Mochima National Park (/moh- CHEE -mə/) is located in the Anzoátegui and Sucre states on the northeastern coast of Venezuela. The park covers 94,935 hectares and includes three main areas: a western section with only ocean water (Anzoátegui State), a coastal area with the Gulf of Santa Fé and Mochima Bay, and a mountainous region that includes the Turimiquire Dam watershed (Sucre State). The park was created to protect the mountain forests of the Turimiquire Range and the marine environments of Venezuela’s eastern Caribbean Sea.
History
Mochima National Park was established on December 19, 1973. It is named after the town of Mochima and is one of many national parks located along Venezuela's northeast Caribbean coast. This park was the second marine park in Venezuela. It includes the entire shoreline between the cities of Puerto La Cruz and Cumaná, as well as 32 islands near the coast.
Geography
This coast is a mountainous area with beaches, gulfs, and inlets that are very beautiful. Because of different microclimates, some places have very large cliffs with almost no plants that drop into the water, while other areas are covered in thick jungle plants and have sandy beaches. Many small towns have developed along the 50-kilometer stretch between the cities of Puerto La Cruz and Cumaná.
Climate
Temperatures stay between 20 and 26 degrees Celsius all year. Areas near the coast have high temperatures and steady trade winds from November to May. From June to October, these areas are slightly cooler with higher humidity.
Fauna and flora
The marine waters in the park have many different types of whales and dolphins, including humpback whales, Bryde's whales, sperm whales, pilot whales, and several species of dolphins. The turtle grass found in Mochima Bay helps many types of gastropods and mollusks live there, such as the Eared ark clam, Tiger lucine, Buttonsnail, and Turkey wing clam.
Gallery
- A beach is located in Mochima Park.
- Long-beaked common dolphins can be found near Isla de Plata.
- Boats are present in Mochima Park.
- Manzanilla Beach is a location.
- Puinare Island is an island.