Learn to Dive in Cuba
Cuba’s Highlights
Diving in Cuba is incredible. Over 100 species of sharks can be found in Cuba’s waters. Whale sharks and manta rays can be spotted at various times of the year. The reefs in Cuba are healthy and in good condition. One of the best ways to visit Cuba’s best dive sites is doing a liveaboard. Cuba has found it important to protect its waters which means dive sites are healthy and vibrant.
It is one of the larger Caribbean countries with over 500 dive sites to explore. Many of Cuba’s dive sites can be accessed directly from shore making it easy to do repetitive dives in a day. For years, Cuba was inaccessible to Americans and was not touristy at all. Unlike other Caribbean destinations, Cuba developed without American tourism.
When is the best time to go diving in Cuba?
You can dive in Cuba at any time of the year. The best time to dive is between November and April, which is the dry season with the calmest conditions.
Water Temperature: The water drops to 25°C and rises to 30°C in the hotter months.
Currents: None to medium
Visibility: Between 20 and 40 meters
Cuba’s best dive sites
Cueva de los Peces, Bay of Pigs
The Bay of Pigs is monumental in shaping Cuba’s history in the 1960’s. Now home to some beautiful dive sites, Cueva de los Peces or ‘Fish Cave’ features 17 species of coral and an abundance of fish on a wall that drops to 70 meters.
Jardines de la Reina
This archipelago, located 80km from mainland Cuba, can only be accessed by liveaboard. Jardines de la Reina has been a protected marine park since 2002. It’s over 150 km in length and has many spots to be explored. Black tips, nurse sharks and hammerheads can be found in huge numbers. You will also have the chance to swim with crocodiles that live in the mangroves.
Punta Francés on the Isla de la Juventud
With crystal clear blue water, Punta Francés features over 56 stunning dive sites. Hammerheads and rays are common to see on dives.
About the country
When picking where to stay in Cuba, you can choose to stay in a hotel, owned by the government or private houses with or without other tenants. By living with the locals, you can uncover a part of Cuba that other tourists won’t see. People still live on rations so dining options may be different to other countries.
Recreational Courses in Cuba
Dive Centers in Cuba
Getting to Cuba
Cuba’s main airport is the José Martín International Airport in Havana. Once you arrive in Cuba it’s important to note that there are limited options when it comes to buses and trains that connect the major cities. One of the best ways to get around is to rent a car.
Other important information
- Capital: Havana
- Official Language: Spanish
- Demonym: Cuban
- Currency: Cuban Peso (CUP)
- Calling code: +53
- Driving Side: right
- Population: Over 11,180,000
- Pressure: PSI
- First Stage: INT/Yoke
