Dive Site: Black Coral Wall

About Black Coral Wall

Black Coral I and II are prominent dive sites within Cuba's renowned Jardines de la Reina marine reserve, an area celebrated for its healthy reefs and crystal-clear waters. These sites are typically explored as part of multi-day liveaboard itineraries, offering divers repeated opportunities to immerse themselves in a vibrant underwater landscape. Divers navigate among a spectacular array of corals, including giant gorgonian fans, table corals, and impressive black coral colonies, all thriving in sunlit conditions that highlight their dazzling colors. The proximity of extensive mangrove forests further enriches the marine environment, providing an ideal ecosystem for diverse species to flourish. The Cuban government's strict conservation policies limit annual visitors, ensuring the pristine condition of these dive locations. Marine life is abundant, with reef fish like angelfish, parrotfish, and clownfish commonly observed. Sharks are a major draw, particularly at deeper drop-offs where reef sharks often congregate. Stingrays are frequently found resting on sandy patches, while large schools of jacks and massive groupers patrol the open water. The exceptional visibility makes for an immersive experience, allowing divers to fully appreciate the rich biodiversity. While liveaboards generally handle the logistics, Cuba itself has specific currency regulations, requiring tourist currency (Cuban Convertible Peso) to be acquired within the country, with Euros, Canadian Dollars, or Pounds recommended for exchange. Given the rich marine ecosystem, healthy coral structures, and prevalence of sharks, Black Coral I and II offer an advanced diving experience. The sites are accessible via liveaboard, which typically depart from Jucaro after a picturesque drive from Havana.

Dive site facts: Black Coral Wall

Depth

15–40 m

Current

Mild

Visibility

Exceptional

Water temperature

25–30°C

Entry

Boat

Level

Advanced

Dive type

Wall, Reef

Region / port

Jardines de la Reina, Cuba

Coordinates

20.7400°, -78.7850°

Conditions & Currents

Currents at Black Coral Wall are generally mild, allowing for comfortable exploration of the extensive reef systems. Visibility consistently remains exceptional, often extending beyond 20 meters, which greatly enhances the diver's ability to observe marine life and coral structures. While specific thermoclines are not consistently noted, divers should be prepared for potential minor temperature shifts at deeper sections of the wall. The dive sites are typically accessed via liveaboard, which simplifies entry and exit procedures, usually involving tender boats for direct access. Surface conditions are generally calm, contributing to a relaxed diving experience, making it suitable for advanced divers comfortable with wall diving in varied conditions.

Marine life & sighting chances

Angelfish

common

Parrotfish

common

Clownfish

common

Reef sharks

occasional

Stingrays

occasional

Jacks

occasional

Groupers

occasional

Giant gorgonian corals

common

Table corals

common

Black corals

common

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Dives at Black Coral Wall typically commence from a liveaboard tender, allowing for precise entry onto the reef. The profile usually involves a descent along the main wall, which starts around 15 meters and drops to depths of 40 meters. Divers often follow the contours of the wall, exploring overhangs and vibrant coral formations, including numerous black coral colonies and gorgonians. The route commonly leads through areas where reef fish are abundant and large pelagic species, such as sharks and jacks, are frequently observed patrolling. Navigation involves maintaining visual contact with the wall, gradually progressing along its length. The turn point is generally determined by air consumption and no-decompression limits, after which divers ascend slowly, often shallower along the reef. Safety stops are conducted in the 5-meter range, frequently amidst schooling reef fish, providing a pleasant end to the dive.

Underwater photography

Black Coral Wall offers exceptional opportunities for underwater photography, particularly for wide-angle shots due to its clear visibility and healthy, expansive coral formations. Utilize wide-angle lenses to capture the vastness of the wall, the impressive black coral trees, and the large gorgonian fans. Given the excellent light penetration, natural light photography is often effective in shallower areas, but strobes are recommended to bring out the true colors of the corals and marine life at deeper levels. Pay attention to composition, integrating schooling fish and larger pelagics like sharks into your reefscapes. For macro enthusiasts, explore the crevices and coral branches for smaller reef inhabitants, although the site truly shines for its grander underwater vistas. Buoyancy control is paramount to avoid damaging the delicate coral structures and to maintain stable shots.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Pipin

  A renowned site within Jardines de la Reina Marine Park, known for dramatic wall formations and abundant sharks.

• Farallón

  A stunning wall dive featuring overhangs, swim-throughs, and schools of tarpon and snappers.

• Cayo Anclitas

  Shallow coral gardens ideal for night diving, with octopus, lobster, and nurse sharks.

• Las Coloradas

  A shallow site with mild currents, known for diverse juvenile marine life and good visibility.

Getting there & logistics

Access to Black Coral Wall in Cuba's Jardines de la Reina is exclusively via liveaboard, which typically departs from Jucaro. Divers usually begin their journey with an arrival at Havana's international airport, followed by a picturesque drive to Jucaro, where they board the liveaboard vessel. Trip lengths vary but commonly involve multi-day itineraries designed to explore several dive sites within the marine reserve. Given the remote and protected nature of the area, specific permits and fees are generally managed by the liveaboard operators and are often included in the trip cost. It is important to note Cuba's specific currency regulations, requiring tourist currency (Cuban Convertible Peso) to be acquired within the country, with Euros, Canadian Dollars, or Pounds recommended for exchange. Liveaboard operations ensure all logistics, including transportation to and from the dive sites, are handled for a seamless diving experience.

Safety & environment

Diving at Black Coral Wall, given its advanced profile, necessitates careful adherence to safety protocols. Divers should carry appropriate insurance that covers emergency medical treatment and evacuation, particularly due to the remote location of Jardines de la Reina. The nearest recompression chamber may be several hours away by boat and land, making immediate emergency response challenging. It is crucial to dive within certified limits and follow all instructions from experienced dive guides provided by the liveaboard. Given the presence of sharks, maintain respectful distances and avoid provocative behavior; these are natural encounters in a pristine marine environment. Conduct is paramount to preserve the delicate coral ecosystems, so maintaining excellent buoyancy and avoiding contact with any marine life is essential. Always have a safety sausage and whistle for surface signaling in the event of an unplanned separation from the group.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Black Coral Wall FAQ

Liveaboards diving Black Coral Wall

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

Jardines Avalon Fleet

Cuba

20 guests35.05 m

$494/day