CLEVELAND

Best months: Dec–Apr

Protected Area

Morrocoy

Why dive here

With 259+ marine species recorded in the area - including barracuda, dolphins, lemon sharks, orcas and sea turtles - CLEVELAND offers some of Morrocoy & Chichiriviche's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 27-30°C, warmest September, October, November.

Best timeDec–Apr

WetsuitA 3mm shorty or thin full wetsuit

Marine lifeBarracuda, Dolphins, Lemon Sharks, Orcas and Sea Turtles · 259+ species recorded

Water27-30°C · warmest September, October, November

CharacterWreck dive · max 30m

StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

Cleveland isn’t just a sunken boat; it’s a time capsule with a story. This dredger rolled over and sank back in 1979 while still working, and that capsized position makes it really unique to explore. We love that it’s lying on its side, the hull a massive wall on one flank, opening up a different perspective on how wrecks usually settle. Dropping down, the sheer scale hits you. The propellor is huge, and you can still make out the workings of the dredging equipment, now heavily encrusted. Schools of snapper and grunts hang around the superstructure, darting in and out of the darker spaces. Look closely for moray eels tucked into crevices; they’re almost always there. It’s a proper penetration dive for those with the right training, but even just exploring the exterior offers plenty. The way the light filters through the remaining deck plates is fantastic, painting shafts of blue on the sand below. We’d suggest going in the morning; the visibility tends to be clearer, and the sun angle really brings out the wreck’s details.