Dive Site: Camaronero III

About Camaronero III

The Camaronero III dive site in Cuba is centered around a well-preserved wreck that has become an integral part of the local reef ecosystem. This site provides an immersive experience into maritime history fused with vibrant marine biology, attracting divers interested in both artificial reefs and the species they host. The wreck lies at depths accessible to most recreational divers, making it a popular choice for exploring underwater structures. The topography of Camaronero III is defined by the ship's structure, which lies upright on a sandy bottom. Hard and soft corals have colonized various parts of the vessel, transforming it into a living reef. Surrounding the wreck are expanses of sandy seabed interspersed with small coral formations, offering a habitat for a variety of reef fish and invertebrates. Marine life at Camaronero III includes a range of Caribbean species, with sightings of reef sharks and schools of fish being common, particularly during the primary diving season from November to May. The wreck itself provides shelter and hunting grounds for predators and smaller creatures alike, ensuring dynamic underwater encounters. While specific seasonality for individual species isn't detailed, the general abundance of life is consistent with protected Caribbean reefs. Diving Camaronero III typically involves a guided tour around and through sections of the wreck, allowing for close inspection of its features and inhabitants. Conditions are generally calm, contributing to excellent visibility that enhances the exploration. The dive is usually conducted from a day boat, with easy entry and exit procedures, making it suitable for divers with a range of experience levels who appreciate historical sites and abundant marine life.

Dive site facts: Camaronero III

Depth

6–40 m

Current

Mild to negligible

Visibility

20–40 m

Water temperature

26–30°C

Entry

Day boat

Level

Open Water Diver

Dive type

Wreck, reef

Region / port

Cuba

Coordinates

21.6777, -80.2876

Conditions & Currents

Currents at Camaronero III are generally mild to negligible, which contributes to the site's calm conditions and makes it suitable for divers of varying experience levels. This allows for relaxed exploration of the wreck without concerns about strong drift. Surface conditions are typically stable, especially during the peak season, ensuring smooth boat entries and exits. Visibility is consistently good, often ranging from 20 to 40 meters, thanks to the clear Caribbean waters and minimal water movement. Thermoclines are generally not a significant factor at recreational depths during the main dive season, maintaining comfortable water temperatures throughout the dive profile. Divers should nonetheless maintain good buoyancy control to avoid disturbing the sandy bottom or fragile wreck structures.

Marine life & sighting chances

Caribbean reef shark

November-May · common

Silky shark

November-May · common

Goliath grouper

November-May · common

Schooling fish

All year · common

Hard corals

All year · common

Soft corals

All year · common

Nurse shark

All year · occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Diving Camaronero III typically begins with a descent directly onto the wreck from a day boat, with easy access to various sections. The general route involves circumnavigating the ship's exterior first, observing the marine life that congregates around its hull and superstructure. Divers then proceed to explore open holds and accessible compartments, being mindful of overhead environments and maintaining neutral buoyancy. Depth progression is relatively consistent, as the wreck lies mostly on a level sandy seabed, allowing for extended bottom time within recreational limits. The turnaround point is usually determined by air consumption and no-decompression limits, ensuring a safe ascent. The safety stop is performed at 5 meters, often near the boat's mooring line or an accessible part of the wreck, allowing for observation of shallower reef fish before surfacing.

Underwater photography

Camaronero III offers excellent opportunities for both wide-angle and macro photography due to its diverse structure and resident marine life. For capturing the scale of the wreck and schooling fish, a wide-angle lens is ideal. Consider using external strobes to bring out the vibrant colors of corals and fish, especially within the deeper parts of the wreck or shaded areas. For smaller inhabitants and intricate coral formations on the wreck, a macro lens will yield stunning detail. Buoyancy control is paramount to avoid stirring up sediment from the sandy bottom or damaging delicate corals and parts of the wreck. When photographing inside compartments, ensure proper training and adherence to safety protocols for overhead environments. Be patient when approaching marine life for close-up shots, allowing subjects to become accustomed to your presence to capture more natural behaviors.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• El Almirante

  El Almirante is an advanced dive site located off the shores of Maria la Gorda, on Cuba's Guanahacabibes Peninsula.

• La Patana

  La Patana is a prominent dive site within the protected marine park of Jardines de la Reina, a vast archipelago stretching 150 kilometers…

• Arrecife Somero

  Arrecife Somero, located near Key Sigua within the UNESCO-recognized Zapata Swamp biosphere reserve, presents a unique reef crest forming a…

• Puente Escondido

  Puente Escondido is a notable dive site nestled within the Jardines de la Reina marine park, an expansive and highly protected area off…

Getting there & logistics

Access to Camaronero III and other prime dive sites in Cuba, particularly those within protected areas like Jardines de la Reina, is primarily via liveaboard operations departing from Port Jucaro. These trips typically span a full week, as the sites are remote and require dedicated travel. Divers usually fly into international airports in Cuba, such as Havana or Cienfuegos, before arranging transfers to the departure port. Permits are strictly controlled for protected marine parks, making liveaboard bookings the most reliable way to gain access, as operators handle all necessary authorizations. There are no direct individual site fees, as they are integrated into the liveaboard package costs. These itineraries are designed to combine multiple top dive sites, offering a comprehensive experience of Cuba's pristine underwater environments.

Safety & environment

Diving at Camaronero III, like all remote Cuban dive sites, necessitates a strong emphasis on diver safety and preparedness. While no specific recompression chamber location is detailed for this immediate area, emergency evacuation to larger medical facilities would involve significant logistical challenges due to the site's isolation. Therefore, having comprehensive dive insurance that covers emergency medical treatment and evacuation is essential. Divers should adhere strictly to dive plans, maintain conservative dive profiles, and always dive within their certification limits. Excellent buoyancy control is critical to protect the wreck and its delicate coral growth. Though currents are generally mild, divers should be aware of changing conditions. Liveaboard operators typically provide thorough briefings and have experienced dive guides to ensure safe practices.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Camaronero III FAQ

Liveaboards diving Camaronero III

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

Jardines Avalon Fleet

Cuba

20 guests35.05 m

$494/day