The Mochima National Park spreads across an archipelago of low limestone islands between Puerto la Cruz and Cumaná — turquoise water, white-sand beaches, mangrove channels, and reefs good enough for snorkelling. The standard half-day trip is by lancha from the Paseo Colón pier, with a stop at one of the inhabited islands for swimming and lunch.
The most popular destinations are Isla Chimana Grande, with the white-sand Playa Blanca; Isla Borracha; and the smaller Cuevas del Naciente. Operators on the pier offer fixed half-day or full-day itineraries; agreeing the price and the islands before you board is essential. Bring water, sunscreen, snorkel gear if you have it, and cash for the on-island restaurants.