Is Scuba Diving in Cuba on America's Horizon?

If Embargo Ends, U.S. Divers Can Expect Pristine Cuban Dive Sites

Jun 8, 2009

With new overtures between the U.S. and Cuba, travel restrictions may soon be lifted. If so, U.S. divers will want to experience some of the Caribbean's best dive sites.

The U.S. embargo of Cuba has effectively curtailed American tourism of the island for decades. Increasingly, both countries are reaching out, and recent moves by the Obama administration are seen leading to an eventual end of the embargo. U.S. tourists likely would flock to Cuba to experience its unique culture, music, rum and cigars, as well as its spectacular beaches. Just as spectacular are Cuba's many coral reef dive sites.

The Marine Geography of Cuba

Cuba, with more than 3,000 miles of coastline, warm water and extensive reef systems, is an ideal destination for fishing, boating, snorkeling and scuba diving. The main island of Cuba is almost as large as the rest of the Caribbean islands combined, at nearly 41,000 square miles. It is about 800 miles long, and ranges between 20 and 120 miles wide. The largest of its 4,000 secondary islands, islets and cays is the Isla de la Juventud (the Isle of Youth), at more than 800 square miles.

Land elevations range between sea level and 6,500 feet Pico Turquino, the highest peak. The Cayman Trench, between Cuba and The Cayman islands to the south, is more than 23,000 feet deep. Essentially free of tides, the island is circled by currents. The Caribbean Current flows northwest along the southern coastline, and the Bahamas Current flows west along the eastern north coast, colliding with the east-flowing Gulf Stream. The Atlantic ocean lies to the north, and the Caribbean sea to the south.

With miles of coastline and reefs, great visibility and warm water, Cuba is a diver's delight. Primary dive sites are found around the main island and Isla de la Juventud, and offer a variety of conditions including caves, walls, tunnels and wrecks. 44 dive sites at 8 separate locations are documented in the Diving And Snorkeling Guide To Cuba. Two of the best of those locations are Maria la Gorda and Isla de la Juventud.

The Cuban Dive Sites at Maria La Gorda

One of the best Cuban dive locations is Maria La Gorda, which lies at the western end of Cuba, about 120 miles from Havana. This area is remote, peaceful and uncrowded. Year-round diving is possible in the clear, calm waters, with temperatures ranging between 78 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter to 82 degrees in the summer. Gorgonians, sponges and a variety of corals are common, as well as many fish. As at other Cuban dive sites, divers are likely to be surprised by the friendly nature of the fish. Unlike the timid fish found at more crowded Caribbean sites, the inquisitive Cuban fish will often follow divers across long underwater stretches.

Multiple dive sites run south to north along the Maria coastline, and the dive experience required ranges from novice to advanced. Depths run to 100 feet, and marine life includes Spotted drum, Nassau and Black groupers, Queen triggerfish, turtles, octopus and barracuda, among others.

Scuba Diving at Isla de la Juventud

Getting to the Isle of Youth requires a short flight from Havana, but it is well worth it. The island is the best-known Cuban dive location, with more than 50 dive sites accessible by boat. Dive operations are centered at the Colony Hotel, and are modern and complete, with a full range of equipment and services. A hyperbaric chamber and medical personnel are also available on the island.

The warm water is mostly calm, and the diving is characterized by valleys and tunnels. However, summer rains can be torrential, and diving during a tropical storm is an unforgettable possibility. Black coral is abundant at some of the sites, as are dozens of other coral varieties.

Dive sites range to 130 feet, and some sites require a one hour boat ride to reach. Plenty of novice and intermediate sites are available. Countless angelfish and other tropicals are common, and schools of Tarpon can been seen emerging from underwater crevices.

The possible lifting of travel restrictions to Cuba holds exciting promise for U.S. tourists. Scuba divers in particular will welcome the opportunity to experience Cuba's pristine dive sites.

Williams, Diana. Diving and Snorkeling Guide To Cuba. Houston, Texas: Pisces Books, 1996

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