Dive Sites in Venezuela (South America)

Venezuela has the longest coastline in the Caribbean and was described by Columbus himself as 'Paradise on Earth', beautiful beaches, warm weather and spectacular diving.

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Dive Site Overview for Venezuela

Venezuela, once described by Columbus himself as ‘Paradise on Earth’, is where the Andes meet the Caribbean. The tropical climate, immaculate beaches and lush underwater environment make for beautiful diving.

There are diving and snorkelling opportunities all along the 2,500km stretch of Caribbean coastline and tropical islands, during migrating season you may even spot a sperm or humpback whale.

Los Roques is the gem of Venezuela. It’s the oldest and largest National Marine Reserve in the Caribbean with hundreds of little islands and reefs, white sand beaches, turquioise waters and amazing diving. The surrounding emerald coloured lagoon attracts reef critters, tropical fish and giant mantas. There are many varieties of corals along the reef forming pinnacles and caves as you drop off the edge. Expect quiet diving with huge gorgonias, barracudas, squirrel fish, snappers, turtles, rays and sharks.

Venezuela is more about reefs than wrecks but there a few old colonial wrecks around Las Aves. There are two main wrecks, the steel-hulled ferry ‘Cacica Isabel’ and the tug that tried to rescue her in Cubagua Island, they sit upright in the water and form good artificial reefs.

Margarita Island is the largest island in Venezuela and a popular tourist destination with lots of diving opportunities. Los Frailes islets have some nice reefs and you can see the remains of the old oyster beds. El Farrallone is a giant white rock with good shallow diving, lots of corals and tropical reef fish, jacks, barracudas, groupers and the beautiful bronze statue of the Virgin of Coromoto which is said to protect the coastal waters of Venezuela.

Mochima National Park has beautiful beaches and islets with quartz-walled caves and coral gardens. There is some excellent diving and snorkeling around here with brightly coloured reef fish, rays and mantas.

Diving conditions in Venezuela are fantastic; it is still a relatively unknown diving destination so expect healthy reefs and crystal-clear waters (30m visibility). Diving is possible all year round, water temperatures range from 21°C (winter) to 27°C (summer), usually warmer to the south. There can be some strong currents around Los Roques.