Dive Site: Los Pinos

About Los Pinos

Los Pinos is a dive site located within the pristine Jardines de la Reina marine park, an archipelago situated approximately 80 kilometers off the southern coast of Cuba. This area is renowned as the third-largest barrier reef system globally and is a highly protected marine sanctuary, contributing to its exceptional biodiversity and vibrant marine ecosystem. The park's strict conservation efforts have preserved its underwater environment, making it a world-class destination for liveaboard diving. The site itself is part of a larger system characterized by clear, warm waters and minimal human impact. The topography of Los Pinos features a seabed primarily composed of hard coral, richly adorned with numerous gorgonians and sponges. The site's depth ranges from a shallow 10 meters, sloping gradually, to a maximum of 18 meters. Divers will encounter a diverse array of fish species that reside among the corals. The overall region of Jardines de la Reina is famous for its vertical slopes and dramatic underwater scenery, though Los Pinos is noted for its gentle slope. Marine life at Los Pinos and throughout Jardines de la Reina is abundant, with frequent sightings of large, calm snappers, groupers (including the substantial jewfish and goliath grouper), and massive schools of tarpon and grunts. Lobsters are also found in considerable numbers. The area is a kingdom for sponges, displaying an incredible variety of colors such as yellow, violet, and purple, and diverse shapes like tubular and organ pipe forms. Sharks are a major draw, with encounters possible with silky, Caribbean reef, lemon, blacktip, and nurse sharks. Whale sharks can be seasonally observed in large quantities. The clear water allows for excellent visibility, often exceeding 40 meters, enhancing marine life viewing. Liveaboard trips are the primary way to access Jardines de la Reina, ensuring controlled visitor numbers and preserving the pristine environment. Dive operations are typically well-protected from strong winds and currents, making for generally comfortable diving conditions. The excellent visibility and abundant marine life make this site suitable for divers of various experience levels, offering superb opportunities for underwater photography.

Dive site facts: Los Pinos

Depth

Not specified for Varadero site (Jardines site is 18 m)

Current

Mild to moderate

Visibility

18–30 m

Water temperature

25–30°C

Entry

Boat dive

Level

Intermediate

Dive type

Reef, Macro

Region / port

Varadero, Cuba

Coordinates

21.6827° N, 80.4566° W

Conditions & Currents

Los Pinos typically experiences calm to mild currents, making it suitable for intermediate divers. However, some reports indicate moderate currents can occur, particularly influencing the experience for divers. Visibility at the site is generally very good, often exceeding 25 meters, providing clear views of the distinctive coral architecture and marine life. Water temperatures are comfortably warm, ranging from 25°C to 30°C. Entry to the dive site is via boat, and divers can expect manageable conditions overall, though awareness of potential moderate currents is advised to ensure proper buoyancy control and gas planning.

Marine life & sighting chances

Small tropical fish

common

Shrimp

common

Nudibranchs

common

Groupers

common

Snappers

common

Nurse sharks

common

Sea turtles

occasional

Eagle rays

occasional

Moray eels

occasional

Lobsters

occasional

Tarpon

occasional

Reef sharks

occasional

Seahorses

occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Dives at Los Pinos typically commence from a boat, anchoring close to the reef. Upon descent, divers are immediately immersed in the unique landscape of pine-tree-shaped coral formations that define the site. The dive often involves navigating through these distinctive pillar and branching coral structures, exploring the numerous nooks and crannies for macro life. Depths remain moderate, suitable for intermediate divers, allowing ample bottom time to observe small tropical fish, shrimp, and nudibranchs within the coral. The dive progresses along the reef, where divers can also scan the surrounding areas for larger inhabitants like groupers, snappers, and nurse sharks. Towards the end of the dive, the safety stop is conducted above the shallower parts of the reef, providing an opportunity for further observation of smaller marine creatures before ascending to the surface.

Underwater photography

Los Pinos is an excellent location for macro photography, thanks to the abundance of small tropical fish, shrimp, and nudibranchs nestled within its unique coral formations. A macro lens or close-up filters will capture intricate details of these tiny subjects. Wide-angle photography can also be rewarding to showcase the impressive pine-tree-shaped coral structures; however, ensure good visibility to capture the full scope. Maintaining excellent buoyancy is crucial to avoid damaging the delicate branching corals. Consider using off-camera strobes or a video light to illuminate subjects and bring out the vibrant colors of the corals and cryptic creatures without disturbing them.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Paradise

  Paradise Bay, located on the Antarctic Peninsula, offers divers a unique opportunity to explore a wilderness few will ever experience.

• Blue Hole - Sigua

  The Blue Hole - Sigua is a remarkable dive site found near Cay Sigua, positioned precisely at the western end of a prominent reef crest.

• Barco Hundido
• Carbonera
• Canal

  Saona Island Reef, located within Cotubanamá National Park off the southeastern coast of the Dominican Republic, is a well-regarded dive…

• Playa El Coral

Getting there & logistics

Access to Los Pinos is typically arranged through dive operators in Varadero, Cuba, as it is a boat dive. Travelers usually fly into Jose Marti International Airport (HAV) in Havana, then transfer to Varadero. Alternatively, Juan Gualberto Gómez Airport (VRA) in Varadero is closer. Day trips from Varadero are the standard for visiting this site. There is no specific information on permits or fees, but these are often handled directly by the dive centers. Dive excursions are generally combined with other nearby Varadero sites, allowing divers to explore various reef topographies within the region.

Safety & environment

While Los Pinos is considered an intermediate dive, divers should always carry appropriate insurance covering diving accidents and potential emergency evacuations. The nearest recompression chambers would likely be in Havana, necessitating careful planning for any serious incidents. Site-specific hazards are minimal due to typically calm conditions, but moderate currents can occur, requiring good buoyancy control and dive planning. Adherence to standard safe diving practices, such as buddy checks and monitoring air consumption, is essential. Divers should respect marine life and coral formations, avoiding contact to preserve the fragile ecosystem.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Los Pinos FAQ

Liveaboards diving Los Pinos

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

Jardines Avalon Fleet

Cuba

20 guests35.05 m

$494/day