Dive Site: Cayo Anclitas

About Cayo Anclitas

Cayo Anclitas is a jewel within Cuba's protected Jardines de la Reina marine reserve, celebrated for its pristine shallow coral gardens. This site offers a unique diving experience, particularly appealing to those who enjoy exploring intricate reef structures and abundant macro life. Its accessible depths make it suitable for a wide range of divers, from beginners to those looking for relaxing, extended bottom times. The topography features numerous canyons and tunnels that are richly adorned with diverse sponges and corals, including smooth flower coral and sea rods. These formations create a complex habitat that teems with marine biodiversity, serving as an ideal nursery and hunting ground for various species. The sheltered nature of the site also contributes to its ecological health and vibrant ecosystem. Marine life at Cayo Anclitas includes frequent sightings of nurse sharks, which are often found resting among the coral formations. Divers can also encounter octopuses and lobsters hidden within the crevices, alongside a variety of colorful reef fish. The healthy coral structures and the diversity of smaller creatures make it a captivating site for detailed observation. This site is exclusively accessed via liveaboard, which typically operates from Jucaro. The shallow nature of Cayo Anclitas, combined with its rich nocturnal life, makes it a prime location for night diving, transforming the underwater landscape and revealing different species active after dark.

Dive site facts: Cayo Anclitas

Depth

5–18 m

Current

Mild

Entry

Tender

Level

Beginner

Dive type

Reef, night dive

Night dive

Possible

Region / port

Jardines de la Reina

Coordinates

20.69, -78.835

Conditions & Currents

Currents at Cayo Anclitas are typically mild, making it a comfortable dive for less experienced divers. The gentle water movement helps maintain excellent visibility without posing significant challenges, allowing divers to leisurely explore the coral gardens and hidden nooks. Entry is generally from a tender, providing easy access to the dive site.

Marine life & sighting chances

Nurse shark

common

Octopus

occasional

Lobster

occasional

Smooth flower coral

common

Sea rod

common

Angelfish

common

Parrotfish

common

Clownfish

occasional

Stingray

occasional

Jacks

occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Your dive at Cayo Anclitas typically begins with a tender drop, allowing for a gentle entry into the shallow coral gardens. You'll descend to depths ranging from 5 to 18 meters, weaving through a landscape rich with sponges and various coral types. The route often involves exploring the numerous small canyons and tunnels, which serve as hiding spots for octopus, lobster, and smaller reef fish. Nurse sharks are frequently encountered resting in sandy patches or under ledges. The dive is usually relaxed, allowing ample time for observation and photography. As you approach the end of your dive, you'll gradually ascend, performing your safety stop over the vibrant reef tops before surfacing near the tender for pickup.

Underwater photography

Cayo Anclitas offers excellent opportunities for both wide-angle and macro photography due to its diverse topography and marine life. For wide-angle shots, a fisheye or wide rectilinear lens will capture the expansive coral gardens, dramatic canyons, and overall reef structure. Consider using natural light and adjusting your strobe power for ambient light mixing to highlight the vibrant colors of the smooth flower corals and sea rods. For macro subjects like octopus and lobster, a dedicated macro lens will capture intricate details. During night dives, focus on using strobes to illuminate subjects like sleeping parrotfish or hunting crustaceans, while being mindful not to disturb the nocturnal creatures. Good buoyancy control is essential to avoid contact with the delicate coral formations.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Pipin

  A wall dive within Jardines de la Reina known for its dramatic formations and shark encounters.

• Farallón

  A stunning wall dive with overhangs and swim-throughs, often featuring large schools of tarpon.

• Black Coral Wall

  An advanced wall dive celebrated for healthy coral formations, including giant gorgonians and black corals.

• Avalon

  The name of a liveaboard often operating in the Jardines de la Reina region, indicating proximity to other sites.

• Cinco Pesos

  Cinco Pesos is a notable dive site in Cuba, renowned for its dramatic wall and diverse marine life.

Getting there & logistics

Access to Cayo Anclitas is primarily through liveaboard operations within the Jardines de la Reina marine park. These liveaboards typically depart from Jucaro, a port town accessible by a picturesque drive from Havana, or via Camaguey's airport, which is the closest to the port. Trip durations usually span multiple days to allow for comprehensive exploration of the remote park. Due to strict conservation policies, visitor numbers are limited, making advance booking essential. There are no additional permit or park fees beyond the liveaboard package, which handles all necessary permissions. Combining this site with others in Jardines de la Reina is standard for a full itinerary.

Safety & environment

Diving in the remote Jardines de la Reina, including Cayo Anclitas, necessitates robust safety planning. The nearest recompression chamber is likely several hours away in a major city like Havana, emphasizing the importance of conservative diving profiles and carrying appropriate dive insurance that covers emergency evacuation and medical treatment. Liveaboards operating in the area are typically well-equipped and have experienced crew trained in emergency procedures. Site-specific hazards are minimal due to the mild currents and accessible depths, but divers should always maintain good buoyancy to avoid damaging delicate coral. Always follow your dive guide's instructions, especially regarding interaction with marine life like nurse sharks, and report any equipment issues immediately.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Cayo Anclitas FAQ

Liveaboards diving Cayo Anclitas

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

Jardines Avalon Fleet

Cuba

20 guests35.05 m

$494/day