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