Cuba, a Scuba Divers Paradise

If you’re fascinated by what lies beneath the deep blue (or should we say vibrant turquoise) waters, then get ready to pull on your flippers and have your snorkel gear handy when you next visit Cuba. Beyond its blonde sands, this tropical isle has a generous coastline that’s teeming with spectacular snorkel and scuba diving sites worth exploring – whether you’re eager for eerie shipwrecks or want to swim with sharks and turtles – rich marine life is in abundance here.

We’ve rounded up our favourite spots for you to make a splash, so get ready to dive right in…

When is the best time to scuba dive in Cuba?

The best time to dive in Cuba is generally between December and April during the isle’s dry season, when the average water temperature is an inviting 25°C and visibility is clear – although, it’s worth noting that prices will be higher during this popular period. It’s still possible to enjoy diving between May and November, however you’ll need to opt for a thinner wetsuit during the summer months and watch out for potential hurricanes along the east coast.

Jardines de la Reina

If you’re feeling brave, an immersive shark experience awaits divers at Jardines de la Reina – one of the most popular diving spots in the whole of the Caribbean. Nicknamed the Gardens of Queens, this uninhabited archipelago and national park stretches 150km along the coast, however only a few hundred divers are allowed to experience its beauty each year in order to protect and maintain the abundant sea life here.

Swim amongst the colourful gardens of elkhorn and staghorn coral beside dozens of Caribbean sharks – including reef, hammerheads, leopards, and silkies – plus you’ll also witness majestic sea turtles and a wide variety of exotic fish (thanks to the area’s ban on commercial fishing and the mixing of ocean currents).

Bay of Pigs

Not to be confused with Mexico’s Pig Beach, this sapphire-hued inlet is one of Cuba’s most celebrated scuba diving areas. Best known for its role in the historic abortive invasion in 1961, divers must navigate over part of the invasion’s wreck, before reaching the rainbow-coloured coral wall which travels 300m deep.

In fact, there are more than 17 beautiful species of coral here and multiple dive spots to explore peppered along the coastline – one of the most popular being the Cueva de la Peces (Fish Cave). Fish are aplenty in this corner of the Caribbean Sea, while more experienced divers should try out a spot called Punta Perdiz, which plays host to the wreck of Jaruca – purposely sunk by locals in 1994.

Maria la Gorda

Nestled on the western tip of Cuba, Maria la Gorda is a perfect pick if you’re new to the underwater game. Spectators and sunbathers alike can relax on the coral-white sands backed by swaying palm trees and wooden bungalows – the epitome of island life – whilst diving enthusiasts can take to the waters to explore the colourful marine life.

It’s unlikely you’ll see many big whoppers like sharks here, but there’s plenty of beautiful fish and coral to explore – including lobster, moray eels, barracudas – and even a few 18^th-century shipwrecks! Once you’ve tested the waters (pardon the pun) hop on a short boat ride and you’ll be met by a handful of other dive sites to try.

Maria La Gorda

La Boca

In addition to hosting one of the best beaches in Cuba, Los Cocos, this charming Caribbean fishing village is a hot spot for aquatic sports. Situated close by to Trinidad in Playa Santa Lucia, this small Atlantic channel is a playground for bull sharks – which gather to feed around a 1905 Spanish galleon wreck. We suggest you head to Sharks Friends Dive Centre and learn the ropes before you get up close and personal with the sharks and their pearly whites during lunch time, though!

Once you’ve exhausted La Boca’s 34 dive sites (yes, you read that correctly), you’ll find plenty of entertainment in the way of water sports too – with wind surfing, sailing, and of course fishing. Or, nature enthusiasts can head to the nearby Laguna el Real and spot wildlife including a set of flamingos, if you’re lucky.

Isla de la Juventud

Isla de la Juventud or Isle of Youth is a large tear-shaped island (crowned as Cuba’s second largest after the mainland) that forms part of the Canarreos Archipelago. Boasting hundreds of tiny islands, islets, and keys, it’s made its name for being a prime spot for scuba diving and snorkelling. Like a few other places in Cuba, this isle was first discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1494 – and we can’t blame him for wanting to shout about it.

Popular for a pirate’s tale or two, rumour has it that divers have discovered chests with real gold coins inside here – perhaps there really is a pot of gold at the bottom of the rainbow – but that’s not all that’s rich at Isla de la Juventud. There’s plenty of important diving areas to experience here, including Punta Frances, the Magic-Cave, Gorgonian Garden, Giant Crater and beyond – all teeming with beautiful marine life and delicate coral walls.