How to Survive Los Roques

So, you want to know how to survive in Los Roques — a National Park in Venezuela and a site popular for tourists who enjoy bird-watching.  There are restrictions to activities at the park that visitors need to know. If going to Los Roques, take heed these simple suggestions and your trip will be very pleasant.

Step 1 - Consult the Los Roques Visitor Center

If you have any doubts that activities you are doing might be restricted, consult with the Visitors Center for information.  Being ignorant does not excuse you from a penalty, and it is their job to help out newcomers to the area.

Step 2 - Don’t Litter

Make sure that your garbage is put in containers or garbage cans; do not litter.  This will contribute to the preservation of the landscape’s quality at Los Roques. It will also help decrease needed litter-collecting.

Step 3 - Be Mindful of Birds

Birds are very important to Los Roques, so try to avoid islands where birds are nesting or hatching. Also, do not favor pilots flying over these areas.

Step 4 - Don’t Damage the Coral Reef

Avoid anchoring boats and walking over or near coral reefs, or take part in water activities that are careless.  Taking off pieces of the reef as a souvenier will resort in bacteria, eventually killing the remainder of the reef.

Step 5 - Avoid Off-Season Lobster

Do not purchase lobster from fisherman during the off-season, which is from May until October.

Step 6 - Don’t Destroy Vegetation

To avoid destruction of vegetation, use paths on the keys that already exist.

Step 7 - Don’t Feed Aquatics

Do not feed aquatics or terrestrial fauna.  They are dependent on certain types of food that exist in their environments.  If their feeding routine changes, so will their behavior.

Other Los Roques Tips

• A visit to Los Roques can be a marvelous vacation, just be considerate in all of your activities and you’ll have a great time!