Explore Jardines de la Reina
Diving in Jardines de la Reina, located off Cuba's southern coast, is a journey into a vibrant marine sanctuary often dubbed the "Galapagos of the Caribbean." This archipelago, protected since 1996, is home to the world's third-largest barrier reef, stretching over 241 kilometers/150 miles of coral and mangroves. These mangroves serve as vital nurseries, supporting a flourishing diversity of marine life. Over the years, the fish population has surged by 30%, offering divers an exhilarating underwater spectacle.
The diving experience in Jardines de la Reina is unparalleled, featuring a variety of environments from colorful coral reefs to dramatic underwater landscapes like pinnacles, steep walls, and caves. The crystal-clear, warm waters are ideal for observing large schools of fish and diverse marine species, with nearly guaranteed shark sightings adding to the thrill. Accessed mainly via liveaboards or day trips from mainland Cuba, this destination is perfect for those seeking both adventure and tranquility. Strictly limited to 300 divers annually, Jardines de la Reina ensures each dive showcases its untouched charm, preserving the pristine beauty of this underwater paradise.
Dive Activity
Diving in Jardines de la Reina
Diving in Jardines de la Reina is somewhat split up into two experiences; exploring the vibrant coral reefs and all the species which come with, or hang around steep drops offs and keep eyes out in the blue to spot large species such as sharks and rays. There are many dive sites which have shallower reefs; either plateaus, pinnacles or coral boulders. There are also dive sites which have a collection of caverns, tunnels, caves, to satisfy divers who enjoy overhang environments. There are also many steep drop offs which harbour a plethora of marine flora and fauna and which attract many larger species including Eagle Rays, Hammerhead Sharks and Whale Sharks. This is definitely a destination where divers should bring along their cameras to capture some unique experiences.
Top Wildlife Sightings in Jardines de la Reina
The main shark species which are sighted here are the Caribbean Reef Shark and the Silky Shark. Sometimes they are potted in schools of over 30 individuals. They have become used to divers so are not scared and not aggressive towards them, just curious. At different times of the year other shark species also pop up, including Hammerhead Sharks, Nurse Sharks, Whale Sharks and Black Tip Reef Sharks. This area is also known for its healthy, flourishing coral reefs, made up of an abundance of Soft Corals, Brain Coral, Elkhorn Coral, Sea Fans, majestic Gorgonians and Sea Sponges of all shapes and colours. A few of the species which live among these reefs include large Groupers, Tuna, Jewfish and Snappers, Octopus, Squid, three species of Sea Turtles and a slightly unexpected species: American Crocodiles! Due to this being a mangrove environment, these American Crocodiles thrive here. This species is a shy species and so are not aggressive towards divers.
Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 27
iStock-Global_Pics
64 Sightings
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25
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The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 200
Alamy-WaterFrame
Moray Eel
60 Sightings
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20
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3
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19
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 600
iStock/ultramarinfoto
Wrasse
29 Sightings
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3
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5
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19
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Shutterstock-Shane Myers Photography
Green Turtle
16 Sightings
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15
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 250
Shutterstock-Henry_and_Laura_Whittaker
Grouper/Basslets
99 Sightings
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3
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32
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29
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13
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 90
Shutterstock-Rich Carey
Angelfish
99 Sightings
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24
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21
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 100
iStock-burnsboxco
Parrotfish
90 Sightings
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15
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5
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30
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5
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17
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3
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15
iStock_strmko
Silky Shark
86 Sightings
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21
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3
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8
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27
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27
iStock-June Jacobsen
Whitetip Reef Shark
74 Sightings
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6
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22
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2
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7
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11
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8
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17
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 2
iStock-stock_colors
Tarpon
73 Sightings
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30
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25
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16
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1
The best Months to dive in Jardines de la Reina
What enhances the beauty of diving in Jardines de la Reina is the crystal-clear water, with visibility averaging around 30 meters/98 feet; the calm waters, as there is a real lack of currents here; and the warm waters, with temperatures ranging between 26°C–29°C/79°F–84°F.
Between November and April is the dry season, which is also the time of year with the best, calmest, and warmest water conditions.
The silky sharks, the Caribbean reef shark, and the American crocodiles are here year-round, but other shark species are more seasonal. For instance, whale sharks are most commonly spotted between July and November.
