Dive Sites in Cuba
76 dive sites24 liveaboard-only sites

Dive Sites in Cuba

Diving in Cuba means non-stop shark action and pristine coral reefs — from Jardines de la Reina to María la Gorda. Every dive site in Cuba with depth, current, certification level and best season, plus the liveaboard itineraries that actually dive them.

Diving in Cuba

Cuba is one of the world's great liveaboard destinations, with 76 mapped dive sites covering reefs, walls, drifts, channels and wrecks.

Every site below shows depth range, certification level, current, access and the best season, so you can judge at a glance whether it fits your experience. Start with the full site list, then explore dive sites by type, the nearest decompression chambers and the marine life you can expect in Cuba.

All 76 dive sites in Cuba

All 76 dive sites in Cuba

Depth range, certification level, dive type, access and current at a glance.

Open any site for its full profile, best season and the liveaboards that dive it in Cuba.

76 dive sites

Avalon

Cuba

Avalon refers to the liveaboard operations that provide exclusive access to Cuba's Jardines de la Reina (Gardens of the Queen) marine park.

Suitable for
Intermediate
Current
Moderate
Access
Liveaboard or dayboat
Depth
12–35 m
Theme
Reef / Wall

Pipin

Cuba

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

Suitable for
Intermediate
Current
Moderate
Access
Liveaboard or dayboat
Depth
10–30 m
Theme
Cave & cavern / Reef

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.

Suitable for
Advanced
Current
Mild
Access
Liveaboard or dayboat
Depth
15–40 m
Theme
Wall

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

Suitable for
Beginner
Current
Moderate
Access
Liveaboard only
Depth
8–22 m
Theme
Cave & cavern

Dive sites by type

Wrecks, walls, drifts, caves and pinnacles in this area.
Reef diving59 dive sites
Reef diving
Wall diving33 dive sites
Wall diving
Cave diving13 dive sites
Cave diving
Wreck diving7 dive sites
Wreck diving
Drift diving3 dive sites
Drift diving
Pinnacle diving2 dive sites
Pinnacle diving
Cenote diving2 dive sites
Cenote diving

Marine life you can see in Cuba

The species most often logged on Cuba's dive sites.
32 dive sites
Barracuda
14 dive sites
Caribbean Reef Shark
11 dive sites
Bottlenose Dolphin
10 dive sites
Eagle Ray
9 dive sites
Angelfish
6 dive sites
Bull Shark
6 dive sites
Blue Shark
6 dive sites
Gorgonian
4 dive sites
Black Grouper
3 dive sites
Blacktip Shark
3 dive sites
Coral
2 dive sites
Caribbean Reef Octopus

Liveaboards diving in Cuba

Liveaboard diving in Cuba means more dive sites per trip: these vessels run real, bookable departures with cabins for solo divers, buddy teams and small groups. Compare boat size, cabin layout, dive deck and nitrox, then check the cheapest price per day before you book. Every Cuba dive safari below is confirmed with live availability and current operator pricing.

Conditions & practicalities

Diving in Cuba: seasons, conditions and logistics

76 dive sites in Cuba — here is what the season data says about the best months, water temperature, visibility and currents, plus how divers usually get there and which fees to budget for.

Best months
Nov–May
Water temperature
26–30 °C
Visibility
20–40 m
Currents
No data yet
Getting there
Most divers fly into the nearest international airport and continue by transfer or domestic flight to the departure port; liveaboards usually leave the evening before day one.
Permits & fees
Marine park fees, port taxes and nitrox are rarely included in the trip price — budget a few hundred dollars extra and check the visa rules before booking.

FAQ

Diving in Cuba FAQ

When is the best time to dive in Cuba?
The peak diving season in Cuba is generally December to May, with the best visibility, marine life activity and weather conditions. See our month-by-month best-time-to-dive guides for full details.
Do I need a liveaboard to dive in Cuba?
A liveaboard gives you access to remote dive sites in Cuba that day boats cannot reach, plus 3–5 dives per day in maximum comfort. For the best dives in Cuba, a liveaboard is the recommended choice.
What certification do I need to dive in Cuba?
Most Cuba liveaboards require Open Water as a minimum, with Advanced Open Water and 30+ logged dives recommended for currents and deeper sites. Some expert routes require Tech or 100+ dives.
How much does a Cuba liveaboard cost?
Liveaboard prices in Cuba typically range from €1,500 to €6,000+ per week depending on vessel category, route length and season. Browse the boats below for live pricing.
Do I need a visa for Cuba?
Visa requirements vary by your nationality. Always check the latest entry rules with the destination's official government source before booking flights.
Is diving in Cuba safe for beginners?
Many Cuba sites are beginner-friendly, but some routes feature strong currents or deep walls suited only to experienced divers. Check each vessel's recommended experience level.
Plan your trip

Ready to dive in Cuba?

Explore the Cuba destination guide or search liveaboards that visit these sites.