Sebastopol Island
Sebastopol is an island in the Caribbean Sea that belongs to the South American country of Venezuela. It is located in the Lesser Antilles, specifically in the southeastern part of the Los Roques Archipelago and its corresponding national park. Administratively, it is part of the Miranda Insular Territory, a subdivision of the Federal Dependencies of Venezuela.
The Navy of Venezuela operates an active lighthouse on the island (identified as DFV-022 or VEN-022) to aid maritime navigation in the southern Caribbean.
Geography
Sebastopol has an approximate surface area of 72 hectares (0.72 km²) and a perimeter of 5.88 kilometers. It limits with the Boca de Sebastopol (Sebastopol Mouth) to the east and north, Cayo Grande to the north and west, Cayo de los Castillos to the north, and the open Caribbean Sea to the south.
Navigating the area known as the Boca de Sebastopol is notoriously challenging. Accessing this sector requires passing through exceptionally narrow natural channels and straits embedded within coral reefs. Due to the shifting nature of sandbanks and shallow coral formations, entering the area demands rigorous visual navigation and precise cartographic assistance, which restricts the flow of large boats.
Ecology and Tourism
The island is a popular destination for eco-tourism, renowned for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and extensive marine biodiversity. It offers ideal conditions for snorkeling and scuba diving.
As part of Los Roques National Park, the waters surrounding Sebastopol are strictly protected. The area acts as a sanctuary for several vulnerable species, including the queen conch (Aliger gigas), various types of sea turtles (such as the green turtle and hawksbill turtle), and diverse families of Caribbean coral reef fish and star corals.
See also
- Geography of Venezuela
- Islands of Venezuela
External links
- Inparques Official Website (in Spanish)