Dive Site: El Salón de María

About El Salón de María

El Salón de María is one of the most recommended dive sites in María la Gorda, situated on the eastern shore of Bahía de Corrientes within the Guanahacabibes Peninsula National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve at Cuba's westernmost tip. This remote outpost is famous for its calm, clear waters and rich marine biodiversity, making it a celebrated destination for divers. The site primarily features a grotto and reef formation, with coral formations beginning at approximately 5 meters and extending into a wall at around 20 meters. It includes a distinctive swim-through hole in the rock, adorned with various corals, sponges, and delicate sea lilies, which are a signature highlight of this location. The topography transitions from shallower reef tops to the wall, offering diverse environments for exploration. The clear, warm Caribbean waters typically offer excellent visibility year-round, making it easy to observe the abundant marine life. While specific seasonality for all species isn't detailed, the overall conditions are consistent for diving. The site is a haven for reef fish, and larger species like groupers and barracudas can also be spotted along the drop-off. Diving here is characterized by gentle conditions and moderate depths, often making it a popular choice for a second dive of the day. The sheltered nature of Bahía de Corrientes ensures minimal currents and surge, providing a relaxed and rewarding underwater experience for divers of various skill levels. It's a short boat ride from the main pier, part of a collection of over fifty accessible dive sites in the area.

Dive site facts: El Salón de María

Depth

12–22 m

Typical dive

12–22 m, 45–60 min

Current

None

Visibility

20–30 m

Water temperature

24–30°C

Entry

Day boat

Level

Beginner

Dive type

Reef, grotto, wall

Region / port

María la Gorda / Pinar del Río

Coordinates

21.7217° N, 80.2916° W

Conditions & Currents

El Salón de María is known for its exceptionally calm conditions, benefiting from its sheltered location within Bahía de Corrientes. Divers typically encounter little to no current and minimal wave action, ensuring a relaxed and effortless dive experience. Visibility is consistently high, usually between 20 to 30 meters, though localized factors can cause slight variations. Entry and exit are straightforward from a day boat, facilitated by the placid surface conditions. The absence of strong currents simplifies gas planning and reduces physical exertion, making this site accessible and enjoyable for a wide range of diver experience levels.

Marine life & sighting chances

Sea turtles

occasional

Nurse sharks

occasional

Moray eels

occasional

Lobsters

occasional

Tarpon

occasional

Seahorses

occasional

Reef fish

common

Groupers

occasional

Barracudas

occasional

Sea lilies

common

Corals

common

Sponges

common

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Dives at El Salón de María typically begin with a day boat entry, as it's a short boat ride from the María la Gorda pier. Divers descend into the clear, calm waters to explore a reef and grotto formation. The dive plan often guides you along the reef, which starts around 5 meters, gradually progressing deeper to approximately 20 meters. A key feature is a swim-through hole in the rock, adorned with corals, sponges, and the site's distinctive sea lilies (crinoids). Divers typically navigate through this grotto, observing the intricate marine life it harbors. The moderate depth allows for extended bottom time, with the turning point determined by air consumption or time limits. The ascent is gradual, often following the reef slope back towards shallower areas. A safety stop is conducted at 5 meters, providing a final opportunity to admire the reef fish before surfacing near the boat.

Underwater photography

El Salón de María offers excellent opportunities for both wide-angle and macro photography due to its diverse topography and abundant marine life. For capturing the scale of the grotto, swim-through, and vibrant coral formations, a wide-angle lens is ideal. Consider compositions that include divers to add a sense of perspective to the unique rock structures. For macro enthusiasts, the delicate sea lilies (crinoids) are a primary subject, along with various small reef inhabitants, colorful sponges, and corals. A macro lens or close-up filters will bring out the intricate details. The typically clear water and calm conditions ensure good ambient light, but strobes or video lights will enhance colors and reduce backscatter, especially within the grotto. Maintain excellent buoyancy control to protect the delicate corals and avoid disturbing the environment, particularly when exploring the confined spaces of the swim-through.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• El Valle de Coral Negro

  Known for Cuba's largest black coral formation, a vibrant wall dive.

• Yemayá

  Features a large wall with a tunnel lined with purple vase sponges and colorful shrimp.

• El Ancla del Pirata

  Site around an 18th-century anchor with attractive hard corals and gorgonians.

• Paraíso Perdido

  A deeper wall dive, known for larger fish encounters like groupers and barracudas.

• El Ancla de Francois

  A beginner-friendly dive featuring an old anchor encrusted with corals and sponges.

• Balena Moby Dick

  Features a whale-shaped rock formation and diverse coral gardens.

Getting there & logistics

Access to El Salón de María is exclusively via day boat from the Centro Internacional de Buceo María la Gorda, the sole dive operator in the remote María la Gorda outpost. This single-resort location is at the far western end of Cuba, within the Guanahacabibes Peninsula National Park. The nearest major international airport is Havana (HAV), from which María la Gorda is approximately a 4.5 to 5-hour drive (around 300 km). There is no public transport for the final stretch, requiring private transfers. A passport checkpoint is located at La Bajada. Most dive packages include transfers, accommodation at the resort, and boat dives. El Salón de María is typically included as one of the many sites visited on multi-day dive packages from the resort, often as a second, shallower dive of the day due to its moderate depth. Park fees may apply for diving within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Safety & environment

Diving at El Salón de María benefits from the infrastructure of the Centro Internacional de Buceo María la Gorda, which is equipped with trained instructors in subaquatic rescue, first aid, and oxygenation. All centers in Cuba have civil liability insurance and facilities for first aid. Cuba also boasts a national network of hyperbaric chambers, with facilities in Havana, Matanzas, Juventud Island, and Santiago de Cuba, providing 24-hour service for subaquatic medicine. Divers should ensure they have comprehensive dive insurance covering medical emergencies and evacuation. Site-specific hazards are minimal due to the calm conditions and moderate depths. Divers should maintain good buoyancy, especially when navigating the grotto and swim-through, to avoid contact with delicate corals and sponges. Following dive guide instructions is crucial, and always dive within your certification limits.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

El Salón de María FAQ

Liveaboards diving El Salón de María

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

Jardines Avalon Fleet

Cuba

20 guests35.05 m

$494/day