Los Roques archipelago
Los Roques is a federal dependency of 350 islands and cays (or small islands) on the Caribbean Sea, 160 km off the coast of Caracas, the capital of Venezuela. Protected by a barrier reef, this archipelago – also a national park – forms a lagoon, a warm, translucent invitation to explore underwater. Just a fifteen minute to one-hour boat trip from shore, divers will enjoy a visibility of up to 35 meters! Cayo Sal perforated with caves, Boca de Cote’s spectacular drop offs, the pinnacles of Guasa, Solapa Rabusqui caves, shipwrecks of Nordisqui, Boca de Sebastopol and hammerhead sharks, Mosquises and turtles – all of them small island paradises unlike anywhere else in the world!
Isla Margarita – pearl of the Caribbean
Nestled in the Lesser Antilles north-east of Caracas, Margarita together with her two sister islands, Coche and Cubagua, is one of the wonders of Venezuela. Isla Margarita is the largest, and most populated of the cays. All around the island, beaches stretch out endlessly. Chic tourist and sporting beaches adjoin deserted, secret beaches, a wonderful invitation to peaceful serenity. El Yaque hosts windsurfers from around the world, while Parguito entices surfers with forceful waves. With a seabed populated by rich and varied fauna, the archipelago of Los Frailes is a huge diving attraction, along with the island of El Farallon and the wreckage of Cubagua. The only village of on Isla Margarita is accessible by a ferry that sails from Punta de Piedra in San Pedro.
Aves de Barlovento’s magnificent marine parks
The islands of Barlovento and Sotavento are two pristine atoll-like reef complexes home to many species of birds, swallows, pelicans, a variety of wading birds, not to mention sea turtles and dolphins … a must-see!
Los Testigos– a haven for birds
Northeast of Isla Margarita, seven semi-deserted islands of Los Testigos archipelago form a refuge for many birds… The beautiful white sandy beaches and teaming seabed make it a wonderful place to visit, with unforgettable diving. There, the cold currents of the Atlantic Ocean mix with warm waters of the Amazon, with abundant plankton and marine life.
The Blanquilla – peaceful haven
Named for its white sand made of powdered coral, the island of Blanquilla, northwest of Isla Margarita, is a peaceful haven inhabited by a few fishing families. The beaches and calm, crystal clear warm waters provide amazing underwater dives and just a few meters out a limestone cliff plunges 3,000 meters! Amid the rocky outcrops, you can spot profusions of rare black coral.
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Venezuela: Scuba diving in the islands
At the foot of the Venezuelan Coastal Range (Cordillera de la Costa in Spanish) the 2,800 km Caribbean coast of Venezuela offers picture postcard scenery and the largest selection of diving sites in the Caribbean. Here, the coast fascinates with a wild beauty and island paradises emerging from the turquoise waters surrounded by pristine beaches with sand soft as powder. Divers of all levels and beach lovers will feel privileged to get a taste of this natural paradise.