The Los Roques Archipelago is one of the world’s biggest National Marine Parks, and lies 145 km due north of La Guaira, the mainland port for Caracas. About 50 coral cays and sand bars are arranged in a huge lagoon, but it’s only from the air you get true idea of its scale – it covers the same area as the whole of Virgin Islands. Photo by: Márcio Cabral de Moura

The isles are shielded from eastern currents by a 24 km coral reef running from north to south and the second reef, running 32 km from east to west. They form a pristine environment that attracts only the most discerning visitors, who come in their own boats or yachts in search of solitude and tranquility, or in small groups by light aircraft, often just for a day, from Caracas or elsewhere on the Venezuelan mainland. The islands residents came from Isla Margarita and are descendants from 110 families. Photo by: Márcio Cabral de Moura

They will welcome you as temporary family members, and you will find that, along with the old style of manners, they still use the old ways of fishing to catch lobsters, king conch and Spanish mackerel. Los Roques is a countless transmutations of blue and green beauty and sharing the natural vibes of a totally unspoiled ecosystem. Photo by: Márcio Cabral de Moura

When to go: Year-round. Between July and September storms makes the water less suitable for scuba-diving. Population: 1,500. Getting there: By light aircraft from Caracas or by boat from Isla Margarita. You should know: There are no words to describe the sense of peace you get in Los Roques. Photo by: Márcio Cabral de Moura