Los Roques archipelago

Los Roques (Spanish Archipelago Los Roques ) is an archipelago located about 170 km (or 90 miles ) north of Caracas in the Caribbean Sea and the Venezuelan Dependencias Federales part ( Federal Territories ).

Discovery history

The archipelago has been diving since 1529 on the Spanish cards, he is officially since 1589 a part of the Provincia de Venezuela.

Geography

The archipelago forms the national park Parque Nacional de Los Roques Archipelago, which 42 islands and 200 sand banks, which are surrounded by healthy coral reefs includes. The main island of Gran Roque is inhabited by about 100 fishermen. The barrier reef that surrounds the island group, is one of the largest in the world. The coral reef is home to countless marine species ( ducks, ball and trumpet fish, mollusks and corals, lobsters, sponges, sea urchins, etc.) and birds ( pelicans, herons, frigate birds, etc.). The islands and coral reefs are a paradise for snorkelers and people who love the unspoiled nature and white sandy beaches. In past centuries, the islands served as a hideout for pirates who landed between here and their frigates hidden.

On the island of Gran Roque, the airport of the archipelago is with a runway (1000 mx 26 m )

Pictures

Los Roques

Village on Gran Roque