CAYO NORTE - Morrocoy & Chichiriviche

The Garden of Eden, tucked away in the Somosomo Strait, offers a pleasant drift along a colourful wall. We typically start on the expansive reef top, letting the gentle current guide us past plenty of crevices and small swim-throughs. The wall itself drops to a sandy bottom at 19 metres, with a decent spread of hard and soft corals. Keep an eye out for the resident cowries, sometimes a turtle cruises by, and we’ve seen small reef sharks here too. Visibility often sits around 14 metres, making it a good, easy dive for shaking off the travel dust or just enjoying a relaxed afternoon in the water.

Location
Morrocoy & Chichiriviche, Venezuela, South America
Coordinates
10.778600, -68.200900
Type
reef
Maximum Depth
5-20m

Marine Protected Area: Morrocoy

Nearby Dive Sites in Morrocoy & Chichiriviche

Nearest Dive Centres to CAYO NORTE

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 are the typical depths for scuba diving at Cayo Norte?
Divers at Cayo Norte can expect typical diving depths ranging from 5 to 20 meters. While the site's absolute maximum depth is noted at 26 meters, most of the exploration occurs within the shallower, vibrant reef areas. This range offers excellent opportunities for various certification levels.
What marine life and underwater attractions can divers expect to find at Cayo Norte?
Cayo Norte is renowned for its rich marine life, including sightings of green moray eels, turtles, and barracudas, alongside large schools of fish. Divers can also explore unique underwater attractions such as the Virgin, Christ, Simile of the Titanic, Garden, and Underwater Plaza, all set against a wonderful, vibrant reef. For more information on marine species, visit our wildlife database.
How difficult are the dive sites at Cayo Norte, and are they suitable for beginners?
The dive sites at Cayo Norte are classified as intermediate difficulty. While the excellent visibility makes for pleasant diving, the site's characteristics mean it is generally not recommended for absolute beginners. Divers should possess at least an Open Water Diver certification with some experience to comfortably enjoy the conditions and attractions.
What is the best time of year to go diving at Cayo Norte for the clearest water and calmest conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year for the clearest water or calmest conditions at Cayo Norte. However, the site is known for its excellent visibility, averaging 11 meters, which generally ensures good diving conditions. For general guidance on seasonal diving, you might consult our when to dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are needed to dive at Cayo Norte?
Given the intermediate difficulty of diving at Cayo Norte, divers should ideally hold at least an Open Water Diver certification and possess some prior diving experience. This ensures you are comfortable with the conditions and can fully appreciate the site's depths, which range from 5 to 20 meters. Advanced certifications would further enhance your experience.
What are the usual current conditions and underwater visibility at Cayo Norte?
Cayo Norte is characterized by its excellent underwater visibility, averaging 11 meters, which greatly enhances the diving experience. The provided data does not specify the usual current conditions for the site. However, with good visibility, divers can typically navigate the reef and attractions with ease.