How to plan a trip to Los Roques?

As you may already know, Los Roques is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Venezuela for its wonderful white sand beaches, crystal clear waters and rich marine life. This archipelago and national park composed of more than 300 islands is a true paradise on earth where you can practice a variety of activities such as diving, snorkeling or kitesurfing. But you probably already know all this, so in this post we focus on helping you plan your trip to Los Roques in Venezuela.

Later you can read about our experience organizing the trip and everything we had to prepare before starting the adventure. We have prepared several sections with very important information such as the necessary documentation to travel, the best date or the most efficient way to arrive. Our trip was an unforgettable experience and we want yours to be too.

1. Prepare the necessary documentation to travel to Los Roques

Be aware when you plan a trip to Los Roques that the documentation required to travel to Venezuela for tourism purposes may differ depending on the nationality of the traveler. Citizens of countries in the Schengen area can enter without a visa for up to 90 days, but will have to present:

• Current passport with at least 6 months validity since entry to Venezuela.
• Return ticket, as proof that you plan to leave the country within the allowed time.
• Confirmation of accommodation, either hotel reservations or a letter of invitation from a Venezuelan resident.
• Mandatory travel insurance, with a minimum coverage of US$40,000 for medical care and US$1,000 for loss or theft of luggage. The term of the insurance must cover the entirety of the trip.
• International vaccination certificate, possibly including yellow fever vaccination, particularly if visiting areas near Brazil, depending on current health advisories.
• Proof of sufficient financial means for the period of stay.

Travelers who do not belong to the SCHENGEN area should consult and apply for the corresponding visa through the Venezuelan embassy in their country. It is advisable to do so in advance.

To access Los Roques it is not necessary to request any special permit, but you must pay an entrance fee of $50 for foreign adults and $25 for children up to 12 years of age. It can be paid online before departure or on arrival, either in cash or by credit card.

We always carry copies of our identity documents, tickets and proof of payment of fees in the Passporter App in case we need to present them at any time.

We organize your trip to Los Roques

Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.

2. Choose the date for your trip to Los Roques

Although it is possible to travel to Los Roques at any time of the year, it is best to go between December and April, when the weather is drier and sunnier, ideal for enjoying the beaches and outdoor activities.

During these months the rains are less frequent, allowing you to explore the archipelago and its crystal clear waters more comfortably, as well as practice water sports such as diving and kitesurfing.

3. Find out how to get to Los Roques

The easiest way to get to Los Roques is by taking a local flight from the Maiquetía Simón Bolívar International Airport in Caracas, the main gateway to the country, to Los Roques Airport on Gran Roque Island. The flight takes just 40 minutes. Several airlines offer regular flights there, but due to high demand, we recommend you plan a trip to Los Roques and buy your ticket early.

Another option is to take the ferry in Guaira, but you will have to stay in Los Roques for at least a week as it only departs on Fridays and returns on Mondays. The price of the ticket starts at $60 and you will need to have a reservation at one of the island’s inns. It is a less recommended option as it takes longer, has less flexibility and is not cheap.

Once in Los Roques you can move between the different islands by boat or ship. The price varies according to the distance of the trip, the type of boat or the route you are going to take. You can also book the boat transfer from your inn.

4. Find the accommodation that fits your expectations to enjoy Los Roques

In Los Roques you will find a multitude of inns where to spend your vacation. Most offer full board and even the option of taking lunch to the beach if you wish, but this service has an extra cost. Most of the accommodations and services are in Gran Roque, the best area to stay. Be aware that accommodation prices are more expensive than in other Caribbean islands and that you pay per person, not per room.

Here are some of the best lodgings in Los Roques:

• Posada Movida: this inn is considered an excellent choice for its location, cleanliness, service and value for money. Also noted for its cozy facilities, personalized attention, exceptional food, and services such as free wifi and breakfast. Ideal for a relaxing and comfortable experience in Los Roques. The price per night per person starts at $130 in low season and $150 in high season.
• Posada Lagunita: located in Gran Roque, this inn stands out for its excellent service, its privileged location, and value for money. It offers air-conditioned rooms, free internet, breakfast included, and restaurant. Ideal for those looking for a romantic and cozy atmosphere, with easy access to local attractions and restaurants. It offers rooms for 2, 3 and 4 people.
• Posada Acuarela: is a charming option with numerous positive reviews highlighting its excellent service, location, and value for money. It offers free internet, breakfast included, activities for children, and free transportation to/from the airport. Ideal for families and couples looking for a quaint stay with comfortable rooms and attentive staff.

