Dive Site: El Farallon

About El Farallon

El Farallon is a notable dive site located within Cuba's protected Jardines de la Reina marine park, an archipelago renowned for its incredibly healthy coral reef system. Christopher Columbus himself named this area the 'Gardens of the Queen,' and it remains a pristine diving destination due to strict protection and limited visitor numbers. The site itself features a magnificent coral formation, often described as a wall dive, with depths ranging from 17 to 29 meters (55 to 100 feet). Divers can navigate through impressive tunnels and canyons, adding an adventurous element to the exploration. The topography is characterized by vertical slopes and large coral structures. Marine life at El Farallon is vibrant, featuring large groupers and several species of sharks, including Caribbean reef sharks, which are frequently seen investigating divers. The area's rich ecosystem is supported by nutrient-rich cold water currents from the deep, fostering a profusion of colorful soft corals, sponges, and sea fans. Other notable sightings include jacks, turtles, and eagle rays. Diving conditions are generally excellent, with warm waters and exceptional visibility that can exceed 30 meters (98 feet), particularly during the dry season. Currents are typically mild to sometimes medium, making it suitable for a range of diver levels. Access is exclusively via liveaboard, emphasizing the remote and preserved nature of this remarkable Cuban dive spot.

Dive site facts: El Farallon

Depth

17–29 m

Current

Mild to medium

Visibility

Up to 30 m+

Water temperature

25–29°C

Entry

Liveaboard tender

Level

All levels

Dive type

Wall, reef, big animals

Region / port

Jardines de la Reina, Cuba

Coordinates

20.8170° N, 78.9170° W

Conditions & Currents

Currents at El Farallon are typically little to mild, though they can occasionally reach medium strength. This makes the site generally accessible for most diver levels. Visibility is a consistent highlight, often reaching or exceeding 30 meters (98 feet), particularly during the drier months. Water temperatures are comfortably warm, ranging from 25°C to 29°C (77°F to 84°F) year-round. These stable conditions contribute to a relaxed dive experience, though divers should always be prepared for moderate currents. Entry and exit are typically managed from liveaboard tenders, ensuring a smooth transition to and from the dive site.

Marine life & sighting chances

Caribbean Reef Shark

common

Silky Shark

occasional

Grouper

common

Jack

common

Turtle

occasional

Eagle Ray

occasional

Black Coral

common

Sponge

common

Sea Fan

common

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Your dive at El Farallon typically begins with a descent onto the top of the coral formation, which starts around 17 meters (55 feet). You'll then explore the impressive wall and its notable swim-through tunnels, progressively descending to depths of 25 to 29 meters (80 to 100 feet). The dive route often involves traversing along the dramatic coral structures, where you can observe large groupers and keep an eye out for Caribbean reef sharks patrolling the deeper sections. After exploring the deeper wall and caverns, the dive gradually ascends, allowing for exploration of shallower coral gardens. The safety stop is usually performed around 5 meters (15 feet) near the top of the reef, providing ample opportunity to observe smaller reef fish before surfacing.

Underwater photography

El Farallon offers exceptional opportunities for wide-angle photography, capturing its dramatic coral formations, swim-through tunnels, and the presence of large pelagic species like sharks and groupers. A fisheye or wide-angle rectilinear lens is highly recommended to encompass the grand scale of the reef. Given the excellent visibility, natural light can be sufficient for some shots in shallower areas, but strobes will enhance color and detail, especially within the tunnels and at deeper depths. Practice excellent buoyancy control to avoid damaging delicate corals and maintain a respectful distance from marine life, particularly the resident sharks and groupers. Patience is key when waiting for these larger subjects to approach.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Pipin

  A wall dive with coral canyons and caves, known for jacks, turtles, eagle rays, tarpons, and silky sharks.

• Black Coral I and II

  Sites abundant with black coral colonies and gorgonians, home to goliath groupers and a resident reef shark population.

• Puente Escondido

  Puente Escondido is a notable dive site nestled within the Jardines de la Reina marine park, an expansive and highly protected area off…

• Peruano

  Peruano I is a captivating dive site situated within the vast Jardines de la Reina archipelago off Cuba's southeastern coast.

• Los Pinos

  Los Pinos is a dive site located within the pristine Jardines de la Reina marine park, an archipelago situated approximately 80 kilometers…

Getting there & logistics

Access to El Farallon, situated within the remote Jardines de la Reina marine park, is exclusively via liveaboard. Divers typically fly into Havana (HAV) at least a day before their cruise. From Havana, a five-hour road transfer leads to Jucaro harbor, the liveaboard departure point. Alternatively, you can fly into Jardines del Rey (CCC), Santa Clara (SNU), or Camaguey (CMW) airports, followed by a three to four-hour drive to Jucaro. Liveaboard trips are usually seven nights in duration, combining multiple dives at sites like El Farallon within the protected area. Due to the limited number of divers allowed annually, early booking is advisable, and park fees are typically included in the liveaboard package.

Safety & environment

Diving at El Farallon requires adherence to standard safety protocols, especially given its remote location. The nearest recompression chamber would be a significant distance away, emphasizing the critical importance of conservative dive planning and strict no-decompression limits. Divers must carry adequate dive insurance that covers emergency medical evacuation and recompression. Hazards at the site are primarily natural, including potential for mild to medium currents, so always follow your dive guide's instructions. Maintaining excellent buoyancy control is crucial to protect the pristine coral formations. Liveaboard crews are trained in emergency procedures, but individual responsibility for safety and fitness to dive remains paramount in this isolated marine environment.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

El Farallon FAQ

Liveaboards diving El Farallon

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

Jardines Avalon Fleet

Cuba

20 guests35.05 m

$494/day