For scuba divers, Cuba is a Caribbean destination apart. Where neighboring islands have experienced diminished fish species from overfishing, Cuba’s reefs have been astonishingly well preserved, and are the most dazzling in the entire region.
Diving in Maria la Gorda
Start your dive explorations on the peninsula furthest west in Cuba, in Maria la Gorda, where international dive centers front the sheltered Bahia de Corrientes, one of the island’s best-protected zones for diving.
The area falls within the Guanahacabibes National Park, and is home to around 50 excellent dive sites that include features like plunging walls, swim-throughs and caves.
At the dive site called Lost Paradise, you can fin amongst shoals of jacks and barracuda. Keep an eye out for patrolling stingrays, too.
And at the Gorgonian Garden, divers delight at the sight of hulking Nassau groupers.
Dive Along Punta Frances: Cuba’s Fabled Pirate Coast
Punta Frances, located along Cuba’s fabled “pirate coast” on the Isla de la Juventud, is another must-do for divers.
Advanced divers can submerge into a tunnel at the site, called Cueva Azul, to spot huge tarpon.
Even snorkelers along Punta Frances’ shores may spot hawksbill sea turtles and maybe even manatees, too.
Jardines de la Reina Marine Park
The Jardines de la Reina (Gardens of the Queen) Marine Park, off the island’s southern coast, is perhaps Cuba’s greatest underwater treasure.
A government-protected area, it’s considered among the most beautiful dive destinations in all of the Caribbean.
Since commercial fishing is not allowed within the park, the marine life here is prolific, with all manner of sea turtles and sharks (including reefs, hammerheads, black tips, leopards and silkies) to be seen.
The best way to visit the area is on multi-day trips via liveaboard dive boats.
Scuba Diving in Cayo Largo
Colorful reef and divers, Cayo Largo, Cuba. Photo credit: iStock
Cayo Largo, east of Isla de la Juventud off Cuba’s southern coast, is yet another prime place to submerge, with shallow waters that host a wide range of marine life.
Tunnels, steep walls, and vibrant coral heads are among the over 30 dive sites here, with eels, barracuda, sharks, lobster, grouper and all manner of snapper among the inhabitants.
Jardines del Rey and Cayo Coco
Off the northern coast of Cuba, make a beeline for the Jardines del Rey (Gardens of the King) and Cayo Coco, home to beaches with sugar white sand and a rainbow of reef life.
The water is warm and crystal clear—all the more enticing for spotting angelfish, parrotfish and large schools of tarpon and spadefish as you fin along the pristine reefs.
Bay of Pigs
Bay of Pigs, Cuba. Photo credit: iStock
And about two hours southeast of Havana, the Bay of Pigs may be in history books for the failed US military invasion, but scuba divers known it for something else.
You can gear up right on the beach and dive straight from the shore to access a spectacular wall that vibrates with all manner of tropical fish, and over 17 species of coral plants.
The Jaruca is a purpose-sunk wreck that’s fun to explore in this area.
Advanced divers love the site called Punta Perdiz for its deep wall, dazzling with fish life.
When you go on a scuba diving trip in Cuba you’re often going where relatively few divers have gone before.
Article: WorldNomads