5. Choose the activities you want to do in Los Roques

In Los Roques you can practice a multitude of activities for all ages, from diving and snorkeling to yoga on the beach. Here’s a list of the most popular things to do on the island when you plan a trip to Los Roques.

• Diving and Snorkeling: the park has incredible coral reefs inhabited by a variety of marine species. Los Roques is a world-class diving destination with more than 60 dive sites suitable for all levels.
• Kitesurfing: With steady winds most of the year, Los Roques is a paradise for kitesurfers. There are schools that offer lessons for beginners and equipment rentals for the more experienced.
• Sport Fishing: the park is known for being one of the best places for bonefishing, as well as offering tarpon and barracuda fishing opportunities in its clear, shallow waters.
• Island and Key Excursions: Join a boat excursion and visit some of the most popular keys such as Cayo de Agua, Francisqui, Crasqui, and Madrisqui. Enjoy their white-sand beaches, turquoise waters and opportunities for picnicking, snorkeling, or just relaxing.
• Paddleboarding and Kayaking: the archipelago’s clear, shallow waters are perfect for sports such as paddleboarding or kayaking.
• Bird watching: Los Roques is home to a rich variety of birds, including flamingos, pelicans, and several species of migratory birds.
• Yoga on the Beach: Join a sunrise or sunset yoga session on the beach, a perfect way to begin or end your day in peace.

If you want to know more about Los Roques and everything to see, we invite you to read this post: Things to see and do in Los Roques Archipelago?

Book the activities for Los Roques

The activities can be booked upon arrival in Los Roques directly at the inn where you are staying. One of the most popular experiences are the island tours, so we recommend you book in advance or in the case of taking it on the day, go early. If you need more information, you can contact your hotel before you set out on your trip for more information.

6. Where and what to eat in Los Roques

Although most of the inns offer full board and a wide variety of delicious dishes, from local to international elaborations and buffets, if you want to discover new flavors in local restaurants we encourage you to take the plunge.

Due to its privileged position in the middle of the Caribbean, the islands are known for their fish and seafood dishes, among which we highlight the Grilled Lobster.

Here are a few of our favorite restaurants in Los Roques:

• Rancho de la Langosta: the best place to eat in Cayo Pirata. A restaurant specializing in seafood, as is typical in the area, which offers abundant portions with an exquisite taste that only homemade food prepared with love can provide as well as impeccable service.
• Bora La Mar: a delicious seafood restaurant in Gran Roque located by the sea that offers the best sunset views for dinner, as well as a variety of delicious dishes with fresh, local produce. The food and the spectacular service will offer you a unique dining experience.
• Restaurante Caribeaquí: for less than 10€ you can taste exquisite Venezuelan elaborations is this nice restaurant in Gran Roque. The atmosphere is very cozy, the service attentive and the food is delicious. You can also choose from rich fish and seafood dishes among many other options.

7. Tips before embarking on a trip to Los Roques

• Take a waterproof backpack, especially if you’re traveling during the rainy season.
• Pack comfortable clothing and footwear for activities and excursions, remember that you will spend most of the day in the middle of nature.
• Bring extra socks and shoes in case they get wet.
• We also recommend that you bring waterproof clothing for the night outings and river routes.
• The days are hot, so wear cool, breathable clothing.
• Protect yourself from the sun with hats, sunglasses and sunscreen.
• Mosquitoes abound, don’t forget to bring anti-mosquito spray or cream. And if you are allergic to bites, carry the necessary medications.
• Always carry water and snacks for excursions, as well as toilet paper or tissues.
• If you have a camera, make sure it’s waterproof or buy a case.
• Respect nature and help maintain the ecosystem: don’t pluck flowers or take rocks.
• Bring extra towels for excursions that include bathing. Accommodations do not allow you to take yours out of the rooms.
• Sign up for Passporter and discover our Venezuela travel itinerary. Using passporter to plan trips is free and helps you get inspiration from other travelers 🙂

9. Do you want us to help you organize your trip to Los Roques?

Traveling on your own can be a unique experience that gives you the opportunity to discover hidden corners and live unique experiences during your stay. However, it is also a constant adventure in which you will have to be very well informed. If you are thinking of traveling to Los Roques on your own, we recommend checking out our free App to discover different travel itineraries that will help you organize your visit and define your itinerary.

If you prefer to travel without worrying about planning, at Passporter we also help you with reservations and all the travel arrangements so that you only have to worry about packing your suitcase and not forgetting your camera. As you have seen throughout the post, we are experts in Los Roques and we have designed a trip that will exceed all your expectations and allow you to enjoy the amazing beaches and exciting activities without having to organize anything. We take care of everything!

Book your trip to Los Roques with Passporter here

10. Frequently asked questions about a trip to Los Roques