Scuba Diving in Cuba

We helped the Cubans set up a number of their dive sites. We think we know the secrets to Cuba's safest and best diving destinations.

The sport of scuba diving depends very largely upon those who participate in the sport to preserve and conserve the very environment upon which their sport depends. The Cubans are among the most environmentally conscious people on earth.

Cuba is very concerned about the safety of the scuba divers and they never dive with more than 5 scuba divers per dive master. There are currently 10 recompression chambers in Cuba with highly qualified doctors manning them at all times. The safety record for diving in Cuba is probably unmatched at any other destination in the world.

Currently there are more than 30 dive sites in Cuba. We like to think that we know where the best ones are....we helped to start them.

Prices can range from $3500 for a week at the Last Paradise Keys (Jardines de la Reina), to paying as little as $25 for a dive in some places if you have most of your own equipment.  Prices as some of the more famous dive sites like the Island of Youth or Maria la Gorda might average $100 to $150 per person each day including accommodations, three meals and at least two dives per day.

Expect to pay around $365 to get certified as a diver in Cuba.  Resort courses for beginners start at about $60.

Some of the resorts are:

Island of Youth.... Most diving is done from Pirates Point where there are about 56 different dive sites.  There are several hotels to choose from here. The area is protected and diving is almost a 365 day per year guarantee.  Winter water temperatures average about 75 degrees and summer averages about 82 degrees.

The Tortuga Floating Hotel

Jardines de la Reina....An outstanding dive destination located in the Bay of Anna Maria off the south shore in central Cuba.  The Tortuga, a floating hotel, that holds about 30 people is located in this area.  There are also several supporting live aboard dive boats for 6-8 persons.  Americans know this area as the Last Paradise Keys and Canadians call it the Garden of the Queens.

           Halcon                                Exploradora         

Beach at Cayo Largo

Cayo Largo....Cayo Largo is the most easterly island in the Archipeligo de los Cannareos.  Here you will find beautiful turquoise waters.  It is a perfect place for water sports of all types.  There are six hotels located on Cayo Largo.  There are over 30 dive sites here and the diving is done out of the Puerto Sol marina.

Bay of Pigs....Here you will find two destinations known as Playa Larga and Play Giron.  There are numerous hotel rooms and bungalows to stay at and much of the scuba diving is done from the shore.  This area is known for it's abrupt ocean walls and underwater caves.  Lots of gorgonians, sponges and corals.

Cayo Levisa.... Cuba is surrounded by thousands of cays and islets where sand and greenness blend together with crystal clear waters. Among them is Cayo Levisa on the Northern Coast of Pinar Del Rio, A truly natural paradise whose surrounding have remained virgin... With unforgettable Blue and calm beaches and ideal locations for Scuba Diving and water sports, a three kilometer beach and virgin land just two hours outside of Havana City. This resort features 20 Double Cottages, TV & Radio, Private bathroom, Restaurant, Shops, Bar and Scuba Diving Center..
A true virgin paradise you will come to love ....

Marina Hemingway....Located on the western edge of Havana.  Capacity for 8 divers.  There are about 30 dive sites with depths ranging from 5 to 35 meters.  A variety of flora and fauna.

Matanzas....Here you will find the Barracuda Scuba Diving Center at Playa Azul at Varadero Beach, the place many call the most beautiful beach in the world. Capacity is for 30 divers and more than 30 dive sites ranging from 5 to 40 meters in depth.  A variety of marine flora and fauna.

Cienfuegos....Faro Luna Scuba Diving Center.  Located on Ranch Luna Beach on the central-south coast.  The capacity is for 8 divers with about 25 diving sites.  Depth ranges from 5 to 35 feet.  A good variety of marine flora and fauna.

Cayo Coco

Ciego de Avila....The Coco Diving Center is located on Cayo Coco, Cuba's second most important beach.  Capacity is for 8 divers and about 20 dive sites.  Depth ranges from 5 to 30 meters and lots of marine flora and fauna.

Camaguey....The Shark's Friends Scuba Diving Center is located on Santa Lucia Beach on the north-eastern coast of Cuba.  Capacity is for 8 scuba divers and features about 17 diving sites with a range of 5-40 meters.  It has a variety of marine flora and fauna.

Holguin....The Eagle Ray Scuba Diving Center is located at Guardalavaca Beach on the norh-eastern coast of Cuba.  Capaicity if for 11 scuba divers with 32 diving sites.  Depth ranges from 5-40 meters.  A variety of marine flora and fauna.

Granma....The Albacora Scuba Diving Center is located on Marea del Portillo Beach on the south-eastern shore of Cuba.  Capacity is for 8 divers featuring 17 dive sites.  Depth is about 5-40 meters with a variety of marine flora and fauna.

Santiago de Cuba....Sigua Scuba Diving Center is located at Boconao Park on the south-eastern coast of Cuba.  Capacity if for 8 divers and  features 23 different dive sites.  Average depth is 5-40 meters with a varied marine flora and fauna.

Guajimico....The small village of Guajimico (an indian name), is located about half way between Cienfugos and Trinidad (30 minutes from each).  it has 14 dive sites with two dive boats, one that holds 30 people and the other 20.  There are 51 cottages built in a traditional Cuban style with private bathrooms and air conditioning.  Diving instructions can be given by CMAS and ACUC instructors. Diving is 5 to 60 meters.