The 14 most beautiful diving spots in Cuba

On vacation in the Caribbean? Discover the marine treasures with our selection of the most beautiful diving spots in Cuba.

With its 5,700 kilometres of coast, partly protected by a coral barrier, and its approximately six hundred islets, the island of Cuba is an ideal destination for exploring the seabed. This is all the more true, since the country has more than five hundred scuba diving spots, some of which are considered by fans of the genre as the most beautiful in the world.

It must be said that in Cuba, the water is crystalline and the coral barrier is particularly well preserved. Put your mask and tuba on! You should cross an abundant and very diverse aquatic fauna, all in a water whose temperature never falls below 24 degrees. Paradise!

For fans of the genre, the Cuban seabeds are also full of gallion wrecks dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries, which are coated by the Caribbean pirates. Beginners can easily learn snorkeling in Cuba and enjoy the seven hundred species of fish and five species of sea turtles present in the waters of the island. Blue surgeons, sergeant's benches or the Caribbean angels, the show should be breathtaking.

Your mask and tuba are ready? Here is the list of the 14 most beautiful diving spots in Cuba.

1. Maria la Gorda

To the west of the main island of Cuba, Maria Gorda is well known to amateurs, as one of the most beautiful diving spots in Cuba. Nearly 50 spots await you! It will take you almost four hours from Havana to reach this little corner of paradise, at the bottom of the Guanahacabibes peninsula. In coral reefs, you will be able to observe tubular sponges, but also benches of vivens or angel fish. The area is suitable for snorkeling, even if the depths are actually worth the detour.

Among the many sites in the area, the Yemaya spot is particularly appreciated. To access it, you will have to descend a vertical wall and enter a cave, where you will certainly cross gorgones and black corals, with remarkable beauty.

2. Punta Perdiz

Here is the ideal place to make snorkeling in Cuba. In the south of the island, only ten kilometres north of Playa Girón, Punta Perdiz offers a reef more than a hundred meters from the sea and calm waters with weak currents. You will admire multicolored fish, corals and many arborescent gorgones.

3. Playa Girón

Located in the famous bay of Les Cochons, on the southern coast of the island of Cuba, Playa Girón has the most accessible diving spots in the country. The presence of many cenotates explains the popularity of this place, considered one of the most beautiful diving spots in Cuba. In all, twenty-four sites accessible from the beach. You will only have the embarrassment of choice.

4. Jibacoa

Visit one hour from Havana to discover one of the most beautiful diving spots in Cuba. To get there, you can take the four-way road, Via Blanca, or the famous Hershey train. The reef is easily accessible from the beach and ideal for beginners.

5. Punta Francés on the island of Juventud

Welcome to the pirate island! It is here, on the island of Juventud, the second largest of Cuba, that they came to hide their spoils and their treasures. Many wrecks are visible on the fifty-six diving sites on the island of Juventud. Among them, the beach of Punta Francès, named after a Norman pirate, is ideal for those who discover the dive or only want to make snorkeling. Further offshore, the paradise seabed will make your experience memorable.

6. Cueva Azul

Also on the island of Juventud, Cueva Azul is an unmistakable diving spot. Located in a cave, forty meters deep, the Azur-colored cellar is lined with clean fish with iridescent reflections and tarpons, with large silver scales. You will see giant corals, immense “sugar breads” and many fish species. A spectacular dive reserved for insiders.

7. Jardines de la Reina

Inhabited, this small archipelago is a true marine sanctuary. With its perfectly preserved coral reefs, the site of Jardines de la Reina is undoubtedly one of the best diving spots in Cuba. Giant nuts, barracudas, rays and reef sharks, you will take the mask full. The small plus: it is possible to stay in a floating hotel!

For shark enthusiasts, the site of Avalon is perfect. Only 25 metres deep, you will see more than 20 reef sharks. Impressive!

8. Isla Media Luna

It is not by chance that Hemingway, in person, fell under the charm of this small island north of Cuba. Its coral barrier is a true natural aquarium. A dive spot not to be missed, during your trip to Cuba.

9. Playa Santa Lucia

By going to Playa Santa Lucia, you can admire one of the world’s largest coral barriers. The amateurs of large funds are pressed on the thirty-four sites that the island has to offer, to swim with the bull sharks and the baldish sharks, which are not fierce. They also enjoy being able to browse the wreck of Mortera, engulfed off the island.

And if you cross a few pink flamingos, don’t think you’re a victim of the depths intoxication! These amazing pink birds are found on the beaches of the island throughout the year.

10. Ojo del Mégano in Varadero

Varadero is located north of the main island of Cuba. Its diving sites are very appreciated, due to the fact, in particular, many wrecks on its sandy bottoms. Do not miss the Neptuno, sunk in 1943. Numerous giant murenes have chosen home and come to eat in your hand.

Among the many spots, Ojo del Mégano is considered one of the most beautiful in Cuba. Only ten meters deep, many barracuda, cernas or vivaneaux evolve in this incredible space. Watch the walls of the cave. They are covered with lobsters and other coral fish.

11. Boca de Calderas Havana

If you don't want to leave Havana to dive, the site of the Boca de Calderas should delight you. It is one of Cuba's must-see diving spots. Located only 12 meters deep, the Boca spot offers you a real garden of corals, sponges and gorgones. Tropical fish by thousands have chosen home here, for the greatest pleasure of divers.

12. El Colón

Take the direction of La Mula, 100 kilometers from Santiago de Cuba. You will dive into the heart of surprisingly well preserved colonial wrecks. Just six metres from the coast, you will find bullets, shells and many other remains. An unusual dive in Cuba.

13. Tiburones Toro

You dream of swimming with a whale shark? Don't look anymore! Tiburones Toro's spot will fill you. At a depth of 28 metres, professional divers feed these impressive seabeds. A show not to be missed!

14. Banco de Jagua

This spot has the advantage of offering several levels of difficulty. You can descend between 18 and 40 meters to observe corals, sponges, barracudas, bars, searches and other parrotfish. The site also houses poisonous rays, turtles, gatas, reef sharks, hammer sharks and, at certain times of the year, whale sharks.

A last tip before you take advantage of one of the most beautiful diving spots in Cuba: think about bringing your equipment with you. While it is possible to rent it on site, it remains difficult to obtain quality equipment.

Good dive!