LOS ROQUES FLATS FISHING VACATION Prices starting at $2715 4 night package with 3 days of guided fishing
BONEFISH MECCA IN THE SOUTHERN CARIBBEAN BASIN LOS ROQUES ARCHIPELAGO NATIONAL PARK • A beautiful reservoir of biodiversity and one of the world’s best bonefishing spots • Extensive flats for wading with skilled guides • Long season and consistent conditions • 50 island, 292 cays and extensive coral reefs covering 90,000 acres • Snorkeling, diving, sailing and beaches for non-anglers
This complex of coral islands, flats, shallow water seagrass beds and red mangrove forests is one of the most pristine fly fishing environments in the Caribbean and the site of some of the best bonefishing anywhere. The dry climate, absence of large scale development, and protected national park status create an environment ideal for fly fishing almost year round, and the archipelago’s location at the far southern end of the Caribbean mean that tropical storms and cold fronts are not a major factor. The marine environment is rich enough to support 280 species of fish and 4 species of marine turtles.
Los Roques Archipelago is located about 90 miles off the coast of Venezuela. The people are gracious hosts and getting there is as easy and as safe as visiting Mexico or Belize.
World-class bonefish flats close to home Surprisingly, some veteran saltwater fly fishermen who’ve fished all three rate Los Roques higher than the Seychelle’s famed St. Francois atoll and Christmas Island’s flats. The sheer number of islands and cays, plus coral reefs, seagrass beds and mangroves provide excellent habitat for bonefish and a wealth of opportunities to approach them. Although the island has been a lobster and conch fishing area for centuries, its complex marine habitat is in good shape, although diligent conservation efforts are required to protect them. Summer trade winds mean you need to have a solid double haul and understand the basics of working with the wind on the flats, but the rewards are hookups with large bonefish in crystal clear
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water. We will leave the decision about where Los Roques fits in the pantheon of flats fishing destinations to you, but it is a lot easier to get to the southern Caribbean, just a few hours south of Miami, than some of the others.
Extensive flats and ideal bonefish habitat The variety of flats is one of the archipelago’s attractions. Some are coral and others are soft marl covered with turtle grass and sea weed. They tend to be firm, clean white or golden in color and easy to wade. You will also be fishing beach flats, channels, cuts, coral shallows, mangroves and massive muds created by hundreds of feeding fish. The numerous flats present you with good options in a wide variety of tides and wind conditions.
An experienced outfitter who knows fly fishing The outfitter of this trip, veteran guide Chris Yrazabal, was first recommended to us by a member of our Board of Directors who spends more time saltwater fly fishing than he cares to admit. Chris is a friendly, professional guide dedicated to fly fishing and his guides put in a full day of fishing from about 7:30am to 4:00pm. His boats and gear are in excellent shape and things run efficiently. You won’t have to hassle with breakdowns or guides who want to head for home early in the day. He’s the kind of outfitter we respect and trust him to provide you with an enjoyable fishing vacation.
Wade fishing at its best Each of the 28 foot center console boats come equipped with a newer model 75 Hp Yahama engine, safety and first aid equipment, and a sun canopy for shade. You and your fishing companion will have a boat, captain and a guide assigned for the two of you to share. The captain will drop the anglers and guide on the flats and pick them up on the other side once the most productive areas have been covered. There is no need to backtrack and your fishing time is maximized. The wide variety of flats and fishing areas allows anglers access to productive water during any given time of day, regardless of what the tides are doing. This is wade fishing at its best.
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When to visit Although the bonefishing can be productive year around, the best time to visit is generally from late January through early September. During this time, the tides are lower, allowing anglers more opportunity to fish for tailing bonefish. In September through early January the tides are higher and although the fishing is still very good, anglers spend more time wading along the beaches or fishing from boats. Los Roques isn’t known for its tarpon fishing but there are usually some around in October and November so take a tarpon rod if you are planning to visit during this time. Large permit are occasionally spotted but anglers should not expect to have many shots while fishing Los Roques.
