Diving in central Cuba means being able to dive off the north and south coasts of the island, which means diving in two different bodies of water: the North Atlantic and the Caribbean Sea. However, what they both have in common are warm waters, clear waters, a high abundance of colorful marine life, and exciting diving opportunities. Divers can either explore these waters by signing up with a local dive center or dive resort, which are scattered around this region, or they can get aboard a liveaboard and explore the region that way.
The experience of diving here is a relaxing one for the most part. With the visibility averaging around 30 meters/98 feet, reaching over 40 meters/131 feet in some spots, the water temperatures ranging between 22°C–29°C/72°F–84°F, and a lack of currents, diving here often just feels like flying. It is possible to dive here year-round, but the peak diving season runs between November and April when it is the dry season. Jardines de la Reina is known for its high abundance of silky sharks and Caribbean reef sharks, with high chances to spot numerous other species as well. Some other animals that inhabit these waters include sea turtles, different species of rays, American crocodiles, and large tarpon. The reason that there is such a high density of marine life is due to the flourishing coral reefs here, which are made up of colorful marine flora including sea sponges of all shapes and sizes, hard corals, soft corals, anemones, sea fans, sea whips, and more. The topography on which these corals have clustered includes tunnels, caves, caverns, steep walls, plateaus, sandy bottoms, and more. These are the kinds of dives that divers will not forget easily due to the vibrant colors, variety of types of diving, and stunning diving conditions.
Explore Cayo Santa MariaCayo Santa Maria is a tropical island which lies in the Jardines del Rey arc
Explore Cayo GuillermoCayo Guillermo is one of the tropical islands which makes up the Jardines del
Ecplore Cayo CocoCayo Coco is a tropical island located within the Jardines del Rey chain, off the n
Explore TrinidadTrinidad is a stunning historical town which lies on the south central coast of Cuba
Jardines de la Reina is one of the world’s most beautiful natural ecosystems also known as the Galapagos of the Caribbean.
Bay of Pigs is a place with high biodiversity such as beautiful coral reefs, maze-like caverns, massive caves, and cenotes.
Surrounded by sugar powdered white sand beaches, you will find the idyllic island Cayo Largo with warm, shallow and calm water.
Explore CienfuegosCienfuegos is a city that lies in the bay, Bahía de Cienfuegos, on the south coas
Central Cuba offers a remarkable variety of dive sites that cater to both shore and liveaboard divers. One of the standout spots is the Bay of Pigs, renowned for its easy shore access and stunning underwater landscapes. Here, divers can explore colorful coral walls teeming with marine life and experience night dives that reveal nocturnal creatures such as octopuses and lobsters. The calm waters and vibrant ecosystems make it a favored destination for shore diving enthusiasts.
For those interested in wreck dives, the waters around Cayo Coco and Cayo Guillermo present intriguing opportunities. The sunken remains of vessels, like the shallow wrecks off Cayo Coco, are easily accessible and provide a habitat for diverse fish species. Liveaboard options in the region allow divers to explore more remote sites, offering a perfect balance of adventure and relaxation. Whether seeking the thrill of night dives or the rich history of wrecks, Central Cuba captivates with its underwater allure.
Central Cuba offers excellent diving conditions year-round, making it a popular destination for divers. The region boasts warm water temperatures ranging from 24°C–30°C/75°F–86°F, ensuring comfortable dives throughout the year. Visibility is typically impressive, often exceeding 30 meters/98 feet, providing clear views of the vibrant marine life.
While diving is possible all year, divers should be aware of the weather factors that can affect conditions. The region experiences trade winds, which can occasionally cause stronger currents and choppier waters, particularly from late fall to early spring. However, these factors are usually manageable and do not significantly hinder diving activities. The hurricane season, from June to November, may pose some risks, but diving usually continues outside of major storm events.
Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content
