🇨🇺Snorkeling, Freediving, and Scuba in Cuba
Quick Facts
- • Best season: Year-round (varies by region)
- • Typical visibility: 10-30m depending on location
- • Entry types: Shore diving, Boat diving
- • Highlights: Explore Cuba's underwater world
Welcome to the ultimate guide for snorkeling, freediving, and scuba diving in Cuba. With 25 documented dive spots across 5 regions, Cuba offers diverse underwater experiences for all skill levels. From vibrant coral reefs to mysterious wrecks, from shallow snorkeling bays to deep freediving drops, discover what makes Cuba a must-visit destination for underwater enthusiasts. Our community-driven platform provides real-time conditions, detailed spot information, and local insights to help you plan your perfect diving adventure.
Regions in Cuba (5)
Dive Spots in Cuba (25)
Barrera de Felipe
Barrera de Felipe is located further offshore and features significant swim-throughs and cavern overhangs that provide habitats for various marine species. The dive site reaches a depth of approximately 85 feet, making it more suitable for advanced divers. Marine life commonly observed here includes nurse sharks, reef sharks, and the occasional eagle ray, along with turtles, stingrays, and a variety of fish such as snapper, angelfish, grunts, parrotfish, and grouper.
22.6130, -78.6264
Bay of Pigs
The Bay of Pigs offers a variety of dive and snorkel opportunities with easy shore access. The area features cenotes located just inland, where divers can observe the unique haloclines formed by the mixing of freshwater and saltwater. Marine life includes typical Caribbean species such as nurse sharks, reef sharks, and the occasional eagle ray. Divers can also expect to see turtles, stingrays, and a diverse array of fish including snapper, angelfish, grunts, parrotfish, and grouper. The site is characterized by its rich coral formations and some wrecks, making it suitable for both divers and snorkelers.
22.1855, -81.1747
Cayo Coco
Cayo Coco provides accessible shallow diving opportunities, with some entry points available directly from the shore. This site is suitable for novice divers and snorkelers. For those with more experience, day charters can be arranged to Jardines de la Reina, known for its exceptional diving conditions. Marine life commonly observed includes nurse sharks, reef sharks, and the possibility of encountering eagle rays, turtles, and stingrays. A variety of fish species such as snapper, angelfish, grunts, parrotfish, and grouper can also be seen in this area.
22.5351, -78.5722
Cayo Largo
Cayo Largo offers a diverse diving experience with options including wall drop-offs, wrecks, and calm shallow reefs featuring caverns and grottoes. The reef is located approximately one mile from the shore. Marine life commonly observed includes nurse sharks, reef sharks, eagle rays, turtles, stingrays, and various fish species such as snapper, angelfish, grunts, parrotfish, and grouper.
21.5912, -81.5565
Cayo Piedra Reef
Cayo Piedra Reef is situated in the Varadero region, east of Havana. This site features several intentionally submerged vessels, including old yachts, frigates, and aircraft, providing unique opportunities for exploration. Divers can encounter a variety of marine life, including nurse sharks, reef sharks, and the occasional eagle ray. Turtles are also present, along with a diverse array of fish species such as snapper, angelfish, grunts, and grouper. The underwater environment is enriched with anemones, contributing to the site's ecological diversity. Entry to the site is from the shore, making it accessible for divers.
23.2019, -81.1459
Coral Beach
Coral Beach is located in the Varadero region of Cuba, east of Havana, and is characterized by abundant healthy coral formations. This site is easily accessible from shore, making it suitable for both beginners and snorkelers. The dive site features a diverse array of Caribbean marine life, including nurse sharks, reef sharks, and the occasional sighting of eagle rays and turtles. Additionally, divers can expect to see various fish species such as snapper, angelfish, grunts, parrotfish, and grouper. The conditions at Coral Beach typically present no current, enhancing the experience for divers and snorkelers alike.
