LOS ROQUES FLATS FISHING VACATION Prices Starting at $2715 4 Night Package with 3 Days of Guided Fishing
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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 www.orvis.com/travel 800 547-4322 [email protected] 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. www.orvis.com/travel 800 547-4322 [email protected] 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. www.orvis.com/travel 800 547-4322 [email protected] 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. www.orvis.com/travel 800 547-4322 [email protected] Package rates (USD) st st Rates good January 1 through December 31 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.