Los Roques

Discover Los Roques, Venezuela: A Caribbean Saltwater Fly Fishing Paradise

Nestled in the sparkling Caribbean Sea, Los Roques Archipelago is a tropical haven that boasts pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and an abundance of natural beauty that has one of the best saltwater fly fishing in the world. Located just 80 miles off the northern coast of Venezuela, this idyllic archipelago is made up of over 300 islands, cays, and islets, making it one of the most unique and sought-after destinations for travelers in the world that has become the hotspot for fly fishers all around the world being. It is an exclusive destination with incredible fishing.

In 1972 Los Roques was declared a National Park, and because of this the islands and reefs and the overall ecosystem have been preserved in their natural pristine state with, The strict policy catch and release is part of its preservation. The park’s marine reserve ensures that the coral reefs, beaches, and wildlife remain pristine for future generations.

The islands are located in the Equatorial Dry Zone, and experience very stable, warm weather year around, enjoying temperatures in the upper 26º to 32º Celsius and the water temperature stays about 24º Celsius, ideally if you are escaping from the cold months back home.
The entire area measures 26 miles by 10 miles, more habitat than you could cover in a lifetime.

Los Roques is renowned for its untouched, serene environment, offering visitors the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The main island, Gran Roque, serves as the central hub for tourists, where you’ll find charming accommodations, local restaurants, and stunning panoramic views of the surrounding islands.
Los Roques is a secure and trustworthy destination. El Gran Roque is a small fishermen and tourist settlement, with no cars and unpaved roads.

In short, anglers enthusiasts will find a thriving marine ecosystem. The reef system here is considered one of the healthiest in the Caribbean, attracting marine life enthusiasts from all over the world.

The Fishing

Fly Fishing in Los Roques: An Angler’s Paradise

Los Roques is one of the world’s premier fly fishing destinations, offering an unparalleled experience for both seasoned anglers and beginners alike. The archipelago’s crystal-clear waters, abundant marine life, and varied fishing environments are the perfect destination for anglers worldwide. Los Roques promises unforgettable fishing adventures in one of the most beautiful locations on Earth.
The flat, shallow waters of Los Roques are perfect for fly fishing, with ideal conditions that allow anglers to stalk fish in their natural habitat. Whether you’re casting along the sandbars, reef edges, flats, or across the mangrove-lined shores, the visibility sight cast and calm waters make for a thrilling experience. The area’s warm, year-round tropical climate also provides a consistently ideal environment for fly fishing, ensuring that there’s no wrong season to visit.
With over 300 islands, Los Roques offers seclusion and untouched beauty, allowing anglers to enjoy a peaceful fishing experience without the crowds in their pristine waters.
Although Los Roques is famous for its world-class fly fishing opportunities, especially for bonefish, it is home of many other saltwater for fly species.
Bonefish has been consider the king at Los Roques but it has much more to offer. Species such as Triggerfish, Permit, Tarpon, Snook, all type of Jacks, Barracudas, Parrotfish, and many others, make it one of the very best flats fishing hardly found anywhere.
The variety of fishing environments and species presents a unique challenge for fly fishing enthusiasts, making every cast exciting and rewarding. And the clear, shallow waters and warm tropical climate make fly fishing in Los Roques an exceptional year-round adventure. Only a few places the diversity of Los Roques. You will fished the famous Pancake flats among many other flats, back bays, ocean side flats, and long sandy beaches where Bonefish and many other species did what they do in very few other places around the world….chase bait.

Almost all of the fishing is done wading, the way it should be.

Bonefish in their hundreds provide anglers with shots all day and in multiple pristine habitats for ultimate variation.

We have a team of highly skilled, local fly-fishing guides and captains who are experts in the waters of the Archipelago. These experienced guides and captains know the best fishing spots and can tailor trips to suit different skill levels, ensuring that your fishing experience is both enjoyable and successful. Whether you’re fishing from a skiff or wading the flats, your guide will provide all the support you need to maximize your chances of landing that perfect catch.

In conclusion, we run the best wide range of fishing guides on the Los Roques to help make your fishing trip a success and offer our full fishing services at reasonable prices.

Season

Los Roques is a sincerely a year-round destination. Very much all species are resident and are present all year. We will arrange and recommend the best dates for your trip depending on your target.
Hence, anglers do not need to wait for any particular season to plan a fishing excursion to Los Roques as it offers perfect conditions for fishing throughout the year. Every season is a fishing season in Los Roques so there’s no wrong season to visit.
There are some differences between winter/spring, summer and fall/winter periods mainly related to the level of waters and tailing for bonefish. Spring and summer usually produce steady and lower tides for tailing fish while fall and winter months produce higher tides for tarpon and permit.
There are no winter “cold fronts”, such as those frequently experienced in the Bahamas, Mexico and Belize. Hurricanes bypass Los Roques to the north. These factors make Los Roques one of the most consistent fly-fishing locations anywhere year round.

Unlike northern locations that can experience the summer doldrums when the flats get too hot, Los Roques fishing can actually improve during June, July, August, and September.

Accommodations

Depending on availability, group size and program, guests stay in one of our selected lodges.
On Los Roques, there are a good number lodges with all type of rates variations. We have work with them for years and will assist to choose the right one.

The following are some lodges we use:

Posada La Movida, El Canto de la Ballena, La Corsaria, Sueno de Mar, Tropicana, Paradaise Los Roques, Ranchito Power, Casa Play, La Lagunita, among others.

