Dive Site: Five Seas

About Five Seas

Five Seas (Cinco Mares) is a notable dive site located within the Jardines de la Reina Marine Park, off Cuba's central coast. This protected archipelago, sometimes referred to as the 'Gardens of the Queen,' is renowned for its remarkably pristine marine ecosystems, largely untouched due to strict conservation measures and limited human access over many decades. The site features a gently sloping wall, characteristic of many dives in Jardines, descending to around 22 meters. Large, intact coral formations, including extensive elkhorn and brain corals, define the topography, creating a thriving habitat. Remnants of a shipwreck also contribute to the site's unique structure and provide additional interest for exploration. Five Seas is particularly celebrated for its thriving fish populations and large marine predators. Divers frequently encounter a high density of Caribbean reef sharks patrolling the reef, while schools of grunts and snappers populate the shallows. Goliath groupers are a highlight, often displaying curious behavior with divers. Silky sharks are commonly seen near the surface, especially during safety stops. Diving here typically involves a back-roll entry from a dive skiff, followed by an exploration along the wall, heading either up or down current. The dive concludes with a return to the mooring area, often with opportunities to observe pelagic life during the safety stop.

Dive site facts: Five Seas

Depth

6–22 m

Typical dive

10–22 m, 50 min

Current

Mild, tidal-dependent

Visibility

30+ m (high tide)

Water temperature

25–30°C

Entry

Tender / back-roll

Level

Open Water Diver

Dive type

Reef, shark encounters, wall

Region / port

Jardines de la Reina, Cuba

Coordinates

20.8800° N, 78.9600° W

Conditions & Currents

Currents at Five Seas are generally mild, allowing for comfortable exploration along the sloping wall. However, dive briefings emphasize awareness of potential slight currents, and dives are often planned to start up-current for a relaxed return. Visibility is highly dependent on tidal movements, with high tides frequently bringing in clearer water, often exceeding 30 meters. Water temperatures remain consistently warm, typically ranging from 25-27°C in winter to 28-30°C in summer, minimizing the risk of thermoclines. Divers enter via a back-roll from a tender, and the absence of significant surge makes entries and exits smooth. The dive profile typically follows the wall and concludes near the mooring, providing a straightforward experience suitable for divers of various experience levels.

Marine life & sighting chances

Caribbean reef shark

Year-round · common

Silky shark

Year-round · common

Goliath grouper

Year-round · common

Tarpon

Year-round · common

Black grouper

Year-round · common

Nassau grouper

Year-round · common

Blue-striped grunt

Year-round · common

French grunt

Year-round · common

Schoolmaster snapper

Year-round · common

Secretary blenny

Year-round · occasional

Rough-head blenny

Year-round · occasional

Golden fairy basslet

Year-round · occasional

Creole wrasse

Year-round · common

Elkhorn coral

Year-round · common

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Diving at Five Seas typically commences with a back-roll entry from a dive skiff directly over the site. Upon descent, divers usually follow a gently sloping wall, which drops to depths of approximately 22 meters. The route often involves moving along the wall, exploring its various crevices and overhangs where blennies and other small critters reside. Large coral formations, including impressive elkhorn and brain corals, are prominent features of the dive. Throughout the dive, encounters with Caribbean reef sharks patrolling the reef are common. Schools of grunts and snappers inhabit the shallower sections, while curious goliath groupers often approach divers. The dive concludes by returning across the top of the wall towards the mooring. Safety stops are generally conducted in the top 5-6 meters, where silky sharks are frequently observed near the surface.

Underwater photography

Five Seas presents exceptional opportunities for wide-angle photography, especially with its resident shark populations and large goliath groupers. A wide-angle lens is essential to capture the sheer number of Caribbean reef sharks and the imposing presence of the groupers. For shots near the surface, where silky sharks often congregate, a wide-angle setup will also excel. When focusing on the vibrant coral structures and schools of fish along the wall, strobes are recommended to bring out natural colors. For macro enthusiasts, a macro lens can be rewarding for documenting the smaller inhabitants like blennies and crustaceans found in the reef's crevices. Good buoyancy control is paramount to avoid disturbing the healthy coral and marine life, ensuring clear shots and respectful interaction.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Carlos' Corner

  Known for silky shark encounters

• Ancla Del Pirata

  Ancla del Pirata, or "Pirate's Anchor," is a popular and accessible dive site located in the waters off María la Gorda, on Cuba's…

• Canarreos Reef

  Canarreos Reef is an integral part of Cuba's exceptional marine environment, situated along a coastline renowned for its highly protected…

• Cayo Sigua

  Cayo Sigua is a remarkable dive site found near Key Sigua, nestled within Cuba's rich marine ecosystems.

• Neptuno Wreck

  The Neptuno Wreck is an advanced dive site located off the eastern coast of Varadero, Cuba.

Getting there & logistics

Access to Five Seas, like all sites in Jardines de la Reina, is exclusively via liveaboard operations. Most trips begin with an arrival at Havana's José Martí International Airport (HAV). From Havana, guests embark on a bus transfer, typically a 5-6 hour journey, to the fishing village of Jucaro. In Jucaro, liveaboards such as the Jardines Aggressor I or Avalon vessels await, transporting divers on a 4-5 hour cruise to the marine park. Trips are generally 8 days/7 nights, offering 5 days of diving. Park access is strictly limited to 1,000 divers per year, making advance booking essential. U.S. citizens can legally participate through OFAC-authorized 'People-to-People' or 'Humanitarian Project' programs, which include educational activities about the marine park's ecology and conservation efforts.

Safety & environment

Diving in Jardines de la Reina is generally well-managed, with liveaboards operating two divemasters for small groups. However, the remote location means emergency medical care and recompression facilities are distant. The nearest recompression chamber is located in Havana, requiring a significant land and air transfer, emphasizing the importance of diligent dive planning and conservative profiles. Divers should carry comprehensive dive insurance that covers emergency evacuation and recompression. Site-specific hazards are minimal, primarily involving encounters with large marine life like sharks; however, these animals are typically well-behaved due to limited human interaction. Adhering to the dive brief, maintaining excellent buoyancy, and avoiding contact with marine life are crucial for diver safety and marine preservation.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Five Seas FAQ

Liveaboards diving Five Seas

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

Jardines Avalon Fleet

Cuba

20 guests35.05 m

$494/day