Mélange Travel & Lifestyle Magazine July 2018 | Page 402

Cayo Pirata (Isla El Gran Roque) This island is great for snorkeling the clear azure waters that surround it, allowing snorkelers to witness the bio- diverse marine life. The island’s fishing village, which specializes in catching lobster as well as fish, is a great place to experience a local fresh seafood dish which will probably also feature fried green bananas (patacones) as they are considered a delicacy locally. Cayo Pirata is one of the closest to the Gran Roque keys, and also one of the most visited keys of Los Roques. It is connected to Madrisquí Island by a small strip of beach. It has numerous fishing villages, and as is to be expected, the main economic activities are lobster fishing and tourism. The lobster is obtained during certain times of the year, from November to April which is the lobster fishing season. Cayo Pirata is famous for its lobsters, and the fishing is important because it supplies the Venezuelan domestic market. You can find some of the best restaurants in all the islands, here at Cayo Pirata. Their specialty is seafood of course, particularly lobster. Lobster prepared by the locals is a dish not to be missed. Customers get to view the lobsters alive and choose which one they want to eat. Visitors must also try “patacones”, a delicious snack made with fried green bananas Cayo Pirata has several houses, but these belong to fishermen and locals living in the area, although some have been converted into accommodation for tourists. The people are amiable and always willing to provide a good deal. © Los Roques Travel