Dive Site: Black Coral

About Black Coral

Black Coral I and II are prominent dive sites within Cuba's Jardines De La Reina marine reserve, renowned for their exceptionally healthy coral ecosystems and diverse marine life. These sites are typically explored as part of a seven-day liveaboard itinerary, showcasing the pristine condition of one of the Caribbean's premier scuba diving destinations. The underwater topography at both locations features a vibrant array of corals, including giant gorgonian fans, table corals, and extensive black coral colonies. Sunlight easily penetrates the clear waters, illuminating these formations and creating a rich, biodiverse habitat. The proximity of vast mangrove forests further enhances the reef's health and provides a natural nursery for many species. Divers can anticipate encounters with numerous reef fish, such as angelfish, parrotfish, and clownfish, which thrive among the colorful corals. Sharks are frequently observed, particularly reef sharks congregating at the drop-offs, while stingrays rest on the sandy bottom. Large schools of jacks and groupers are also common sights, making for dynamic and engaging dives. The Cuban government's restrictions on annual visitor numbers ensure the preserve remains unspoiled and protected. Liveaboard excursions typically allow for multiple dives per day at Black Coral I and II. The optimal conditions, with perfect visibility and thriving marine populations, make these sites suitable for divers of various experience levels, particularly those with good buoyancy control who can appreciate the drift diving opportunities.

Dive site facts: Black Coral

Depth

15–40 m

Current

Moderate

Entry

Liveaboard only

Level

Intermediate

Dive type

Reef, Reef

Region / port

Mexico

Coordinates

18.5528° N, 87.2797° W

Conditions & Currents

Moderate currents can run here, so plan drift entries and stay close to the group. Dive profiles here run between roughly 15 and 40 metres, so plan your gas and no-decompression limits around the deeper part of the site. It is usually briefed as a dive for intermediate divers. The site is reached by liveaboard, so entries are run from the tender or straight off the back deck. Tide, wind and season all shift the picture from day to day, so the crew's briefing on the boat always overrides any general description.

Liveaboards diving Black Coral

These liveaboards may visit Black Coral on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Nautilus Explorer

Mexico

25 guests44.8 m

$230/day

Valentina

Mexico

20 guests38.1 m

$430/day

Rocio del Mar

Mexico

20 guests33.5 m

$392/day

Nautilus Under Sea

Mexico

19 guests32 m

$261/day

Nautilus Belle Amie

Mexico

32 guests44.8 m

$323/day

Quino del Mar

Mexico

20 guests36 m

$377/day

Nautilus Gallant Lady

Mexico

12 guests35.36 m

$332/day