CAYO MEDIO - Morrocoy & Chichiriviche

Garden Eel Cove is *the* big show in Kona, and honestly, we’re not complaining. Forget the "cove" part, you’re here for the manta rays, especially at night. We always kneel on the sand in about 12 metres of water, the dive lights cutting through the darkness, drawing in clouds of plankton. Then the mantas arrive. They glide in, mouths wide, wings brushing over your head, sometimes just inches away. You feel the displacement of the water as they pass; it’s a full-body experience. It’s a simple dive, but profoundly effective. We’ve seen these gentle giants pirouette and loop for an hour straight, barely noticing the divers below. Our tip? Get there early for your briefing, secure a good spot on the sand slightly upcurrent, and try to stay still. While it’s all about the mantas, keep an eye out for eagle rays that occasionally join the feast, their dark shapes distinct against the artificial light. This dive is perfect for anyone wanting an intimate, unforgettable encounter with large marine life, no complicated navigation required.

Location
Morrocoy & Chichiriviche, Venezuela, South America
Coordinates
10.739800, -68.236400
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: Morrocoy

Nearby Dive Sites in Morrocoy & Chichiriviche

Nearest Dive Centres to CAYO MEDIO

Marine Life in Morrocoy & Chichiriviche

Home to 272 recorded species including 208 reef fish, 26 hard corals, 6 seagrass & algae, 6 crabs & lobsters, 5 whales & dolphins, 4 sea urchins.

Notable Species

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical diving depth at Cayo Medio?
At Cayo Medio, divers can typically explore depths up to a maximum of 17 meters. The site description also notes a maximum depth of 22 meters, offering a range of recreational diving experiences.
What marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Cayo Medio?
Divers at Cayo Medio can expect to encounter a prodigious variety of fauna and magnificent corals, characteristic of a vibrant reef environment. Additionally, the site features a small shipwreck and an assortment of interesting objects like a boat-pickup-jeep, adding unique exploration opportunities. You can learn more about marine species in our wildlife database.
Is Cayo Medio considered a difficult dive site, suitable for beginners or only experienced divers?
Cayo Medio is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive site. This means it offers a rewarding experience for divers who have some prior experience beyond basic certification, but it may not be ideal for absolute beginners.
When is the best time of year to go diving at Cayo Medio?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to go diving at Cayo Medio. For general guidance on seasonal diving conditions, you might consult our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are needed to dive at Cayo Medio?
While the provided data does not explicitly state specific certification requirements, given that Cayo Medio is an intermediate difficulty dive site, divers would typically need at least an Open Water Diver certification. Depending on the specific dive plan and conditions, an Advanced Open Water Diver certification might be beneficial for deeper explorations or more complex environments.
What are the usual current and visibility conditions at Cayo Medio?
At Cayo Medio, divers can expect an average visibility of 7 meters. The provided information does not detail the usual current conditions for this dive site.