Morrocoy National Park is known for its clear waters, white-sand beaches, and diverse marine life. Located on the eastern coast of Falcón State, the park spans 32,090 hectares and includes both coastal land and offshore cays. Whether you’re staying in a beach town or a quiet spot near the park’s mangroves, this post will cover the best areas to stay near Morrocoy National Park.
Established in 1974, Morrocoy National Park features a mix of ecosystems, from mangrove forests to coral reefs. Its islets, or cayos, are the main attraction, with beaches and snorkeling spots. Popular spots include Cayo Sombrero, known for its soft sands and shallow turquoise waters, and Cayo Sal, which has excellent diving areas. Wildlife includes scarlet ibises, flamingos, and sea turtles, making it a great place for nature lovers. The Cuare Wildlife Refuge is home to local bird species and mangrove habitats.
The park’s main access points are Tucacas and Chichiriviche, which offer boat tours and beach access. Tucacas, the larger town, has a mix of posadas and resorts and a waterfront area with seafood restaurants. Chichiriviche, while smaller, has a more relaxed feel and is a good choice for those looking to be closer to nature. A boat trip through Morrocoy’s islets is the best way to explore the area. You can visit quiet beaches, snorkel over coral reefs, or enjoy calm waters.
Morrocoy National Park is reachable by road from major Venezuelan cities, with Tucacas about 125 mi (200 km) west of Caracas. The closest airport with commercial flights is Arturo Michelena International Airport (VLN) in Valencia, about two hours away. Most travelers arrive by car or bus, with rental options available in nearby cities.
Keep reading to find the best areas to stay in Morrocoy.
What are the best areas to stay near Morrocoy National Park?
The best area to stay near Morrocoy National Park is Tucacas, a coastal town with easy access to the park’s cays, boat tours, and local seafood restaurants. It offers a mix of budget-friendly posadas and higher-end resorts, making it a convenient base for exploring the park’s stunning beaches and wildlife. Find accommodation in Tucacas.
Other great areas to consider when wondering where to stay in Morrocoy include Chichiriviche and Boca de Aroa.
1. Tucacas
The best town to stay near Morrocoy National Park
The largest town near Morrocoy, Tucacas is an ideal choice for travelers.
Tucacas is the main gateway to Morrocoy National Park. The town has a laid-back, coastal atmosphere, with palm-lined streets, seafood restaurants, and small shops catering to travelers heading to the park’s cays and beaches.
The main attraction is its direct access to Morrocoy National Park, with boat tours departing from Tucacas’ marinas to Cayo Sombrero, Cayo Sal, and Los Juanes, where visitors can swim, snorkel, or relax on white-sand beaches.
Tucacas has a selection of beach bars and casual waterfront restaurants, serving fresh seafood and traditional Venezuelan dishes. While nightlife is limited, many establishments stay open late, offering drinks and music by the sea.
The town is accessible via the Morón-Tucacas highway, with connections to Valencia, Caracas, and other major cities. Accommodations include budget-friendly posadas, mid-range hotels, and serviced apartments, making it a convenient base for exploring Morrocoy’s natural beauty.
Our hand-picked accommodations in Tucacas
Palma Dorada Hotel & Boutique
Palma Dorada Hotel & Boutique in Tucacas features a garden, a private beach area, a restaurant, and a bar. The non-smoking hotel provides free WiFi throughout the property, and it also has a hot tub and karaoke.
2. Chichiriviche
An excellent beach town for boat tours
Chichiriviche is known for its relaxed vibe and strong fishing traditions, making it a popular choice for travelers looking for a quieter alternative to Tucacas.
Chichiriviche, located 19 mi (30 km) west of Tucacas, is another key access point to Morrocoy National Park and its cays.
The town’s waterfront is lined with piers and marinas, where boats depart daily to nearby cays, including Cayo Muerto, Cayo Sal, and Cayo Peraza. These islands offer calm, clear waters and soft sandy beaches, ideal for snorkeling and sunbathing. Chichiriviche is also home to Playa Norte, one of the town’s main beaches, which is easily accessible without needing a boat trip.
For nature lovers, the Cuare Wildlife Refuge is just south of Chichiriviche. It provides a habitat for scarlet ibises, pelicans, and other bird species. The area’s mangrove-lined channels are great for kayaking and birdwatching, offering a peaceful escape into Venezuela’s coastal ecosystems.
Chichiriviche has a range of posadas and beachfront lodgings, making it a good option for those looking to stay close to the water. Dining options include fresh seafood restaurants and casual eateries.
Like Tucacas, Chichiriviche is accessible via the Morón-Tucacas highway and is well-connected to Valencia and Caracas by road. Boat rentals and guided tours make it easy to explore Morrocoy’s many cays from this quieter, more relaxed setting.
Our hand-picked accommodations in Chichiriviche
3. Boca de Aroa
A Convenient location to stay near Morrocoy
Boca de Aroa provides a quiet retreat with easy access to Morrocoy’s natural attractions.
Boca de Aroa is a small coastal town located 12 mi (20 km) east of Tucacas, serving as a quieter alternative to the busier gateways of Morrocoy National Park. Known for its relaxed atmosphere and proximity to the park’s cays, Boca de Aroa attracts travelers looking for a peaceful stay near the region’s natural beauty.
The town sits along the Morón-Tucacas highway, making it easily accessible by road from major cities like Valencia and Caracas. While it lacks the large marinas of Tucacas and Chichiriviche, many local boat operators offer tours to the park’s most famous cays, including Cayo Sombrero and Cayo Sal.
Boca de Aroa has a handful of beachfront lodgings and posadas, making it an option for those looking to stay away from the more crowded tourist areas. The coastline here features calm waters and sandy beaches, ideal for swimming and relaxing. Some accommodations have private beach access, adding to the town’s appeal for a secluded getaway.
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