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Island · Gran Roque, Dependências Federais
Cayo de Agua
Cayo at the western end of Los Roques, about an hour by boat from Gran Roque, known for the white sand spit that crosses the shallow water and connects two cayos. The name comes from the island's freshwater wells.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Cayo de Agua
Cayo de Agua is at the western end of the Los Roques archipelago, about 30 km from Gran Roque, and is the most iconic image of the national park. The cayo is roughly 69 hectares in size, with white sand and sparse vegetation, and its name comes from the freshwater wells on the island, which are rare in a coral archipelago.
What attracts visitors is the sand spit that crosses the shallow water and links Cayo de Agua to a neighboring cayo. The strip is narrow, with the sea on both sides in shades of turquoise and green, and it changes shape with currents and tides. Walking along it, from one cayo to the other, is the highlight of the tour.
Around it, the shallow reefs are good for snorkeling, and the more sheltered side has calm water for swimming. Seabirds like pelicans and boobies fish near the beach. There are no buildings or infrastructure: everything used during the day arrives by boat.
Because of the distance, the excursion takes the whole day. The boat leaves early from the Gran Roque pier, crosses the inner lagoon of the archipelago in about an hour and returns in the mid-afternoon. On windy days the sea can get rough during the crossing, and the guesthouse may change the destination.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
A full day, with about an hour by boat each way.
Best time
On calm-sea days, which are more common from July to October. Leave early to have the sand spit with fewer people and the morning light.
How to get there
By boat from the Gran Roque pier, about a one-hour crossing. The tours are organized by the guesthouses, which bring lunch and an umbrella.
Tip
Walk the sand spit as soon as you arrive, before the sun gets strong. Bring a UV-protective shirt, a hat and plenty of water: there is nothing to buy on the cayo.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Cayo de Agua
How long is the boat ride to Cayo de Agua?
About an hour from the Gran Roque pier. The excursion takes the whole day.
Why is it called Cayo de Agua?
Because of the freshwater wells on the island, which are rare in a coral archipelago.
Is there infrastructure on the cayo?
No. There are no buildings or anything for sale. The guesthouse usually brings lunch, water and an umbrella.
Does the excursion run every day?
It depends on the wind and the sea. On days with rough seas, the guesthouses usually switch to a closer cayo.