  You will be hard pressed to find more delicious fish dishes in the Caribbean.  

Located on the West side of the island of Gran Roque, Villa Caracol enjoys an extremely quiet and ventilated position. It is characterised by large open spaces arranged on various levels, mainly of white colour, natural tones and with furniture in teak. It has two large terraces, one facing the sea with comfortable relaxing sofas and beach beds, and the second is equipped with single sofas and large pillows, with a splendid view of the lighthouse and it enjoys a pleasant breeze. It's six spacious and comfortable rooms, one of which with four beds, two with three beds and two with double beds, furnished with taste and attention to details, come with a private washroom with hot water, mini-bar, and ceiling fan. Villa Caracol is ideal for clients looking for privacy, relax and refinement.

Posada Caracol was born from the synthesis between respect from the uncontaminated archipelago of Los Roques and the desire of privacy of its guests.  The original structure has been sympathetically re-designed, providing four guest bedrooms, furnished with taste, embellished by selected particulars.  All rooms have air conditioning and are tastefully decorated including personal bluetooth speakers in each bedroom.  Situated on the main waterfront, it is perfectly positioned, both to enjoy the sunset, the daily goings-on along the waterfront and of course enjoy the sea view.    Dining is in front of the posada looking out to sea, however there is also a private sea-view balcony area.

Los Roques is in itself an extremely popular and exclusive destination and should be considered a perfect family Caribbean retreat that just happens to host some world-class salt-water fly-fishing. Powdery sand and sun rule and the options for an idyllic sunshine holiday beckon. Whilst some non-fishing partners prefer to be left to their own on a secluded beach or island there is plenty of space on a boat and a chance to see all the archipelago has to offer.

Almost all the population lives on the island of El Gran Roque, and this is where the guest accommodations and airstrip are located. Just three sandy streets wind between colourful family homes, tiny stores, and the posadas (inns). The central Plaza Bolivar is ground zero for all community celebrations and the place for lively social gatherings. Here tourists and locals mingle to dance barefooted, a potpourri of salsa, rock-n-roll, tango and popular tunes played from a turntable that is rolled onto the plaza most weekends and on holidays.

Diving & Snorkelling

With its numerous protected cays and varied coral reefs, El Parque Nacional Archipielago Los Roques also offers fantastic scuba diving, and there are several certified scuba diving services/instructors from which to choose. If however you would prefer the simplicity and freedom of just a mask and snorkel then you will find the opportunities on offer for the snorkelling enthusiast are boundless along the miles of coral banks in crystalline clear water.

Windsurfing & Kitesurfing

The constant cooling trade winds and the relatively shallow waters of many of the cays provide unrivalled conditions for honing your skills at either of these sports.

Birdlife

The scenes of frenzied feeding that you will witness every day by many of the ninety-two species of birds including the blue-eyed brown booby, pelicans, laughing gulls, frigate birds, terns, lapwings, plovers, and great blue-and white-necked herons should satisfy all but the most ardent and exotic of bird-watchers. The sight of 50+ pelicans rising into the air and simultaneously folding back their wings and diving into the minnow balls never ceases to amaze.

Venezuela has had some bad press over recent years.   Political instability and violence on the mainland has deterred a great majority of anglers from considering Los Roques.   These issues are however totally confined to the mainland and Los Roques archipelago remains a beautiful, bohemian escape!   A typical itinerary involves arrival at the international airport where you will be met and escorted during the transit process.   Guests are escorted to the airport hotel, as used by pilots and aircrew on a stopover, just a few minutes drive from the international terminal.  The following day you will be collected and assisted with all transfers and check-in prior to the short 45min flight to Los Roques.  On island there are no security concerns beyond simply ensuring fishing equipment is not left lying around.

I visited Los Roques in August 2019 with my 17 year old son and what a great trip we had!  We’re from the UK and have been fortunate enough to fly fish in some fantastic places, including the Seychelles, Islamorada, Canada and Key West - and Los Roques is up there with the very best.

The trip was relatively last minute, but Justin from ‘Where Wise Men Fish’ arranged everything with no hassle; including transfers from the airport to our overnight stay at the Eurobuilding Hotel in Caracas; internal flights; our hotel in Los Roques; and fishing guides - it was completely stress-free.  We were met at Los Roques airport by a hotel porter and Carlos, the head guide, for a 5-minute walk (there are no cars on Los Roques) to our hotel. We stayed at the Posada Caracol, which is highly recommended - the staff are so helpful and friendly, the rooms are very clean and the food is varied and enjoyable.

But of course the most important part of the trip was the fishing - we were specifically targeting Bonefish.   Each morning we breakfasted at 07:30 and were met at the Posada by our guide for the 2-minute walk to our boat. We fished a different part of the National Park each day, so no 2-days were the same. The tiny remote atolls are simply breathtaking and the Bonefishing was ‘hands-down’ better than the Seychelles!  The sheer number and size of the Bonefish was astonishing - we caught 100+ fish up to 8lbs in weight. There is no better sight than a ‘tailing’ bonefish in 12 inches of crystal clear water and you never tire of casting to a hungry fish!  The Sight Cast guides are knowledgeable, friendly and really knew how to put us on the fish; they also helped with our technique and fly choice - they too are highly recommended.

At the end of each day, we were met by the hotel staff who supplied fresh water to clean our gear and rinse our boots - there is also a 24hr laundry service if you need to wash some clothes.  In summary, the trip far exceeded our expectations - Los Roques is a premium Bonefishing destination; the service is fantastic; and the guides are brilliant.  Thank you for a fantastic trip - we plan to return next year!

Terry and Will