Liveaboard diving in Cuba

Gardens of the Queen — silky and Caribbean reef sharks, crocodiles in the mangroves, untouched reef

1 yacht for liveaboard diving

Diving in Cuba — Gardens of the Queen: silky and Caribbean reef sharks, crocodiles in the mangroves, María la Gorda. Liveaboard schedules and prices.

Why divers come here

Jardines de la Reina — a protected marine park since 1996, no commercial fishing
Silky sharks circling at the surface during the safety stop
Caribbean reef sharks on the majority of dives
Guided snorkelling with American crocodiles in the mangrove lagoons
Goliath grouper over 100 kg that approach divers closely
María la Gorda and Punta Francés — walls, caves and black coral

What you'll meet underwater

Silky sharks (near the surface, year-round) Caribbean reef sharks Nurse sharks American crocodile in the mangroves Goliath grouper West Indian manatees and green turtles Tarpon and schooling snapper Angelfish, parrotfish and moray eels

Practical information

Best season: November–April (dry season, calm seas), December–February for peak shark action
Water temperature: 24–29 °C
Visibility: 20–40 m
Wetsuit: 3 mm in summer, 5 mm in winter and for repetitive diving
Experience level: Open Water and above; Advanced recommended for the walls and deeper sites
Getting there: Fly to Havana (HAV) via Europe or Istanbul, then a 6–8 hour transfer to the port of Júcaro, where liveaboards depart for Jardines de la Reina. María la Gorda is a 5–6 hour drive from Havana; Isla de la Juventud is reached by a short flight to Nueva Gerona (GER).
Airports: Havana (HAV), Camagüey (CMW), Cayo Largo (CYO), Nueva Gerona (GER)
Visa: Most visitors need a tourist card (visa) obtained before travel; several nationalities, including Russian citizens, enter visa-free for up to 90 days. Valid medical insurance and the online D'Viajeros traveller declaration (filed within 72 hours of departure) are required for everyone.
Climate: Tropical, 22–32°C, rainy season May–October
Currency: Cuban peso (CUP); euros and US dollars widely used by visitors
Language: Spanish
Time zone: UTC-5