Gap Year Venezuela
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Playa Colorada, Venezuela
Country Facts
Country: Venezuela
Trips: Diver training with Spanish lessons and adventure
Durations: 11 weeks
Diving Conditions: Variable
Visibility: 10m to 20m
Ideal for: Learning to dive, adventure, Spanish lessons and cultural experience.
- Venezuela Programmes
- Destination Guide
- Country Fact File
Programmes in Venezuela
This programme is totally unique and combines PADI diver training courses with recreational diving in Mochima National Park and adventure tours through Venezuela. Over 11 weeks your are based at a remote Venezuelan beach location called 'Playa Colorada'. From there you venture off as a group kayaking down the Orinoco Delta, living with Waroe Indian tribes and hiking Roraima. The trip is action-packed and would suit anyone looking for a REAL adventure!!
Destination Guide
Location
Venezuela is a country rich with biodiversity and a huge range of different natural features. It is the home of Angel Falls, the Gran Sabana with the mystical Tepuy, Orinoco Delta, the Amazon, and of course with over 3000 km (2000 miles) of Caribbean coastline and an amazing variety of diving.
During your stay in Venezuela you will be based at ‘Playa Colorada’, a remote coastal village. It is approximately 40 minutes by jeep to Puerto La Cruz and one hour away from Caracas by air. It is an authentic Venezuelan village where you will have a once in a lifetime adventure!
Dive Centre
The centre follows all the international requirements for PADI Instructor standards, safety and operation. It offers PADI courses from Open Water to Divemaster and tries to keep group numbers to a minimum. It is located in Puerto La Cruz, about 15 minutes by boat from Playa Colorada. Diving classes are conducted at the lodge as well as at the dive centre and diver training is done at Playa Colorada as well as at a number of dive sites in Mochima National Park.
Diving in the area
Venezuela is still an unknown to many divers, but that only makes it more special. With the waters of the Orinoco River emptying in front of the Island of Trinidad, and to the East a very deep part of the ocean bringing an influx of cold water, the waters of Mochima National Park are a breeding ground for all kinds of fish. Species are still being discovered here!
Sun, dolphins, whales and generous waters...that is Mochima!
Accommodation
The lodge is situated in a perfect location with a distinct local flavour and you will have the choice of beds or hammocks. Your accommodation includes a breakfast of fresh fruits and cereal and a main meal of national and international dishes each evening. Lunch is also included when you are having Spanish lessons.
On tour (Venezuela Explorer programme), you should be prepared to sleep in hammocks as well as in tents.
Some good reasons to go here...
1. Mochima National Park - unique species are still being found there!!
2. Cultural Experience - remote beachside location (a once in a lifetime opportunity)
3. Spanish lessons - award-winning school and you will learn a lot
4. Home to Angel Falls, Gran Sabana and Orinoco Delta
5. Organised tours throughout Venezuela
6. Relaxed and chilled out atmosphere
7. Live with Waroe Indian Tribe
8. Kayak down the Orinioc Delta
9. Drink Cuba Libre to your hearts content!
10. Local adventure tours and treks such as kayaking, mountain biking etc
Country Fact File
General Facts
Official Name: Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela
Location: Northern South America, bordering the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, between Colombia and Guyana
Population: c.28 million
Languages: Spanish (official), numerous indigenous dialects
Religion: Predominantly Roman Catholic
Capital: Caracas
FCO Travel Advice Link: Venezuela Information
Weather / Climate
Tropical; hot, humid; more moderate in highlands
Visas / Entry Requirements
If you are arriving by air, you can enter for up to 90 days on a tourist card issued on arrival. You should also have a valid return ticket. If you are arriving overland, or by sea, you need to obtain a visa in advance from your nearest Venezuelan Embassy or Consulate.
You must not overstay the 90 days or you may be arrested and fined when departing. Extensions of up to 60 days can be arranged at any DIEX (Department for Foreigners of Ministry of Interior) office on payment of a fee plus presentation of passport, tourist card, photograph and return ticket.
Vaccinations
Please visit www.netdoctor.co.uk for more information or consult with your local GP for professional advice.
Flight Routes
London to Miami: 9 hours
Miami to Barcelona (BLA): 3 hours 30 minutes
You can also fly via Paris or Madrid into Caracas where you will have to take a connecting flight to Barcelona with Aviot Airlines.