Tropical storms rarely have an impact this far south and summer temperatures on the flats are usually milder than they are further north in the Caribbean.
Accommodations Guests will stay at Acuarela Lodge on Gran Roque. This is a small Posada with 11 well appointed guest rooms located only a couple blocks from the beach and a few minutes walk from most of the area’s attractions. Each air conditioned room has a private bathroom with hot water, a room safe and two beds that can accommodate either a couple or two individual anglers traveling together. Although it is possible for two anglers to share a room, we recommend booking two rooms instead. Wireless Internet is available or guests can use the lodge’s computer to check email. Acuarela Lodge, used by anglers and non-anglers alike, features some of the best accommodations, service and meals on the island.
Non-angling activities The national park and white sand beaches attract snorkelers, divers and beach lovers; and the sea turtles, coral and bird life are fascinating for anyone interested in nature. It’s easy to arrange a snorkeling excursion or day sailing on a catamaran from the village. Many of these activities can be set up with the lodge staff during your stay. The nightlife is quiet and shopping is almost non- existent, so this is a destination for nature lovers and fly fishers who enjoy isolated islands.
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Meals The food is good and a mix of Caribbean, South American, Italian and American will keep you full and happy during your stay. The islands have excellent access to the mainland and you can expect a good variety of fresh food, including tropical fruits and seafood. All meals at the lodge are included in your package. Beer and water are supplied on the boat. Drinks are available at the bar in the lodge, but are not included in the trip price. If your schedule allows and you are interested, you may have the option of enjoying an authentic lobster lunch at a local fish camp for at least one day during your trip.
Getting There There are daily flights to Venezuela from the US, most arriving late in the day. The majority of guests stay at a hotel on the mainland the first night of their trip. We use the Hotel Eurobuilding Express in La Guaira, Venezuela. The hotel is located about 3 minutes from the International Airport and features amenities like room service, a business center, swimming pools, a restaurant and a bar. You will be met at the airport by our VIP transfer service and transferred to the hotel. The next morning your driver will take you to the domestic airport for the short flight to Los Roques. Once you have checked in to the lodge your guide and captain will take you to the flats for your first full day on the water. The hotel stay, airport transfers and local air to Los Roques are included in your package.
Depending on your flight schedule, you may be required to spend the final night of your trip at the hotel in La Guaira as well. If this is the case, you will fish until it is time to catch the afternoon flight back to the mainland. Again, the local air, VIP transfers and hotel are included in your package.
You will not be traveling to or from the city of Caracas during your trip unless you decide to take a side trip before or after your stay at Los Roques. The airports and hotels we use are about an hours drive from Caracas.
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Package rates (USD) Rates good January 1st through December 31st
2011 & 4 nights 5 nights 6 nights 7 nights 2012 3 days 4 days 5 days 6 days Rates fishing fishing fishing fishing Double $ 2715 $ 3095 $ 3565 $ 3995 Single $ 3845 $ 4245 $ 4685 $ 4995
2013 4 nights 5 nights 6 nights 7 nights Rates 3 days 4 days 5 days 6 days fishing fishing fishing fishing Double $ 2895 $ 3290 $ 3790 $ 4250 Single $ 4080 $ 4520 $ 4985 $ 5355
• Rates are set by the lodge and you never pay more booking with Orvis Travel • Double is per person based on 2 anglers sharing a room and boat • Single is per person based on a private room and guide • If an angler and a non angler are traveling together, special rates apply • Custom packages are available, please inquire with Orvis Travel
Includes: • First and last night at hotel in La Guaira, near the international airport • regularly scheduled round trip air Caracas-Los Roques-Caracas • lodging at Acuarela Lodge • all meals at the lodge and in the field • VIP ground transfer services • guided fishing, fishing licenses and permits • beer on the boats. • Wireless Internet access at the lodge
Not included: International airfare to Caracas, meals and beverages on the mainland, optional lobster lunch at local fish camp (approximately $40 per person) Los Roques National Park Entry Fee (approximately $25 per person), Alcoholic beverages (other than mentioned above), phone calls, laundry, domestic departure tax (approximately $10), overweight baggage charges ($.50 per lb. in excess of 25lbs.), International departure and airport taxes (approximately $70), lodge staff and guide tips, fishing equipment, non-angling excursions or tours.
