Which island in the Caribbean Sea lies closest to South America?

While many Caribbean islands are separated from other landmasses by vast stretches of open ocean, one nation lies just a stone's throw from a continent. The island of Trinidad is situated a mere 11 kilometers (about 7 miles) from the northeastern coast of Venezuela at its closest point. This narrow channel, part of the Gulf of Paria, is dramatically named the Bocas del Dragón, or the Dragon's Mouths, highlighting the tight and historically significant passage between the island and the mainland.

This remarkable proximity is a result of geology. Trinidad was once physically connected to the South American continent, only breaking away in the relatively recent geological past. This shared origin is clearly visible in the island's ecosystem. Unlike most other Caribbean islands, Trinidad's biodiversity is more characteristic of continental South America, boasting a richer variety of birds, insects, and mammals. This direct land-bridge history gives the nation a unique natural heritage that sets it apart from its island neighbors (Review).