South America is beginning to come into its own as a major dive destination, including diving off Venezuela, which boasts the longest coastline of any country in the Caribbean. Its oldest marine park--Los Roques--has some of the Caribbean Sea’s most pristine dive sites. Situated 85 miles north of Caracas and 100 miles east of Bonaire, the archipelago is comprised of 350 islands, islets and reefs scattered over 950 square miles of the Caribbean.

Weather: Tropical.

Average Water Temp: Mid-80Fs in summer in the north, dropping to mid-70Fs in winter. Dive season is year-round.

Average Visibility: 100-plus feet.

Travel Savvy: A passport is required. Departure tax is about $46.

Destination Links:www.republica-de-venezuela.com