To reserve your space, call Orvis Travel at 800-547-4322 with your 25% deposit**
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Sample Itinerary 7 night, 6 day fishing package
Day 1 – Fly to Venezuela Caracas, Venezuela is about 3 hours from Miami, and most flights arrive late in the day. Our representative will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel for the night. The hotel and transfers are included in the trip price. Dinner is on your own tonight.
Day 2 – Caracas to Los Roques You will be picked up from the hotel early in the morning for the 35 minute flight to Los Roques. Flights depart at 5:30 and 7:30 am, depending on demand. The transfer and local flight is included in the trip cost. Please dress for fishing, as you will quickly check into the lodge and immediately hit the flats of Roques. Our outfitter will have you on the flats in minutes. The longest run from the harbor is less than an hour. After a full day’s fishing with lunch on the flats, you will return to the lodge to relax and enjoy a nice dinner and get to know the other anglers staying at the lodge. Dinner is served around 8:00 PM.
Day 3-6 – Full Fishing Days! The typical day starts with an early breakfast and then you set off with your guide around 7:30am for a full day of fishing the flats. Typically you pack a lunch with you and stay out on the flats until around 3:30 pm. There’s no shade out there, but the boats have an awning to provide a break. The area has a wide variety of flats which means the guides can move you around, depending on the wind and tidal conditions, to put you in the best spot for fly fishing. By the end of the afternoon, you head back to the lodge and get there about 4:00 pm. The lodge is conveniently located and you can take a stroll on the beach or around the quiet village of Gran Roque before or after dinner. Dinner is served around 8:00pm.
Day 7 – Los Roques to Caracas You fish the early part of the day, then return to the lodge to check out and catch a late afternoon flight to the mainland. Depending on your ongoing schedule, you overnight at a hotel near the airport (the most common scenario) or catch an international flight. (The transfer and overnight at a hotel near the airport are included in the trip price.) Dinner is on your own this evening.
Day 8 – Caracas to Home In the morning, you will be transferred to the international airport in time to catch your flight home. This transfer is included in your package.
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Reserving your space is easy.
9 Call Orvis Travel and place your deposit by credit card. 800 547-4322
The deposit is 25% of the trip cost unless otherwise stated in the itinerary.
9 Sign up online at www.orvis.com/resform.
If we are unable to confirm space, your card will not be charged.
15% discount on Orvis merchandise when you arrange your trip through Orvis Travel. You will receive a “VIP customer card” for booking a trip through Orvis Travel and it entitles you to a 15% discount on Orvis merchandise from the time you book until long after your trip is over.
Airline reservations and tickets: For details about fares, routes and airlines for this trip, please contact our affiliate Airtreks. They specialize in international airfare and are knowledgeable about our itineraries. You can expect excellent service and competitive fares. Airtreks is based in California and their offices are open from 9:00am to 6:00pm, Pacific time, Monday-Friday.
