Dive Site: Notre Dame

Dive site facts: Notre Dame

Depth

6–40 m

Current

Little to none

Visibility

Up to 40 m

Water temperature

24–30°C (75–86°F)

Entry

Boat

Level

All levels

Dive type

Reef, wall, coral garden, cave

Region / port

Cienfuegos, Cuba

Coordinates

21.5757° N, 80.3346° W

Conditions & Currents

Currents around Notre Dame and other Cienfuegos dive sites are generally reported as minimal, contributing to comfortable and relaxed diving conditions. This allows divers ample time to explore the intricate coral formations and observe marine life without significant exertion against strong flows. Visibility in the area is typically excellent, often reaching up to 40 meters (130 feet), providing clear views of the underwater landscape. Water temperatures remain warm throughout the year, ranging from 24-30°C (75-86°F), eliminating the need for thick thermal protection. The calm surface conditions and good visibility mean that entry and exit procedures are usually straightforward, making the sites accessible for a broad range of diver experience levels.

Marine life & sighting chances

Barracuda

common

Reef Fish

common

Hard Corals

common

Sponges

common

Moray Eel

occasional

Lobster

occasional

Crab

occasional

Nassau Grouper

occasional

Black Grouper

occasional

Tarpon

occasional

Stingray

occasional

Green Turtle

rare

Hawksbill Turtle

rare

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Dives at Notre Dame typically commence from a day boat, with divers entering the calm, clear waters directly above the main coral pinnacle. Upon descent, you will orient towards the impressive 6-meter (20-foot) tall coral formation that gives the site its name, exploring its intricate structure and observing the surrounding reef life. The dive then often progresses along the adjacent walls and into nearby caves, where divers can discover a variety of smaller creatures and schooling fish. Maintaining a depth suitable for your certification and gas consumption, the route guides you around the primary features, allowing for thorough exploration of the vibrant coral gardens. The turning point is usually determined by gas limits or planned bottom time, after which a gradual ascent along the reef allows for further observation. The safety stop is generally performed in the shallower parts of the reef or over open water, ensuring a safe and comfortable ascent back to the boat.

Underwater photography

Notre Dame offers excellent opportunities for wide-angle photography, especially when capturing the grandeur of the 6-meter tall coral pinnacle. A fisheye or wide-angle lens will best convey the scale of this unique formation and the extensive coral walls. For documenting the barracudas and schooling reef fish, a wide-angle lens with external strobes will help illuminate the vibrant colors and reduce backscatter in the clear waters. Macro photography can be rewarding within the caves and crevices, where you might find smaller invertebrates and unique coral polyps; a dedicated macro lens will be beneficial here. Divers should practice excellent buoyancy control to avoid disturbing the delicate coral structures and marine life, ensuring clear shots and preserving the site's pristine condition. Utilizing natural light effectively is often possible given the good visibility, but strobes are crucial for bringing out true colors at deeper sections.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Rancho Luna

  A nearby dive center and coastal area in Cienfuegos.

• Cienfuegos

  The broader diving region with over 50 sites.

• Carlos' Corner

  Another named dive site within the Cienfuegos area.

• Neptuno Wreck

  A local wreck dive found in the Cienfuegos vicinity.

• Sparta Wreck

  One of the shipwrecks accessible from Cienfuegos.

Getting there & logistics

Accessing Notre Dame typically involves arriving via international flights into Havana (HAV) or Santa Clara (SNU) airports, followed by ground transfer to Cienfuegos. The dive site is serviced by local dive centers and resorts in Cienfuegos, which organize day boat trips to various sites in the region. Most Cienfuegos dive sites, including Notre Dame, require a relatively short boat ride, usually within 10-30 minutes from the departure port. There are over 50 dive sites in the Cienfuegos area, allowing for varied itineraries over several days. Divers can expect to pay daily dive fees that typically include boat transport, tanks, and weights. No specific marine park fees for Cienfuegos were noted, but it's advisable to confirm with local operators. Trips often combine multiple dives within the Cienfuegos bay and outer reefs, offering a comprehensive exploration of the area's underwater diversity.

Safety & environment

For diving in Cienfuegos, Cuba, the nearest recompression chamber is generally located in Havana. In the event of a dive emergency requiring chamber treatment, evacuation would involve ground transportation, which can be time-consuming depending on traffic and road conditions. Therefore, comprehensive dive insurance covering medical emergencies, evacuation, and recompression treatment is absolutely essential for all divers. Site-specific hazards at Notre Dame are minimal, given the typically calm currents and excellent visibility, but standard safe diving practices such as monitoring air consumption, depth limits, and no-decompression limits are always paramount. Always dive with a reputable local operator and ensure your gear is well-maintained. Adherence to the dive plan and careful buoyancy control are crucial, especially when exploring coral formations, to prevent accidental damage or injury.

Who it suits, and who it doesn't

FAQ

Notre Dame FAQ

Liveaboards diving Notre Dame

These liveaboards may visit Notre Dame on selected itineraries, the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Jardines Avalon Fleet

Cuba

20 guests35 m