7 curated Scuba Diving spots in Cuba, each with its own note and source.
Isla de la Juventud · Best time: Nov–Apr · Beginner
Cayo Largo lists 32 dive sites: shallow reefs from 5 m, gorgonian-covered walls, tunnels, the Barco Hundido wreck at 17 to 32 m and the Cueva del Negro at 23 to 36 m. Most sites are 15 to 30 minutes out by boat, the more distant ones one to two hours. Nurse sharks, grouper, snapper, barracuda and morays.
Sources: cubadiving.org
Camagüey · Best time: Nov–Apr · All levels
Jardines de la Reina lies about 80 km off Cuba's south coast and is reachable only by liveaboard from Júcaro — a 2.5 to 5 hour crossing depending on weather. Current is minimal, water runs 26 to 29 °C and visibility often exceeds 30 m. Some sites hold up to 30 Caribbean reef and silky sharks at once. December to April is the prime window.
Sources: PADI Blog
Pinar del Río · Best time: Dec–Apr · All levels
María la Gorda runs 50 dive sites along the shelf edge, which drops to 200 to 1000 m close in front of the shore: walls, coral canyons and tunnels, plus night dives. Horizontal visibility averages 30 m, water ranges from 24 °C in winter to 30 °C in August. The centre keeps oxygen and resuscitation gear on site.
Sources: cubadiving.org
Matanzas · Best time: Nov–Apr · Beginner
In the Bay of Pigs you dive from shore: at Punta Perdiz the wall starts just 30 to 40 m off the beach, with the dive run along its edge at 20 to 25 m. Current is negligible and entries and exits go over the sand. Divers state their own experience level when registering — so set your depth honestly.
Sources: Epic Nomad Life, Snorkeling Report, Snorkeling Report
Camagüey · Best time: Sep–Jan · Advanced
Playa Santa Lucía is bull shark diving — season November to April, depths of 18 to 32 m, Advanced Open Water recommended. Feeds are run under control by local guides and the pre-dive briefing is mandatory. Visibility reaches 30 m on calm days. The operator is Shark's Friends near Playa Los Cocos.
Sources: Scuba Vida Dive
Isla de la Juventud · Best time: Dec–Apr · All levels
Punta Francés is a marine national park about 90 minutes by boat from Isla de la Juventud. Visibility runs between 20 and 40 m, water averages 24 °C over the year. Dives take in black coral stands and several wrecks with guns and ladders still in place, alongside tarpon up to about 2 m, eagle rays and Nassau grouper.
Sources: LiveAboard.com
Cienfuegos · Best time: Nov–Apr · Beginner
The Faro Luna dive centre on the Rancho Luna coast covers 30 dive sites — the furthest just 15 minutes offshore by boat. Seven wrecks are among them, one beside a vertical wall holding remains of the English telegraph cable cut in 1898. Records list 47 coral species; dives go to 40 m. High season is November to April.
Sources: Cuba Plus Magazine, EcuRed