Login
Facebook
YouTube
WhatsApp
Twitter
Scuba diving in Cuba offers an exciting gateway into the marine ecosystems, where history meets natural wonder. Located in the heart of the Caribbean, Cuba’s crystal-clear waters host an astonishing variety of marine life and colorful coral reefs. From ancient shipwrecks to thriving underwater forests, each dive reveals hidden treasures beneath the waves. The island’s rich heritage and unique geographic position ensure exceptional diving conditions for both novices and experienced adventurers. With warm waters and mesmerizing seascapes, Cuba is fast becoming a must-visit destination for aquatic explorers. Dive into Cuba for a truly transformative experience.
10 Best Places For Scuba Diving In Cuba
Scuba diving in Cuba reveals mesmerizing underwater worlds, blending reefs, abundant marine life, and thrilling adventures in Caribbean waters.
1. Jardines De La Reina, Gardens Of The Queen
Photo: Subtle Cinematics / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Scuba diving in Cuba in Jardines de la Reina is a premier experience for underwater enthusiasts, showcasing marine life and coral reefs. This protected marine area is home to diverse species, including various sharks and turtles, making it a top destination for divers seeking adventure. The clear waters and minimal currents provide excellent visibility, allowing for immersive encounters with the rich ecosystem. With around 80 dive sites, divers can explore stunning underwater landscapes while contributing to marine conservation efforts.
Best Time To Visit: December to April
Price: 30,000 CUP – 37,500 CUP
Nearby Attractions: Cayo Largo del Sur, Cayo Coco, Varadero Beach
2. Cayo Largo
Photo: Leonardo Lamas / Pexels / Image For Representation Onl
The Cayo Largo marine reserve is considered one of the best places for scuba diving in Cuba, featuring more than 30 dive sites. Divers can explore coral reefs, walls, caves, grottos, and shipwrecks, with depths ranging from 7 to 30 meters. The area boasts excellent conservation measures, ensuring a colorful marine environment with diverse coral and abundant marine life. The average horizontal visibility is 30 meters, with sea temperatures ranging from 23ºC in winter to 30ºC in summer.
Best Time To Visit: March and May
Nearby Attractions: Cayo Rosario
3. Isla de la Juventud
Photo: Debal Das / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Isla de la Juventud, or the Isle of Youth, is a premier destination for scuba diving in Cuba, renowned for its diverse marine life and stunning underwater landscapes. The Punta Frances Marine National Park offers exceptional visibility and a variety of dive sites, including caves, drop-offs, and shipwrecks. Divers can encounter vibrant coral reefs, large fish species like tarpon, and occasional sightings of turtles and sharks. The island’s rich biodiversity makes it a unique underwater experience for divers of all levels.
Best Time To Visit: December to April
Price: 1,125 CUP
Nearby Attractions: Cueva de los Peces (Fish Cave), Playa Bibijagua
4. Playa Larga
Photo: Royonx / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Scuba diving in Cuba is an exceptional experience, especially in Playa Larga, which offers direct access to the Bay of Pigs’ abundant marine life and coral formations. Divers can explore diverse sites right from the coast, including coral reefs, walls, and cenotes. Recommended dive spots include Punta Perdiz, known for its wall dives, El Jaruco wreck, and Cueva de los Peces. Expect clear waters with visibility up to 150 feet, teeming with colorful fish, sponges, and corals.
Best Time To Visit: December to April
Price: 4,500 Cuban Pesos
Nearby Attractions: Cueva de los Peces, Punta Perdiz
5. Varadero
Photo: Alex P / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Scuba diving in Cuba, particularly in Varadero, offers an exceptional underwater experience with access to vibrant coral reefs, intriguing wrecks, and diverse marine life. The area features about twenty dive sites, with depths generally not exceeding 30 meters. Notable spots include the wreck of the Russian frigate BP 385 MONCADA and the scenic Cueva de Saturno. Varadero is recognized as one of the most affordable diving destinations in Cuba, attracting divers from around the world.