23.1752, -81.1994
Cueva de los Peces
Cueva de los Peces offers a calm diving experience within the Bay of Pigs, making it suitable for both novice divers and snorkelers. The site is home to a variety of Caribbean marine life, including sea horses, eagle rays, turtles, stingrays, and numerous fish species such as snapper, angelfish, grunts, parrot fish, and grouper. The entry to the dive site is from the shore, providing easy access to the underwater environment.
22.1716, -81.1438
Cueva De Los Peces / The Fish Cave
Cueva De Los Peces is a cenote with a maximum depth of 60 meters, located between Playa Larga and Playa Girón in Cuba. Divers can observe corals and various tropical fish, along with stalactite formations.
22.2236, -81.1469
El Róbalo (Wreck)
El Róbalo is a wreck site located at coordinates 22.632400, -78.651000, accessible from the shore. The wreck is surrounded by various small coral formations and is home to diverse marine life. Divers can observe schools of fish, including French Grunts, Cuberetas, and Cajices. Additionally, large groupers, snappers, and parrotfish are often present, along with common sightings of stingrays. The site offers a unique underwater experience due to its rich marine fauna.
22.6324, -78.6510
Español/Borracho
Español/Borracho is a reef dive characterized by a cave and swim-through located at a depth of approximately 4.5 meters. This site is suitable for novice divers and snorkelers due to the absence of current. Marine life commonly observed includes nurse sharks, reef sharks, and the possibility of encountering eagle rays, turtles, and stingrays. A variety of fish species such as snapper, angelfish, grunts, parrotfish, and grouper can also be seen here.
22.6577, -79.0000
Guardalavaca
Guardalavaca offers a diverse diving experience with depths ranging from 5 to 40 meters. The site features various underwater formations, including coral barriers, vertical walls, and cliffs that may lead into deeper waters. Marine life is abundant, with sightings of nurse and reef sharks, as well as potential encounters with eagle rays, turtles, and stingrays. The area is also home to a variety of fish species, including snapper, angelfish, grunts, parrotfish, and grouper.
21.1263, -75.8334
Jardines de la Reina
Jardines de la Reina is located approximately 60 miles south of Cuba's central coast, near the village of Jucaro. This remote area is known for its rich marine biodiversity, offering encounters with a variety of Caribbean fish species, more than found in other locations. Unique to this site is the presence of crocodiles that can be seen swimming among the mangrove forests. Fishing has been discouraged in this region since before it was designated a marine preserve, contributing to its thriving underwater ecosystem. The site is accessible only by boat.
20.8287, -78.9292
Jibacoa Beach
Jibacoa Beach offers direct access to a patch reef system, making it suitable for both diving and snorkeling from the shore. The site features healthy coral growth and is located at coordinates 23.155500, -81.830900. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of Caribbean marine life, including nurse sharks, reef sharks, and the possibility of spotting eagle rays and turtles. Additionally, common fish species include snapper, angelfish, grunts, parrotfish, and grouper. The shallow nature of the reef allows for easy exploration, making it accessible for divers of varying experience levels.
23.1555, -81.8309
La Angelica
La Angelica is a dive site located approximately 12 minutes from the boat launch. It is accessible even in windy conditions, making it a reliable option for divers. The site is characterized by its rich marine life, including Nurse Sharks, Reef Sharks, Stingrays, Turtles, Groupers, Snappers, Barracudas, and Moray Eels. The waters are noted for their clarity, providing excellent visibility for divers.
22.6283, -78.6430
La Morena
La Morena is a shallow Caribbean reef dive accessible from the shore, making it ideal for novice divers and snorkelers. The site features a variety of marine life, including nurse sharks, reef sharks, and the possibility of encountering eagle rays, turtles, and stingrays. Divers can also observe a range of fish species such as snapper, angelfish, grunts, parrotfish, and grouper. The calm conditions and lack of current enhance the experience for all skill levels.
