Best Scuba Diving Spots in Cuba

Jardines de la Reina (Gardens of the Queen)

Why It’s a Top Spot

This location stands apart due to its exceptional status as a protected marine sanctuary, earning it the nickname “the Galapagos of the Caribbean.”

• The vast marine park is a model of conservation, resulting in an exceptionally healthy reef system with vibrant, intact corals.
• It is renowned for its large and reliable populations of sharks, including Silkies, Reefs, and Lemon sharks.
• The pristine conditions are a direct result of extremely limited human access, preserving the natural underwater environment.

What You’ll See

Dives here offer encounters with a remarkable density and variety of marine life.

• Sharks: Encounters with various shark species are a near certainty on almost every dive.
• Goliath Groupers: The reserve is home to massive, curious groupers that often approach divers.
• Crocodiles: A unique opportunity exists to snorkel with American crocodiles in the calm mangrove channels, an unforgettable experience.
• Reefs: Expect to see dense walls of black coral, huge sponges, and impressive schools of jacks, tarpon, and snappers.

Logistics & Access

Reaching this remote archipelago requires specific planning.

• Access is available almost exclusively via liveaboard boats, which provide the only accommodation in the area.
• Trips must be booked far in advance through one of the few licensed international operators authorized to run expeditions here.
• Departures for these voyages are typically from the port of Júcaro.

Please note that a trip to Jardines de la Reina is a dedicated, multi-day dive expedition. It is best suited for serious divers and underwater photographers seeking a complete immersion in a wild marine environment, rather than those looking for a casual day trip.

Bay of Pigs (Bahía de Cochinos)

Why It’s a Top Spot

The Bay of Pigs offers some of the most accessible and varied diving in Cuba, with unique geological features.

• The area is known for its excellent and easy shore diving; the reef wall is often just a short swim from the coastline.
• It features unique flooded caves known as “cenotes” that connect to the sea, offering a different kind of dive experience.
• The water is incredibly clear, with visibility that frequently exceeds 30 meters (100 feet).
• Its location makes it very accessible as a day trip or an overnight stay from popular hubs like Havana or Trinidad.

Key Dive Sites

Several notable sites cater to a range of experience levels.

• Punta Perdiz: Known for its easy entry from shore, this site has beautiful coral formations and a small, shallow wreck, making it ideal for all levels.
• Cueva de los Peces: This is the deepest cenote in Cuba. It offers a fascinating dive through a mix of fresh and saltwater, creating a visible halocline.
• El Brinco: A more advanced wall dive, El Brinco features dramatic drop-offs with interesting swim-throughs and overhangs for experienced divers to explore.

Logistics & Access

Diving here is straightforward and easy to arrange.

• Dive centers are conveniently located along the main coastal road that runs parallel to the dive sites.

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• Gear rental is readily available, allowing for flexibility in your packing.

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• Its accessibility makes it perfect for travelers who wish to combine a few days of diving with a broader cultural tour of the island.

This is Cuba’s most convenient and versatile dive destination. It is an excellent choice for everyone, from beginners undertaking a discovery dive to certified technical divers interested in exploring the unique cenote systems.

María la Gorda

Why It’s a Top Spot

Situated in a remote national park, María la Gorda is a destination for those who seek spectacular underwater topography.

• It is located at the westernmost tip of Cuba within the Guanahacabibes Peninsula National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
• The site is renowned for its sheer, dramatic coral walls, which are densely covered in black coral.
• Divers can typically expect exceptional visibility and calm sea conditions, ideal for underwater photography.
• There are over 50 designated dive sites, many of which are just a short boat ride from the shore.

What You’ll See

The marine environment here is characterized by its dramatic structures and healthy fish populations.

• Black Coral: Divers will find some of the best-preserved and most extensive black coral walls in the Caribbean.
• Swim-throughs & Tunnels: The reef is marked by numerous intricate coral structures, canyons, and tunnels waiting to be explored.
• Marine Life: Common sightings include eagle rays, sea turtles, barracudas, and large schools of various reef fish.
• Whale Sharks: While not guaranteed, there are possible encounters with whale sharks during the winter months.

Logistics & Access

This is a secluded destination with dedicated dive infrastructure.

• The area is served by a single, dedicated dive resort, the Hotel María la Gorda, which handles all diving operations.
• Reaching the resort requires a long drive from Havana (approximately 4-5 hours), so an overnight stay of at least two nights is necessary to make the journey worthwhile.

We recommend María la Gorda for dedicated divers who prioritize pristine underwater environments and dramatic seascapes over extensive topside amenities. It is a true diver’s retreat for those who do not mind the travel time to reach a remote paradise.

Cayo Largo del Sur

Why It’s a Top Spot

Cayo Largo combines world-class Caribbean beaches with excellent and diverse diving opportunities.

• This is a stunning island resort destination, famous for its powder-white sand beaches and clear turquoise waters.
• The dive portfolio includes a pleasant mix of shallow coral gardens, deep vertical walls, and intricate tunnels.
• The area supports a very healthy population of sea turtles and is often visited by larger pelagic species.

What You’ll See

The underwater world here is as vibrant as the island itself.

• Gorgonian Gardens: Explore expansive fields of sea fans, sea whips, and other colorful soft corals.
• Turtles: Regular sightings of both Loggerhead and Green turtles are a highlight for many divers.
• Reef Fish: The reefs are teeming with abundant populations of angelfish, parrotfish, and groupers.
• Caves & Tunnels: Sites like “La Cueva del Negro” offer exciting exploration through coral caverns and passages.

Logistics & Access

As a developed tourist destination, access is streamlined and convenient.

• The island is accessed via a short domestic flight from Havana, making it an easy addition to your itinerary.
• Diving is well-organized through the marina and the dive centers that serve the island’s all-inclusive hotels.

This destination is the ideal choice for travelers seeking a classic beach resort holiday combined with easy access to high-quality diving. It perfectly balances relaxation on land with adventure underwater.

Practical Dive Information for Cuba

Certification & Equipment

• Bring Your C-Card: You must always have your certification card with you to present at the dive center. Bringing your logbook is also recommended.
• Personal Gear: For your comfort and reliability, we highly recommend bringing your own mask, dive computer, and regulator set.
• Rental Gear: Equipment is available for rent at all locations, but the quality and condition can vary. Always inspect any rental gear carefully before your dive.
• Wetsuit: A 3mm full-length wetsuit is generally sufficient for the water temperatures throughout most of the year.

Safety & Insurance

• Dive Operators: All dive centers in Cuba are state-run. Safety standards are generally good, but it is incumbent upon you to perform your own pre-dive gear checks and buddy checks.
• Dive Insurance: This is critical and non-negotiable. Ensure your travel insurance policy explicitly covers scuba diving incidents, including costs for hyperbaric chamber treatment and medical evacuation.
• Decompression Chambers: Decompression chambers are available in Cuba (for example, in Havana and Santiago de Cuba), but it is always best to dive conservatively and well within your limits to avoid needing them.

We strongly advise you to verify your specific insurance coverage before your trip and to carry your policy information, including emergency contact numbers, with you at all times.