Phone: 888 287-1014 or 415 977-7104. E-mail: [email protected] Fax: 415 977-7150
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TERMS AND CONDITIONS If you request a roommate, and one is not available, we will only charge you the single supplement if required by Reservations, Deposits & Payments the lodge or facility used in the trip. The deposit is 25% of the trip price unless stated Children under 18 must share a room with a parent or differently in the itinerary. Deposits may be made by other family member. In some cases this may be waived. check or credit card: Visa, MasterCard, American Express Passports and documents or Discover Card. International trips require a passport. Check your The balance of the trip cost is due 90 days before passport early and make sure it has six months validity at departure, except where specified differently on the time of travel. A visa is needed in some countries and individual itineraries. we will send you complete details and instructions. A signed reservation form and release are required prior Arrival and Departure to departure. Group transfers from a central location such as an airport All prices must be paid in U.S. dollars. are described in the itinerary, and are included in the land Deposits are not transferable from one trip to another. cost.. Transfers are not included in the land cost if you Prices quoted are based on foreign exchange values and arrive early or leave after the scheduled departure day. tariffs currently in effect and prices are subject to change. Equipment & clothing Orvis Travel reserves the right to adjust prices You will receive a detailed list of appropriate gear with accordingly until the time of departure. your trip planning information. Planning information Airline reservations When your reservation is confirmed, you will receive The land cost of your trip does not include airfare. planning information to guide you through trip Limitation of liability preparations. Details about arrival and departure, This section defines Orvis Travel’s responsibility with clothing and equipment, trip cancellation insurance, pre- regard to all travel arrangements made by Orvis Travel, and post- trip extensions, visas and documents and including individual travel and pre- and post- trip activities are included in the planning information. extensions. Please read it carefully. Cancellation and Refund Policy Upon sending your deposit to Orvis Travel, you If you must cancel your reservation, the following fees acknowledge that you have read and understand all the apply: terms and conditions outlined here, and agree to be days prior to trip fee bound by them. + 90 days $300 per person All trips that involve outdoor sporting activities such as 60-90 days 80% of land cost shooting or fishing, or travel through remote places by 59 days or less 100% of land cost vehicle, boat, small plane or on foot, put you at risk for Cancellation fees cannot be waived for any reason, accidents and serious injuries in the normal course of the including health, business or personal emergencies, or activity. That is the nature of travel to such destinations weather. and you acknowledge that you accept these hazards as a We strongly urge you to purchase trip cancellation condition of participation. insurance. Orvis Travel, its Owners, Employees, Associates and No refunds will be made for unused portions of a trip, Agents give notice that they act only as the agent for the including late arrival or early departure. Guide fees and owners, contractors and suppliers providing means of hotel costs are not refundable if unused as outlined in the transportation and/or other services and assume no itinerary. Orvis reserves the right to modify an itinerary responsibility howsoever caused for injury, loss or damage due to circumstances beyond our control. In the unlikely to person or property in connection with any service event that Orvis must cancel a tour, all payments received resulting directly from: acts of God, detention, to date will be refunded, which constitutes a full annoyance, delays, expenses arising from quarantine, settlement. strikes, thefts, pilferage, force majeure, failure of any Orvis is not responsible for expenses incurred in means of conveyance to arrive or depart as scheduled, preparation of any canceled trip, including airline tickets civil disturbances, terrorism, government restrictions or and visas fees. regulations, and discrepancies or changes in transit or Cancellation Insurance hotel services over which it has no control. Reasonable Your planning information includes an application for changes in the itinerary may be made where deemed travel insurance covering cancellation for medical reasons, advisable for the comfort and well-being of the trip delay, medical expenses, lost baggage and medical passengers. evacuation. We urge you to obtain this coverage. Baggage and personal effects, including items purchased, Share policies guns, fishing equipment or sporting goods are the sole Trip prices are based on double occupancy. Single rooms responsibility of the owners at all times and no & cabins are limited. If you request a single room, a employee/agent of Orvis Travel, its subsidiaries, affiliated single supplement will apply as noted in the itinerary. or associated companies is authorized to accept these for We will confirm the single room as early as possible, but storage, safekeeping, or transportation. in some cases it may not be earlier than 30 days prior to the trip. If you request a roommate, we can usually pair you with another guest of the same gender, and no single supplement will apply. www.orvis.com/travel 800 547-4322 [email protected]