| One of the most popular holiday types we | | | | untouched beaches and coral reefs. The |
| sell at Captivating Cuba is the scuba | | | | sea also includes mountains of coral |
| diving holiday. Cuba attracts swarms of | | | | reefs and a wide range of fish and |
| divers every year, attracted by its | | | | chelonians and because of the nearby |
| calm, warm waters, its stunning coral | | | | coral reef, the Cuban dive spot is |
| reefs, sunken shipwrecks and dazzling | | | | protected from strong currents making it |
| array of tropical fish. The waters boast | | | | ideal for beginners. Although this is |
| an average annual temperature of over 24 | | | | around 177 kilometres from Havana, local |
| degrees centigrade, and with an average | | | | domestic flights can be taken between |
| visibility of 98 feet, allowing divers | | | | the two locales and take around 45 |
| an excellent view of the underwater | | | | minutes. |
| paradise the Cuban dive sites offer. The | | | | Playa Giron |
| lack of strong currents and variety of | | | | Just east of the Bay of Pigs is Playa |
| dive sites available mean that the | | | | Giron. The international dive centre |
| island is a perfect training ground for | | | | here deals mainly in shelf diving with |
| Cubas diving virgins, as well as | | | | additional trips out to local deep caves |
| offering a challenge for those who were | | | | in the region. The main attractions of |
| born in a wet suit! | | | | this Cuba dive site are the sheer drop |
| So without further ado, heres a list of | | | | offs near shore which are punctuated |
| Captivating Cubas top 5 Cuban diving | | | | with swim throughs, making for memorable |
| sites: | | | | shore dives. The site has some shallow |
| Maria la Gorda | | | | shore dives to initiate beginners, while |
| Located on the west of Cuba, local to | | | | more experienced divers will be |
| Pinar del Rio, Maria la Gorda is a | | | | enamoured by the inland cave dives |
| beautiful dive spot surrounded by nature | | | | available. |
| its one of the least developed areas of | | | | Because of the distance from Havana (a |
| the island. The dive site itself is | | | | road transfer will take upwards of 4 |
| found in the Guanahacabibes Peninsula, | | | | hours), I would recommend staying in one |
| which is a world biosphere preserve and | | | | of the Hotel Playa Girons 290 rooms. Its |
| has two dives zones, with underwater | | | | certainly popular with Cubas divers |
| sights including black coral walls, 18th | | | | indeed; in 1994 a ship was deliberately |
| century shipwrecks, flora and fauna. | | | | sunk for the benefit of the diving |
| There are also caves around for those | | | | population. |
| looking to experience cave and cavern | | | | Faro Luna |
| diving, and possibly night diving trips | | | | Last but not least on my list is Faro |
| if the demand is there. The site is a 4 | | | | Luna, found in the Cienfuegos province |
| hour transfer from Havana, but it is | | | | on the south of the island. The city has |
| well worth the trip to experience what | | | | received many accolades for maintaining |
| is one of the finest Cuba dive sites. | | | | the clean environment of the water and |
| Cayo Levisa | | | | as a result of this and the 28 dive |
| If youre looking for something a little | | | | sites in the region, it remains a |
| more accessible from the islands | | | | popular area with Cuban diving |
| capital, then Cayo Levisa may be the | | | | enthusiasts. The Faro de Luna Diving |
| answer. Located on the north west of the | | | | Center has shipwrecks, marine life and |
| island, about an hours trip from Havana, | | | | coral formation barriers so high they |
| the Cuban dive site is home to sponges, | | | | are visible on the surface. The waters |
| black coral and some of the islands | | | | here are so clean and clear that the |
| larger tropical fish. Its also home to | | | | zone is highly recommended for Cuban |
| some of the islands more memorable | | | | divers who wish to engage in some |
| shipwrecks, with 17th and 18th century | | | | underwater photography. |
| wrecks of archaeological interest free | | | | Those visiting Cuba to dive are in for a |
| for divers to explore. If you want to | | | | real treat. Ive only namechecked 5 Cuban |
| make diving the focus of your holiday, | | | | diving sites here that warranted extra |
| the Hotel Cayo Levisa allows Cubas | | | | special mention, but the clear, warm |
| divers to stay in one of its 40 rooms | | | | waters, tropical fish and stunning coral |
| for the duration of their trip | | | | formations mean that wherever divers in |
| Cayo Largo | | | | Cuba go, they are unlikely to be |
| Located on the southern side of the | | | | disappointed. |
| Cuba, Cayo Largo showcases virtually | | | | |