Occurrence and distribution of stony corals (Milleporina and Scleractinia) in the Gulf of Cariaco were investigated quantitatively using skin-diving methods. Unusual temperature conditions due to cold upwelling limit coral growth to a depth of 15 m. A clear vertical zonation of species was observed, with five zones, in order of increasing depth, dominated by Porites porites, Millepora complanata, Siderastrea siderea, Dichocoenia stokesi, and Solenastrea hyades. Twenty-one species of scleractinians and three species of hydrocorals have so far been found in the gulf. Of the total area covered by corals, over 50% is inhabited by Siderastrea siderea, Millepora spp., and Porites porites. A horizontal zonation of the littoral was established based on species composition and density of the coral cover.