| o? | | | | resort of Cayo Coco is a particular highlight. Located |
| Scuba diving in Cuba has become hugely popular in | | | | on the north of the island, a magnificent coral reef is |
| recent years, and it’s easy to see why. The | | | | half a mile from the coast and this particular part of |
| water is warm and crystal clear, and the vibrant | | | | the Cuban coast is teeming with tropical fish, giving |
| underwater wildlife and excellently preserved coral | | | | divers plenty to see underwater. Out of the water, |
| reefs make it a key destination for avid scuba divers. | | | | Cayo Coco features the finest beaches in Cuba, and |
| The sheer number of great dive sites in Cuba is | | | | the numerous hotels and dive companies that are set |
| staggering, far too many to explore in a single Cuba | | | | up at this resort mean that you’ll have little |
| diving holiday. Many keen scuba divers return to the | | | | trouble finding places to stay and companies to dive |
| island year on year to explore some of the more out | | | | with. |
| of the way places. The sites also present a good | | | | Maria la Gorda is equally popular, and is regarded as |
| variation in their level of difficulty, so diving in Cuba is | | | | one of the best sites for scuba diving in Cuba. |
| suitable for both beginners and veteran divers. | | | | Situated in the midst of a national park, Maria la |
| Scuba diving in Cuba is a big business and there are | | | | Gorda provides a more secluded experience than |
| plenty of companies to choose from, especially | | | | Cayo Coco – there’s little here except |
| around the most popular dive sites. Note that if you | | | | for natural beauty, a few apartments and |
| have dived before, you must bring your certification | | | | restaurants, the dive centre and some of the best |
| card with you. If you are a beginner, many | | | | diving on the island. The dive sites are characterised |
| companies run courses that will get you certified in a | | | | by steep drops, and sheer walls that are riddled with |
| few hours. | | | | caves and tunnels to explore. |
| When Should I Go? | | | | If you’d prefer to go diving amidst ship |
| The rainy season runs from May to October; the | | | | wrecks rather than coral reefs, then Santiago de |
| most popular (and expensive) time to go diving in | | | | Cuba is the place to go, as there are a number of |
| Cuba is between November and May. Plenty of good | | | | well preserved wrecks that are safe to explore. |
| diving can still be done all year round – the | | | | How Much Will It Cost? |
| average water temperature is a balmy 24 degrees | | | | Naturally, the cost of scuba diving in Cuba will vary |
| Celsius. Be aware that once every two years or so | | | | depending on the season you visit and the company |
| Cuba experiences a hurricane between August and | | | | that you go with. Single dives typically cost between |
| September along its east coast, so it is worth | | | | $25 - $50 US, with discounts available if you buy |
| researching if a hurricane is expected to hit before | | | | several dives at the same time. Many companies now |
| you book your holiday! | | | | offer Cuba diving holiday packages, including flights, |
| Where Should I Go? | | | | accommodation and diving costs, which can offer |
| There are great dive sites suitable for Cuba diving | | | | good value and save you the hassle of putting |
| holidays around the entire coast of the island, but the | | | | everything together separately. |