Best Time To Visit: November to April
Price: 1,125 CUP
Nearby Attractions: Playa Varadero, Cueva de Saturno, Cuevas de Bellamar
6. El Jaruco
Photo: Saad Alaiyadhi / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Scuba diving in Cuba is a fun and exciting activity, especially at El Jaruco. This well-known dive site is famous for its small shipwrecks and the many nurse sharks that can be seen swimming around. The underwater world is full of life, with bright coral reefs and many different types of fish. It is a perfect place for people who are new to diving as well as for those who have plenty of experience
Best Time To Visit: December to April
Price: 1,200 CUP – 2,400 CUP
Nearby Attractions: Escaleras de Jaruco Natural Park, Cueva del Cura, Playa Jibacoa beach
7. Punta Perdiz
Photo: Kevin C. Charpentier / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Punta Perdiz is a premier destination for scuba diving in Cuba, famous for its vibrant marine life and stunning underwater scenery. Located in the Ciénaga de Zapata National Park, divers can explore crystal-clear waters teeming with colorful fish and diverse coral reefs. The site features easy access from the shore, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced divers. Punta Perdiz offers an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts seeking to immerse themselves in Cuba’s rich aquatic biodiversity.
Best Time To Visit: April to June
Price: 1,000 CUP – 2,500 CUP
Nearby Attractions: Cueva de los Peces (cenote), Zapata Swamp (birdwatching)
8. Guardalavaca
Photo: Anonymous / Pxhere / Image For Representation Only
Scuba diving in Cuba, particularly in Guardalavaca, offers divers an unforgettable experience with its stunning underwater landscapes. The region features impressive walls and tunnels, as well as military wrecks that attract both novice and experienced divers. With over 30 dive sites, including coral gardens and shipwrecks, visibility is often excellent, allowing for encounters with diverse marine life. Dive centers like Eagle Ray and Coral Reef provide guided excursions, ensuring safety and enjoyment for all participants.
Best Time To Visit: November to April
Price: 1,000 CUP onwards
Nearby Attractions: Bahia de Naranjo Natural Park, Playa Esmeralda
9. Cayo Coco
Photo: Daniel Torobekov / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Cayo Coco, part of Cuba’s Jardines del Rey archipelago, is a prime location for scuba diving in Cuba, boasting clear waters and vibrant reef life. With approximately 18 dive sites, the coral reef barrier stretches over 32 km, offering depths between 4 and 30 meters. Divers can explore coral reefs, shipwrecks, and caves, with opportunities for both day and night dives. The diverse marine life, including tarpon, snappers, groupers, sharks, and barracudas, creates an unforgettable experience.
Best Time To Visit: December to April
Price: 3,913 CUP
Nearby Attractions: Plaza Los Flamencos, Acuavida Spa Talaso
10. Maria La Gorda
Photo: Ayden Zaki / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Scuba diving in Cuba, particularly at María la Gorda, offers an extraordinary experience with over 50 dive sites showcasing coral reefs and diverse marine life. The clear waters provide visibility up to 30 meters, making it ideal for underwater photography. Divers can explore vertical walls, coral canyons, and tunnels, with opportunities to see barracudas, groupers, and even the occasional shark. The area is recognized as one of the best diving spots in Latin America, attracting both beginners and seasoned divers.
Best Time To Visit: April to June
Price: 1,250 CUP – 2,500 CUP
Nearby Attractions: Guanahacabibes National Park
Scuba diving in Cuba transforms every dive into an unforgettable journey that merges adventure with natural beauty. The diverse underwater landscapes are full of vibrant marine species, stunning coral formations, and intriguing historical relics, creating a paradise for novices and expert divers alike. Each dive offers a unique encounter with Cuba’s rich biodiversity and storied cultural heritage. For thrill-seekers and nature lovers, this island destination promises unparalleled excitement beneath the waves. Ready to explore? Book your next aquatic adventure with TripXL and dive into a world of wonder.
Cover Photo: Mati Mango / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
