Dive Site: Black Coral I

About Black Coral I

Black Coral I is a prominent dive site located within the Jardines de la Reina (Gardens of the Queen) National Park, a vast marine sanctuary off Cuba's southern coast. This area, named by Christopher Columbus, is celebrated for its exceptionally healthy coral reef system, often regarded as the Caribbean's most pristine. The site is characterized by an abundance of black coral colonies and beautiful gorgonian fans, forming intricate structures that harbor diverse marine life. While specific topographic details like canyons or tunnels are mentioned for other Jardines sites, Black Coral I is noted for these dense coral formations. Divers can expect consistent sightings of a resident population of Caribbean reef sharks, which freely approach and investigate. Large goliath groupers, some weighing up to 180 kg (400 lbs), are also a major draw, thriving alongside a rich variety of fish. Silky sharks are occasionally seen hunting near the surface, especially between July and November when whale sharks might also be present in the wider region. The dive offers warm waters, generally excellent visibility, and typically mild to sometimes medium currents, making it suitable for a range of diver experience levels. Access to this remote and protected location is exclusively via liveaboard, ensuring a preserved and uncrowded dive experience.

Dive site facts: Black Coral I

Current

Mild to medium

Visibility

Excellent, up to 30 m

Water temperature

25–29°C (77–84°F)

Entry

Dive skiff / back-roll

Level

All levels

Dive type

Coral reef, shark action

Region / port

Jardines de la Reina, Cuba

Coordinates

20.8933° N, 78.9300° W

Conditions & Currents

Diving conditions at Black Coral I generally feature little to mild currents, making it accessible for divers of varying experience levels. However, occasional medium currents can be encountered. Entry to the water is typically from a dive skiff, often via a back-roll, with divers handing weights up to crew upon exit before climbing a sturdy ladder. Visibility is consistently excellent, frequently reaching up to 30 meters (98 feet), and is primarily dependent on tidal conditions, with high tides offering the clearest views. Water temperatures remain warm throughout the year, ranging from 25°C to 29°C (77°F to 84°F), reducing the concern for thermoclines. Divers should account for potential variations in current, though these are typically manageable.

Marine life & sighting chances

Caribbean reef shark

common

Goliath grouper

common

Black coral

common

Gorgonian

common

Silky shark

July through November · occasional

Nurse shark

common

Lemon shark

common

Whale shark

July through November · rare

Snapper

common

Tiger grouper

common

Hammerhead shark

occasional

Tarpon

April/May for spawning · occasional

Turtle

common

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Your dive at Black Coral I typically begins with a back-roll entry from a dive skiff. Once submerged, you'll encounter a rich tapestry of black coral colonies and vibrant gorgonians. The site's profile often involves navigating along coral formations, observing the resident Caribbean reef sharks and impressive goliath groupers that frequent the area. The dive master usually leads the route, sometimes staying near a low-profile wall, allowing for exploration of smaller reef inhabitants nestled within the corals. Dives are generally conducted with little to mild current, allowing for a relaxed pace. After approximately 50 minutes, you will make your ascent, conducting a safety stop at the top of the reef or in a shallower area before surfacing near the mooring for an easy ladder exit back onto the skiff.

Underwater photography

Black Coral I provides excellent opportunities for both wide-angle and macro photography due to its diverse marine life and healthy coral structures. For wide-angle shots, a fisheye or wide rectilinear lens is ideal to capture the expansive black coral colonies, impressive gorgonians, and the numerous sharks and large groupers. Given the often excellent visibility, natural light can be effective, but strobes are recommended to bring out the vibrant colors of the corals and fish. For macro subjects, such as small blennies or delicate coral polyps, a dedicated macro lens will be beneficial. Maintaining excellent buoyancy is crucial to avoid contact with the pristine corals and to position yourself for clear shots of moving subjects like sharks. Be patient when photographing sharks; allow them to approach naturally without chasing or provoking them. The dry season from October to May, with its exceptional visibility, is particularly good for underwater photography.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Black Coral II

  Another exciting site with black coral, gorgonians, goliath groupers, and reef sharks.

• Pipin

  A wall dive featuring coral canyons and caves, often with jacks, turtles, eagle rays, and silky sharks.

• Farallon

  Known for beautiful coral formations, tunnels, large groupers, and reef sharks.

• Five Seas

  Features remnants of a shipwreck and abundant schooling fish, with frequent reef shark sightings.

Getting there & logistics

Access to Black Coral I, located within the remote Jardines de la Reina National Park, is exclusively through a liveaboard operation. International travelers typically fly into Jose Marti International Airport (HAV) in Havana, Cuba, or alternative airports like Jardines del Rey (CCC) or Santa Clara (SNU). From Havana, a pre-arranged five-hour bus transfer brings divers to Jucaro harbor. From there, a multi-hour boat crossing transports guests to the liveaboard, which then serves as your base for exploring the dive sites. Trips are commonly seven nights in duration, and due to strict government regulations protecting the marine park, diver numbers are limited, often around 1,000 divers per year. Permits and park fees are typically included in the liveaboard package, but it's essential to confirm this with your operator. Ensure you have the necessary Cuban visa and travel insurance, particularly medical evacuation coverage.

Safety & environment

Diving at Black Coral I requires adherence to standard safety protocols and travel preparations. The nearest recompression chamber is located in Havana, highlighting the importance of cautious diving practices and the remote nature of the Jardines de la Reina. In the event of a medical emergency requiring evacuation, the process would involve boat transfer to the mainland and then overland transport, which can be time-consuming. Therefore, comprehensive dive medical insurance, including emergency evacuation coverage, is mandatory. Specific hazards at this site are minimal due to generally mild currents and excellent visibility, but divers should always be aware of their surroundings, particularly with the frequent presence of sharks. Always dive within your training limits, follow your dive guide's instructions, and maintain neutral buoyancy to protect the delicate coral ecosystem.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Black Coral I FAQ

Liveaboards diving Black Coral I

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

Jardines Avalon Fleet

Cuba

20 guests35.05 m

$494/day