There are some high end deluxe lodges at Los Roques as well that we use upon request.

All the lodges we use are familiar with the fishing operation and provide lodging and meals services designed for anglers with extraordinary attention, great food and comfortable atmosphere. All lodges have power plants, air conditioning, private rooms and bath, laundry service and more.

Program

MOST COMMON DURATION: 7 Nights – 6 Days Fishing
GUESTS CAPACITY: 6-8 Anglers

All out trips are tailored designed for anglers with a great level of assistance before, during and after the fishing trip.
Anglers will fly via Simon Bolivar Airport in La Guaira when the tour begins.  On arrival at Venezuela, you will be assisted by a ground team for terminal change to catch your flight to Los Roques or transfer to the Hotel, in accordance with the international flight schedule. Your reservation at the Hotel will be made, and you simply need to check in.
You will then take a flight 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 Posada.   As soon as you are ready, a full day’s fishing awaits you.
On the return journey, guests can overnight at Los Roques and fly early the next day to the international airport and make their connection to international destinations.
A longer stay is always possible due to the daily flight from Caracas – Los Roques, a longer stay it’s a great idea to have more time to dedicate to some bucket list species.

Sample itinerary for a 6 day fishing package at Los Roques

Day 1*: Arrive Venezuela and overnight.
Day 2: Fly to Los Roques at 0700. First day of fishing.
Days 3-6: 4 Full days of fishing.
Day 7: Full day of fishing.
Day 8*: Fly from Los Roques to Caracas to connect home.

* Depending on international arrival and departure times, same day connections to and from Los Roques may be possible.

Rates

We offer the best rates to our clients with the best fishing and services found at Los Roques.

Rates start at US$ 3,850 (on double room and double fishing for 7 nights and 6 full days of fishing).

Contact us for detail information about rates and program.

INCLUDED IN PRICE
• All ground transportation. Being met by an escort service team as soon as you land and clear customs
• First and/or last overnight at Hotel near airport, in case international travel times do not allow to connect on the same day to Los Roques.
• Round trip air transfers (Caracas-Los Roques-Caracas)
• Accommodations in a single or double room with private bathroom and A/C, based on package purchased
• Number of days guiding, based on package purchased
• All meals at Los Roques, based on package purchased
• Wi-Fi
• Soft drinks.
• Sport fishing licenses and permits.
• Fishing with certified and authorized guides.

NOT INCLUDED IN PRICE
• International airfare to Venezuela
• Overweight baggage
• Meals at Hotel in mainland
• Fishing gear
• Alcoholic drinks
• $50 USD Los Roques Park Authority fee for entry and $ 6USD exit fee
• Gratuities to the lodge staff and fishing guides

Travel documents required

To enter Venezuela, a valid passport that does not expire for at least 6 months after the trip has concluded, from the country of origin is required, along with a return ticket.

Extra info

Citizens of certain countries need to present a tourist visa to gain entry.  You can check if you need a visa or not in the link below.
Check your nationality status here at
https://www.worldtravelguide.net/guides/south-america/venezuela/passport-visa/

Weight restrictions
Please do not exceed 50lbs of cargo.
Please bring your tackle in main luggage to avoid extra charges.
Luggage – Please bring soft shell luggage or duffle bags

Insurance
It is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that clients purchase insurance.

Medical Evacuation
Clients may purchase travel and medical insurance that includes Medical Evacuation from point of Injury. Some companies offers the most comprehensive and inclusive insurance.

Vaccines
Currently, no vaccines are required to gain entry to Venezuela.

Tackle

We will provide upon your booking, all information regarding tackle and flies but below you will find basic recommendations.
Rods:
We recommend is 8wt rod for bonefish.  Include a 10wt for the variety of other species, especially if it is permit season and then an optional 12 wt for Tarpon.
Reels:
Reels need to be able to withstand significant runs & surges. Bonefish are fast & will test your drag. Your reel should hold at least 150 yards of 20 lb. backing.
Lines:
Related to rods and need to be WF floating lines and optional sinking line for Tarpon. High visibility weight forward lines compensate for the ever-present trade winds and can be seen in the air or on the water in bright light. Take an extra fly line just in case the first suffers damage.
Leaders:
Bonefish: 12 pounds and 16 pounds
Tarpon: 40 pounds shock tippet also 20 pound Shock tippet
Permit: 20-25 Pounds
Flies:
There are many flies you may want to bring but there a 4-5 of them that are a must.
– Gummy Minnows (for bonefish and tarpon)
– Los Roques (cristal) Minnows (for bonefish, jacks, snook, etc.)
– Gotchas (bonefish, jacks, etc.)
– Avalon and flex crab (for permit, triggerfish and parrotfish)
– Tarpon Black Death (for tarpon)

Other activities in Los Roques

Whether you’re a nature lover, an adventure seeker, or someone looking for ultimate relaxation, Los Roques offers something for everyone:

• Water Sports: The calm, warm waters are perfect for a wide range of water activities, including windsurfing, kite surfing, kayaking, and fishing.
• Snorkeling and Diving: Dive into the pristine underwater world, where you’ll find a kaleidoscope of coral and marine life.
• Island Hopping: With more than 300 islands, visitors can take boat trips to explore secluded beaches, each offering a slice of paradise.