Dive Site: Cueva de los Peces

About Cueva de los Peces

Cueva de los Peces, or the "Cave of Fish," is a renowned dive site nestled on the Bay of Pigs coast in Cuba, situated conveniently between Playa Larga and Playa Girón. This unique location features Cuba's deepest cenote, a natural sinkhole plunging to 70 meters, offering both crystal-clear fresh and saltwater environments. The topography within the cenote is truly remarkable, characterized by stunning underwater stalagmites and intricate geological formations that create an unparalleled cave diving experience. The cenote is a haven for diverse marine life, including barracuda, lobsters, and eels, all thriving amidst vibrant coral and other marine organisms. While the cenote is renowned, the area also features shore-side diving with jagged rock formations easing entry into the water, and further opportunities for snorkeling in the Caribbean Sea where colorful fish are abundant. The surrounding Bay of Pigs is famous for its clear, warm turquoise waters and extensive coral reefs. Conditions within the cenote are generally calm with no significant currents, making it an accessible dive for various skill levels. The best time to experience Cueva de los Peces is during the day, when sunlight filters through the cave entrance, illuminating its breathtaking interior. The inland cenote water can be quite cold compared to the nearby sea, so appropriate thermal protection is advisable.

Dive site facts: Cueva de los Peces

Depth

70 m

Current

None

Visibility

Good, depends on diver buoyancy

Water temperature

Cooler than ocean

Entry

Shore / platform

Level

Experienced divers (for depth)

Dive type

Cave, freshwater, marine life

Region / port

Bay of Pigs, Matanzas Province

Coordinates

22.115, -81.1

Conditions & Currents

Cueva de los Peces is an inland cenote, and as such, experiences no typical ocean currents. Divers will find extremely calm water conditions within the cave, making it suitable for focused exploration without concerns about drift. However, visibility inside the cave can be affected by stirred-up sediment if buoyancy control is not maintained. The water temperature within the cenote is notably cooler than the adjacent ocean, which divers should account for in their thermal protection. Entry and exit are typically straightforward from designated platforms or shore access points, with the primary challenge being managing a potentially crowded environment, especially during peak tourist times.

Marine life & sighting chances

Barracuda

occasional

Lobster

occasional

Eels

occasional

Fish

common

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Diving at Cueva de los Peces typically begins with an easy entry into the cenote. You gradually descend into the cavern, where the sun's rays often penetrate, creating stunning light effects. The route usually involves exploring the main chamber, observing the rock formations and the life supported within this unique freshwater environment. As you progress, you can reach depths of up to 70 meters, making it a site for experienced divers to explore further. Turn points are determined by gas consumption and depth limits, with the ascent following the same entry path. Safety stops are conducted in the shallower sections of the cenote before exiting.

Underwater photography

Capturing the beauty of Cueva de los Peces requires specific considerations for its unique lighting and freshwater environment. Wide-angle lenses are ideal to encompass the vastness of the cave and the stunning light shafts that penetrate the entrance, especially around midday. External strobes are crucial for illuminating the darker areas and bringing out the colors of the resident fish, corals, and rock formations. Given the cenote's depth, a powerful focus light will also assist with both focusing and exploring. Buoyancy control is paramount to avoid stirring up sediment, which can quickly reduce visibility and ruin photographic opportunities. Ethical photography practices are essential, ensuring no disturbance to the delicate cave environment or its inhabitants.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Punta Perdiz

  A marine dive site across the road from the cenote, known for its wall diving and reef.

• Playa Larga Wall

  Oceanic wall diving accessible from shore in the Bay of Pigs.

Getting there & logistics

Access to Cueva de los Peces is straightforward, as it's located directly off Highway 11/122 between Playa Larga and Playa Girón in Matanzas Province. Most international travelers will fly into Havana (HAV) or Varadero (VRA) airports, then arrange ground transport to the Bay of Pigs area, which can take several hours. Day trips from local accommodations are common, with dive shops on-site offering equipment rentals and guided dives. There might be a small fee for swimming or diving in the cenote. This site is often combined with shore dives at nearby ocean sites like Punta Perdiz, offering a varied diving itinerary within the same region.

Safety & environment

Diving in Cueva de los Peces, especially to its full depth, requires good buoyancy control and proper cave diving protocols, even though it is a cenote. Divers must be mindful of the cooler water temperatures compared to the ocean and plan thermal protection accordingly. The nearest recompression chamber is likely in Havana, necessitating robust evacuation plans and comprehensive dive insurance that covers medical emergencies and air ambulance services. Always dive with certified guides from reputable local operators and adhere strictly to their instructions to ensure a safe experience. Be aware that the area can get crowded, so maintaining situational awareness is important.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Cueva de los Peces FAQ

Liveaboards diving Cueva de los Peces

These liveaboards may visit Cueva de los Peces on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Jardines Avalon Fleet

Cuba

20 guests35.05 m

$494/day