Cienaga de Zapata
The Zapata Peninsula is a UNESCO biosphere reserve encompassing the best-preserved wetland system in the Caribbean. The territory of over 600,000 hectares includes mangrove forests, sea grass meadows, coral reefs, and a complex ecosystem with minimal human presence.
Dive sites include the canyons Canon de Sigua and Canon de Cayo Blanco, the Blue Hole-Sigua, coral walls of Cayo Blanco and Corona de Cayo Cobo, Gorgonian Reef, La Farola de Guerrero lighthouse, La Pared Negra black wall, and Nirvana. Visibility at most sites is excellent, though it may decrease in the cave section of Blue Hole-Sigua due to sediment.
What You'll See
Conditions
Season
November–April
Visibility
20–40 meters
Water Temperature
25–28°C
Level
Advanced Open Water+
Duration
7 nights
Useful Information
Best Season
November–April (dry season, calm seas), December–February for peak shark action
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.
How to Get 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).
Climate
Tropical, 22–32°C, rainy season May–October
Currency
Cuban peso (CUP); euros and US dollars widely used by visitors
Time Zone
UTC-5
