CubaPLUS Magazine

The quest for new underwater adventures draws travelers from around the world to Cuba in search of active vacations.

The island’s climate, landscapes, and facilities that support diving and snorkeling programs make it an outstanding destination. Companies such as Ecotur, dedicated to nature, adventure, and rural tourism, and Marlin, focused on maritime activities, play a leading role in these offerings.

With excursions by catamaran, coastal dives, and countless other options, the Cuban archipelago abounds with sites ideal for exploration. To fully enjoy these experiences—whether diving deep into oceanic wonders or capturing striking underwater images—Cuba’s pristine nature provides a unique appeal.

Among the top sites recommended by experts are Isla de la Juventud with Cayo Largo del Sur in the southwest; María la Gorda in Pinar del Río; the northern coast of Havana; Varadero beach and the Zapata Peninsula in Matanzas; as well as areas in eastern Cuba such as Santiago de Cuba, northern Camagüey and Holguín, and the remarkable Jardines del Rey and Jardines de la Reina.

The last on that list deserves to be the first: Jardines de la Reina is celebrated by many professional divers as one of the most extraordinary dive sites in the world.

Cuba’s seabed offers divers the chance to create unforgettable memories. The country hosts several underwater photography competitions across its coasts and island shelf, taking advantage of well-preserved reefs, favorable weather, and solid infrastructure.

Many seasoned divers travel to Cuba eager to explore its hidden corners. The island’s warm waters—considered “like soup” by some due to their tropical heat—are for others a true paradise.

A wide variety of dive sites, hotels near marinas, and professional guides trained to international standards complete a well-rounded diving experience.

According to Cuba’s Ministry of Tourism, there are over 500 well-studied dive sites across the archipelago, featuring underwater landscapes, exotic corners, caves, vertical walls, and tunnels.

Divers can also explore cliffs and channels offering endless opportunities, both by day and at night. Among Cuba’s coral treasures, one standout is the formation known as “Notre Dame” off the coast of Cienfuegos, considered the tallest coral structure in the Caribbean, rising nearly six meters.

Shipwrecks are another highlight of Cuba’s underwater world. The waters of Santiago de Cuba are particularly rich, where hundreds of vessels sank—some victims of pirates and storms during colonial times, others during the Spanish-Cuban-American War of 1898.

Diving in Cuba not only enriches the island’s recreational offerings but also promotes sustainable ways of appreciating its beauty—ensuring that these underwater landscapes remain preserved for future generations.