San Antonio Reef — Maria la Gorda
A week-long expedition from Havana to the western reefs of Cuba — from the San Felipe archipelago and San Antonio Reef to the diving mecca of Maria la Gorda. The route passes through scenic UNESCO landscapes and Cuba’s largest cave.
San Antonio Reef is famous for the “Hanging Gardens” and “Fox’s Den” — caves and crevices in the coral walls. Blue Hole — a karst sinkhole 120 meters deep. “Darwin’s Arch” — a unique underwater arch formation. Maria la Gorda — vertical walls up to 40 meters with the richest reef life. San Antonio Bank in the open ocean is accessible only to divers with advanced certification.
What You'll See
Conditions
Season
November–April
Visibility
20–40 meters
Water Temperature
25–28°C
Level
From Advanced Open Water
Duration
6 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
