Dive Site: Cinco Pesos

About Cinco Pesos

Cinco Pesos is a notable dive site in Cuba, renowned for its dramatic wall and diverse marine life. Situated along the island's expansive reef system, this site provides divers with a glimpse into the rich biodiversity of the Caribbean. The topography features a significant drop-off, creating a vibrant vertical habitat where various coral species flourish alongside an array of fish. The dive experience at Cinco Pesos typically involves exploring the wall, which is adorned with hard and soft corals. Depths can vary, allowing for multi-level dives that cater to different certification levels while maximizing bottom time. The clear, warm waters of Cuba contribute to excellent visibility, enhancing encounters with the site's resident creatures. Marine life here is abundant year-round, with sightings of colorful reef fish, larger pelagics, and various invertebrates. The site's health and protection contribute to its consistent appeal, offering a lively and pristine underwater spectacle. Diving Cinco Pesos is an opportunity to appreciate the well-preserved natural beauty beneath the Cuban waves.

Dive site facts: Cinco Pesos

Depth

5–30 m+

Typical dive

15–25 m, 45–60 min

Current

Mild

Visibility

10–30 m

Water temperature

22–29°C

Entry

Boat

Level

Open Water Diver

Dive type

Wall, reef

Night dive

Possible

Region / port

Cuba

Coordinates

20.82, -78.975

Conditions & Currents

Currents at Cinco Pesos are generally mild, making it accessible for a range of diver experience levels. However, as with any wall dive, occasional gentle currents can be encountered, particularly along the deeper sections of the drop-off. Visibility typically ranges from 10 to 30 meters, often exceeding 20 meters, providing clear views of the extensive reef system and marine inhabitants. Water temperatures remain warm throughout the year, but divers should be aware of potential slight temperature variations, especially during the cooler winter months. Entry is typically via boat, and divers should be prepared for standard boat diving procedures. Surge is usually minimal due to the sheltered nature of many Cuban dive sites, contributing to a calm and enjoyable underwater experience.

Marine life & sighting chances

Red Snapper

Year-round · common

Barracuda

Year-round · occasional

Moray Eels

Year-round · common

Juvenile Fish

Year-round · common

Butterfly Fish

Year-round · common

Garden Eels

Year-round · occasional

Squid

Year-round · occasional

Hard Corals

Year-round · common

Soft Corals

Year-round · common

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Divers typically begin their descent near the reef crest, which gradually slopes before plunging into a dramatic wall. The initial part of the dive explores the upper sections of the wall, where light penetration highlights abundant hard and soft corals. Following the wall's contours, you can descend to depths of around 20-25 meters, observing diverse reef fish and creatures dwelling in crevices. A common route involves a gentle drift along the wall, allowing you to cover a significant section of the reef. The turn point is often dictated by air consumption or bottom time limits, after which you ascend gradually along the wall, exploring shallower areas. The safety stop is conducted in the vibrant, shallower reef top, offering additional opportunities for observing smaller marine life before surfacing.

Underwater photography

Cinco Pesos presents excellent opportunities for wide-angle photography, capturing the dramatic wall topography and expansive coral gardens. A wide-angle lens is ideal for showcasing the scale of the drop-off and schools of fish. For macro enthusiasts, patience and a good macro lens will reveal the intricate details of small invertebrates and juvenile fish hidden within the corals. Given the excellent visibility, natural light can often be sufficient in shallower sections, but strobes will enhance color and detail, especially when shooting into the deeper blue or capturing subjects against the wall. Maintaining excellent buoyancy is crucial to avoid damaging delicate corals and to achieve clear, steady shots.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Pipin

  Pipin is a renowned dive site located within the highly protected Jardines de la Reina Marine Park, off Cuba's southern coast.

• Pared de Coral Negro

  Pared de Coral Negro, or Black Coral Wall, is a renowned dive site located within the Guanahacabibes Peninsula National Park, a UNESCO…

• La Cueva del Pulpo

  La Cueva del Pulpo offers a unique diving experience in the pristine Jardines de la Reina Marine Park, off Cuba's southern coast.

• Vicente

  Vicente is a remarkable dive site characterized by an expansive shield reef transitioning into a sheer wall, offering varied topography for…

Getting there & logistics

Access to Cinco Pesos, like many Cuban dive sites, is typically arranged through local dive centers. While Havana has dive shops like Club De Buceo MarAbierto and Tech Diving Cuba, Cinco Pesos is located further along the coast, likely accessed from a more local dive operation in the region. There are no major international airports directly serving this precise location, so divers usually fly into Havana (HAV) or other major Cuban cities and then travel overland. Dive trips are often part of broader itineraries that combine diving with cultural exploration. Travelers from the US need to acquire a travel card to enter Cuba. Costs for diving typically include transportation, tanks, guide services, and rental gear, and it is customary to tip service industry workers.

Safety & environment

While diving in Cuba, safety is a priority, and it's essential to have comprehensive travel and dive insurance. The nearest recompression chamber may not be immediately accessible, emphasizing the importance of conservative dive planning and strict adherence to no-decompression limits. Divers should ensure their certification cards are verified by dive centers prior to diving. All rental gear should be personally inspected for functionality. Although currents are generally mild, divers should be aware of conditions and communicate any concerns to their dive guide. Stay hydrated and use reef-safe sunscreen, applying it at least 30 minutes before entering the water to protect both your skin and the marine environment.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Cinco Pesos FAQ

Liveaboards diving Cinco Pesos

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

Jardines Avalon Fleet

Cuba

20 guests35.05 m

$494/day