22.6289, -78.6459
Las Coloradas
Las Coloradas consists of two dive sites, Coloradas I and Coloradas II, featuring a narrow reef structure surrounded by sand and lava rocks. The site includes an archway and a small cave for exploration. Divers can expect to see marine life such as barracudas, bream, stingrays, octopuses, and hogfish.
22.5604, -78.3509
Las Mandarinas
Las Mandarinas is a reef site with a maximum depth of 12 meters. It features three heads of coral surrounded by white sand and is home to over 50 species of marine life including yellowtail snapper, groupers, lionfish, and lobsters, along with various soft coral formations and sponges. This site is suitable for both beginner and certified divers.
23.1751, -81.2329
Las Terrazas
Las Terrazas is a shore dive site characterized by clear waters, making it suitable for divers with limited experience. The site features shallow areas where divers can begin their exploration. Marine life is abundant, including various species such as grunts, groupers, snappers, and cuberas. Additionally, divers may encounter striped rays, sharks, cat sharks, and both green and brown moray eels during their dive.
22.6195, -78.6279
Los Mogotes
Los Mogotes is a notable dive site located within the Jardines de la Reina National Park. The site features a mini wall drop-off and cavern overhangs, providing diverse habitats for marine life. Divers can expect to see schooling tarpon and reef sharks, along with large rainbow parrotfish and a variety of healthy coral formations. The entry to this site is from the shore, making it accessible for divers looking to explore its underwater features.
20.8331, -78.9328
Maria La Gorda
Maria La Gorda offers a diverse underwater landscape featuring vertical walls, coral canyons, tunnels, and caves. The site is also notable for the remains of Spanish galleons. Divers can encounter a variety of Caribbean marine life, including nurse sharks, reef sharks, and the occasional eagle ray. Other species commonly observed include turtles, stingrays, snapper, angelfish, grunts, parrotfish, and grouper. The entry to the site is from the shore.
21.8261, -84.4930
Phillips Dive Pier
Phillips Dive Pier is situated at the US Naval Station Guantanamo Bay. The dive site features grass beds and coral formations that range in depth from 6 meters (20 feet) to 18 meters (60 feet). Notable features include a US Navy LCM-8 'Mike boat.' Marine life commonly observed here includes black tip reef sharks, various species of sea turtles, and both green and spotted eels.
19.8985, -75.1649
Playa Ancon
Playa Ancon features a coral garden that is in good health, although the fish population is limited, likely due to local overfishing. Divers can expect to encounter typical Caribbean marine life, including nurse sharks, reef sharks, and possibly eagle rays. Other species present include turtles, stingrays, and various fish such as snapper, angelfish, grunts, parrotfish, and grouper. The site is accessible from the shore.
21.7363, -80.0126
Punta Perdiz
Punta Perdiz is situated in the Bay of Pigs, known for its favorable diving conditions with minimal current, making it accessible for both novice and experienced divers. The site features a wall that divers can explore during their dive. Marine life includes the chance to observe orange seahorses among other typical Caribbean reef species.
22.0850, -81.0765
Servimar (Wreck)
The Servimar wreck is located just 12 minutes from the diving center and provides an opportunity to explore the remains of a ship. Divers can observe a variety of marine life, including nurse sharks, potential sightings of eagle rays, and various species such as parrotfish, butterfly fish, and groupers. The site is characterized by its structural remnants, which create habitats for numerous species.
22.6291, -78.6457
Veradero Beach
Veradero Beach, located on the northern coast of Cuba near Havana, offers diverse diving opportunities including reef, wall, and wreck dives. The marine ecosystem is rich, featuring species such as nurse sharks, reef sharks, eagle rays, turtles, and stingrays. A variety of fish can also be observed, including snapper, angelfish, grunts, parrotfish, and grouper. The site is accessible via shore entry, making it convenient for divers to explore the underwater environment.
23.1500, -81.2667