Tucacas Things to Do

Birds, warm turquoise water, idyllic islands, star-fishes, cliffs, white sandy beaches, corals... Parque Nacional Morrocoy is one of the most spectacular littoral environments on Venezuela's coast.

I was there in August and although Venezuela is in SOUTH America, it is actually in the NORTHERN hemisphere and August is summer which is the peak tourist season. So, I got to visit the park with scores and scores and scores of Venezuelan tourists.

There might be some concern to the environment because of the popularity. I could see that the fragile corals are already suffering. Many were completely white, i.e. dead.

Venezuelan families or those in a group can organise boat services with the boat-drivers. They usually arrange with the boat drivers to take them to an island, spend the whole day there, and then, get the boat drivers to come pick them up in the evening.

For those travelling alone or in pairs, this may not be feasible (financially). Suggest to join a boat excursion organised from the tour agencies or hotels. This may not be ideal but if you have a short time, at least you get to visit several islands and see many flying and roosting water birds (like frigates) around a mangrove area. Watch out for large star-fishes which can be seen very clearly through the shallow water.

We got about 1 hour (or shorter for the smaller islands) on each island. Some islands have no shade, so slap yourself silly with sunscreen. The last and most popular island is Cayo Sombrero. We were left here longer and there were lots of shady trees. There are roving masseurs as well to knead your muscles.

Do rent a snorkel mask which is optional to those who go on the boat excursion. While some corals are sadly dead near certain islands, there are rather lovely ones around Cayo Sombrero and it is quite amazing to see the colourful fishes. The mask is also a great ice-breaker with the Venezuelan children as you can lend it to them (much to their delight) and they will love you for it.