Dive in Venezuela

Travel to Venezuela

Venezuela is located entirely in the tropics. It is bordered by Brazil to the south, Colombia to the west and Guyana to the southeast. It has both an Atlantic and a Caribbean coastline stretching over 1,600 miles.

It has a vast array of ecosystems-over 25 different ones. Few countries in the Caribbean region (much less the world) contain such a variety of climates and landscapes, and in most parts of the country, the temperature stays around 77° F (25° C) during the year.

What makes Venezuela so attractive as an adventure travel and ecotourism destination is the diverse locations that offer unique travel experiences-from Caribbean islands to rainforests to grasslands to mountains.

The less-developed Caribbean side includes crescent bays and beautiful beaches at Cata, Cepe, Cuyagua and Choroní. Along this coastline are many excellent spots for snorkeling, diving, relaxing on deserted beaches or simply enjoying hikes into the surrounding rainforest.

Then there is the hidden gem - the tranquil lagoon of la Cienaga - just 15 mins or so by boat from the quaint fishing community of La Boca. The lagoon and its bordering mangroves teem with underwater life – snapper, parrot fish, angel fish, trumpet fish, moray eels, lobsters, sea turtles and octopus amongst many other “colourful” species – not to mention the many types of flourishing corals and sponges. The lagoon itself is surrounded on three sides by xerophytic forest and its entrance opens directly into the Caribbean Sea. There are more hidden gems too on the other side of the mangroves, small lakes where scarlet ibis flock at certain times of the year and trails where one can often see capuchin monkeys in the nearby forest and animal tracks from the illusive inhabitants.

And of course the Caribbean islands. Many visitors to Venezuela come to experience the sun, beaches and wildlife of beautiful Margarita Island. This is a popular and glorious destination, but the island gives just a hint of the natural wonders located in other less-traveled regions of Venezuela. For instance, an equally stunning but less crowded alternative to Margarita Island is the Los Roques archipelago, which is an unspoiled Caribbean jewel for relaxation, bird watching and scuba diving.

Venezuela offers much more in terms of natural and wildlife diversity than many other so-called "popular" Caribbean or Central American destinations such as Cuba, Mexico and Costa Rica. And in Venezuela, you do not have to fight the crowds.