Scuba Diving in Cuba
General Info
Diving Info
The lack of human activity and strong marine protection laws have also helped keep the reefs untouched. Furthermore, Cuba offers the rare opportunity of getting in the water with saltwater crocodiles, which is not as scary as it sounds.
Note that a number of Cuban dive schools now offer the option of obtaining your scuba diving certification from major US-based scuba diving organizations such as PADI or SSI.
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When to Visit
Diving Conditions
The water temperatures in Cuba range from 25° C/77° F in January to 30° C/86° F in August/September.
The currents on Cuba’s northern coast are stronger and have large tidal coefficients than what you’d find in other regions.
The visibility on most of the dive sites often exceeds 30 meters (100 feet).
Types of Diving
Highlights
Jardines de la Reina
Named by Cristopher Columbus in honor of Queen Isobel of Spain, the uninhabited archipelago consists of 250 pristine islands. This Natural Marine Park is remote and untouched, accessible only by liveaboard. It is considered the number one diving region in Cuba with over 80 dive sites around the islands. The area is well-known for its amazing shark dives, with Caribbean reef sharks and silky sharks being a guarantee on many of the spots.
Varadero
Varadero is a popular beach destination for locals and tourists visiting Cuba, but there’s plenty to do underwater as well. The peninsula’s rich waters are filled with marine life that includes eels, rays, reef sharks, and even dolphins. There are a number of dive centers serving the area, and they know all about the great places you can dive here. Good region for wreck diving. A 2-hour drive from Varadero, Bay of Pigs is another good diving region with a few caves worth exploring, including the cenote El Brinco.
Cayo Largo del Sur
A quiet and secluded spot for divers, Cayo Largo del Sur has steep walls, beautiful reefs, caverns, and wrecks. There are over 30 dive sites around the island and the surrounding cays. Most of these spots are shallow with calm water, which makes them ideal for any level of diver. The reef features hundreds of species of coral and sea sponges, with rich and diverse marine animal life that includes whale sharks, eagle rays, large schools of fish, and small critters.
Explore dive centers in the area
Varadero
Varadero
Varadero
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