Mochima National Park

Mochima is a marine national park with a smattering of small islands reminiscent of Thailand's Phi Phi Islands. Within a 30 or 40-minute boat ride from Puerto La Cruz, there are at least 40 fantastic dive locations, including three wrecks. June to November are the ideal months for water temperature and clarity. Apart from the abundant coral reefs, there are numerous unique rock formations, swim-throughs, caves, and thermals to be discovered. Day tours and lessons are available from companies such as Bahia Divers (PADI) in Pto, La Cruz, and Scuba Diving Margarita (SSI) on Margarita Island. Renting tanks and chartering a small boat to go exploring is another alternative.

There are many shallow reefs for snorkeling for non-divers, as well as calm water all year if you just want to relax on the boat while the divers are diving. Although many of the islands are uninhabited, there are a few that have beaches and restaurants where you may relax. If you're coming from outside the Caribbean with foreign currency, you'll get a lot more bang for your buck here than anywhere else. In Puerto La Cruz or Cumana, there are resort-style hotels right on the water with diver pick-up service. Another option is to stay in one of Mochima's many beds and breakfast posadas and reconnect with nature. Dive sites: Ia Cueva de Chimana, Mochima National Park, Venezuela