Dive Site: Ancla Del Pirata

About Ancla Del Pirata

Ancla del Pirata, or "Pirate's Anchor," is a popular and accessible dive site located in the waters off María la Gorda, on Cuba's westernmost tip within the Guanahacabibes National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. This site is distinguished by a significant historical artifact: an 18th-century, two-ton anchor, now heavily encrusted with corals and crustaceans, creating an artificial reef that shelters diverse marine organisms. The underwater landscape here features attractive hard corals, spectacular gorgonians, and wide sandy channels that cut through the wall. Depths around the anchor are generally shallow, starting at approximately 18 meters, making it an ideal location for less experienced divers to explore a wall-and-channels environment without significant depth challenges. The site's protected location in Bahía de Corrientes contributes to calm, clear water conditions throughout the year. Marine life at Ancla del Pirata is abundant, with snappers, wrasse, jacks, angelfish, and squirrelfish commonly sighted among the coral formations. Barracudas are also known to patrol the waters above the corals. The site is a fine example of the historic ground tackle scattered along this coast, blending a touch of maritime history with thriving Caribbean reef ecosystems. Diving here typically involves a relaxed exploration of the anchor and surrounding coral structures. The mild conditions and moderate depths allow for extended bottom times and ample opportunity for observation, embodying the tranquil and rich underwater experience characteristic of the María la Gorda area.

Dive site facts: Ancla Del Pirata

Depth

10–18 m

Typical dive

18 m, 45–60 min

Current

Mild

Visibility

20–30 m

Water temperature

24–30°C

Entry

Day boat

Level

Beginner

Dive type

Wall, anchor, coral reef

Region / port

María la Gorda / Pinar del Río

Coordinates

21.8417° N, 84.4983° W

Conditions & Currents

Currents at Ancla del Pirata are generally mild, contributing to the calm and clear water conditions characteristic of the María la Gorda area. Divers can anticipate a relaxed experience, allowing for unhurried exploration of the anchor and surrounding coral structures without exerting significant physical effort. Visibility at the site is consistently good, often ranging from 20 to 30 meters, though local conditions can cause minor fluctuations. The sheltered nature of Bahía de Corrientes mitigates stronger currents, ensuring relatively straightforward boat entries and exits. These gentle conditions make Ancla del Pirata enjoyable for divers of all experience levels and simplify gas planning, as current-related expenditure is minimal.

Marine life & sighting chances

Snappers

common

Wrasse

common

Jacks

common

Angelfish

common

Squirrelfish

common

Gorgonians

common

Sponges

common

Hard corals

common

Barracudas

occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Dives at Ancla del Pirata typically begin with a boat entry from the María la Gorda dive center, which is about 30 minutes away. Upon descent, divers will find the iconic 18th-century, two-ton anchor resting against coral promontories at approximately 18 meters. The dive usually involves exploring the anchor itself, observing the abundant marine life that has made it home, and then following the surrounding wall and sandy channels. The profile maintains a relatively shallow depth, typically between 10 to 18 meters, allowing for extended bottom time. Divers can drift along the wall, admiring the attractive hard corals, spectacular gorgonians, and encrusting sponges. The turning point is generally determined by air consumption or dive time, leading to a gradual ascent. A safety stop is conducted at 5 meters, often offering additional opportunities to observe reef fish in the shallower waters before surfacing near the boat.

Underwater photography

Ancla del Pirata offers excellent opportunities for wide-angle photography, particularly to capture the large 18th-century anchor against the backdrop of the coral-encrusted wall. A wide-angle lens will best convey the scale of this historic artifact and the surrounding reef structure. For capturing the smaller reef fish, crustaceans, and the intricate details of the sponges and gorgonians covering the anchor, a macro lens or close-up filters would be highly effective. The typically calm and clear waters with good natural light allow for vibrant colors without excessive artificial lighting, though strobes will enhance detail and color saturation. Practicing good buoyancy control is crucial to avoid disturbing the delicate coral and sediment around the anchor, ensuring clear shots and preserving the site.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Valle de Coral Negro

  Largest black coral formation in Cuba, wall dive.

• El Salón de María

  Reef and grotto formation with swim-through, known for crinoids.

• Yemayá

  Wall dive with a tunnel lined with purple vase sponges.

• Paraíso Perdido

  Deep wall dive known for larger fish encounters like groupers and snappers.

Getting there & logistics

Access to Ancla del Pirata is managed through the Centro Internacional de Buceo María la Gorda, situated in the Guanahacabibes National Park at Cuba's western tip. Divers typically arrive via Havana's José Martí International Airport (HAV), followed by a 4.5–5 hour road transfer (approximately 300 km) to María la Gorda. There is no public transport for the final stretch, and a passport checkpoint is at La Bajada. Trips are usually day excursions from the single resort in María la Gorda, as the site is within a 20-minute boat ride. Park fees are often integrated into dive packages, emphasizing sustainable diving practices. María la Gorda acts as a remote, single-resort dive outpost, offering focused access to numerous sites including Ancla del Pirata.

Safety & environment

María la Gorda benefits from dedicated medical support at its dive center, which is equipped with first aid and oxygen, and has radio communication for emergencies. A medical doctor is typically on-site who may monitor diver health, such as blood pressure. For more serious incidents, Cuba maintains a national network of hyperbaric chambers in Havana, Matanzas, Isla de la Juventud, and Santiago de Cuba, with evacuation procedures in place. Divers should always have comprehensive dive insurance covering medical emergencies and evacuation. Site-specific hazards at Ancla del Pirata are minimal due to the mild currents and moderate depths, making it suitable for beginners. However, standard safe diving practices, including monitoring no-decompression limits and ascent rates, are always advised. Respecting marine life and avoiding contact with corals and the historic anchor is crucial for personal safety and site preservation.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Ancla Del Pirata FAQ

Liveaboards diving Ancla Del Pirata

These liveaboards may visit Ancla Del Pirata on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Jardines Avalon Fleet

Cuba

20 guests35.05 m

$494/day