Cayo Santa Maria
Cayo Santa Maria is a tropical island which lies in the Jardines del Rey archipelago, off of the nor
Explore Central Cuba
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.
Places to explore
Dive Activity
Diving in Central Cuba
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.
Top Wildlife Sightings in Central Cuba
In the waters surrounding Central Cuba, divers can expect to encounter a vibrant array of marine life. The area's coral reefs are home to a variety of colorful reef fish such as parrotfish, angelfish, and butterflyfish. These species are commonly seen throughout the year, providing a constant display of the reef's lively ecosystem. The region's reefs offer an ideal habitat for these fishes, making them a frequent sight among divers exploring the underwater world. Seasonal highlights include sightings of larger marine creatures. Sharks, including nurse sharks and reef sharks, are more commonly seen in warmer months, when they frequent the area for feeding. Turtles, such as the green and hawksbill turtles, often make appearances from May to September, aligning with their nesting season. Rays, including the Southern stingray and the spotted eagle ray, are also regular visitors, especially during the spring and summer when they are most active. Divers visiting during these periods stand a good chance of encountering these majestic animals in their natural habitat.
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 approx.: 27
iStock-Global_Pics
Barracuda
309 Sightings
J
22
F
41
M
23
A
39
M
16
J
13
J
63
A
26
S
5
O
19
N
16
D
26
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 200
Alamy-WaterFrame
Moray Eel
242 Sightings
J
23
F
20
M
6
A
30
M
14
J
21
J
35
A
14
S
12
O
15
N
31
D
21
Shutterstock-Shane Myers Photography
Green Turtle
65 Sightings
J
5
F
5
M
1
A
6
M
0
J
0
J
19
A
4
S
0
O
3
N
3
D
19
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 600
iStock/ultramarinfoto
Wrasse
61 Sightings
J
5
F
5
M
9
A
24
M
2
J
0
J
3
A
2
S
3
O
1
N
6
D
1
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 25
iStock/Juliosanjuan
Eagle Ray
40 Sightings
J
2
F
5
M
4
A
4
M
0
J
0
J
21
A
4
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0
iStock-ShaneGross
Loggerhead Turtle
30 Sightings
J
1
F
0
M
1
A
4
M
0
J
0
J
18
A
2
S
0
O
3
N
0
D
1
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 12
iStock/cinoby
Lionfish
443 Sightings
J
42
F
40
M
26
A
46
M
24
J
16
J
66
A
40
S
16
O
15
N
51
D
61
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 100
iStock-burnsboxco
Parrotfish
433 Sightings
J
34
F
38
M
37
A
55
M
23
J
19
J
67
A
32
S
11
O
19
N
48
D
50
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 90
Shutterstock-Rich Carey
Angelfish
364 Sightings
J
24
F
34
M
31
A
48
M
12
J
24
J
64
A
26
S
11
O
8
N
37
D
45
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 250
Shutterstock-Henry_and_Laura_Whittaker
Grouper/Basslets
240 Sightings
J
16
F
11
M
15
A
42
M
11
J
34
J
48
A
12
S
8
O
14
N
15
D
14
The best Months to dive in Central Cuba
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.
