About P383
The P383 is a prominent shipwreck located off the coast of Varadero, Cuba's premier beach resort on the narrow Hicacos Peninsula. This wreck is significant as it is identified as a former Russian Destroyer and is considered one of the most exceptional dive sites in the Varadero region. The vessel lies upright and largely intact, measuring 97 meters in length. It rests at a maximum depth of 24 meters, making it accessible to a wide range of divers. While extensive penetration opportunities are limited primarily to the bridge area, the wreck's main appeal lies in the identifiable equipment still present on board. The area surrounding Varadero offers diverse underwater topography, including shallow reefs, numerous other shallow wrecks, and deeper, more challenging sites. The waters around Varadero are known for crystal-clear conditions, with excellent visibility contributing to the overall dive experience. While specific marine life for the P383 is not detailed, the region generally boasts healthy reefs and plentiful marine life in its labyrinths and tunnels. Water temperatures are consistently warm, averaging 26-28°C throughout the year, supporting a vibrant ecosystem. Diving at sites like the P383 typically involves two-tank morning excursions, departing after breakfast and returning for a late lunch. This schedule allows for ample dive time while accommodating other activities. Dive centers in Varadero are well-established, offering professional staff, quality equipment, and robust safety protocols.
Highlights
Best Season
The spring months, particularly when the average temperature reaches 28°C and water temperature is 26°C, offer excellent conditions for diving in Varadero. Visibility averages between 25 to 50 meters, making it an ideal period.
Dive site facts: P383
- Depth
- 0–24 m
- Current
- Moderate
- Entry
- Liveaboard or dayboat
- Level
- Intermediate
- Dive type
- Wreck, Wreck
- Region / port
- Cuba
- Coordinates
- 23.1678° N, 81.2583° W
Conditions & Currents
Information regarding current strength and direction specifically at the P383 site is not detailed in the provided sources. However, the Varadero region generally boasts clear waters with visibility ranging from 25 to 50 meters. Dive centers operate with professional staff and good boats, suggesting that dives are conducted under safe and manageable conditions. Entry and exit procedures are facilitated by these well-established operations, with divers typically picked up from their hotels and transported to the dive boats for morning excursions. The consistent high visibility and warm water temperatures (26-28°C) throughout the year indicate a generally comfortable diving environment, suitable for recreational divers to explore the wreck.
Why dive P383 from a liveaboard?
P383 is one of Cuba's signature dive sites. A liveaboard sleeps you on the water and puts you in the water for three to four guided dives per day, including dawn and night dives that day-boat operators rarely offer. You skip the daily commute back to port and reach quieter, less-crowded sites in the same region on a single trip.
Below are the liveaboards that include P383 on their Cuba itineraries.
Liveaboards diving P383
These liveaboards may visit P383 on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Jardines Avalon Fleet
Cuba
Dive sites similar to P383
Caribe is an advanced dive site situated in the waters off Varadero, on Cuba's northern coast.
- Suitable for
- Advanced
- Current
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- Access
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- Depth
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- Theme
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Los Túneles
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Los Túneles, part of Cuba's extensive underwater attractions, is located on the southern coast of the Bay of Pigs, approximately midway between the towns of Playa Larga and Playa…
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Camaronero III
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Camaronero III is a captivating dive site located near Faro Luna, on Cuba's southern coast in Cienfuegos.
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- Current
- —
- Access
- Liveaboard or dayboat
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El Jaruco Wreck
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The El Jaruco wreck is a purposely scuttled ship located off the coast near Playa Larga, within the Bay of Pigs region of Cuba.
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- Intermediate
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- Access
- Shore / dayboat
- Depth
- 12–25 m
- Theme
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Sparta Wreck
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The Sparta Wreck, located at 21.605, -83.165 off the Cuban coast, presents a compelling dive for those interested in maritime history and vibrant ecosystems.
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- Access
- Liveaboard or dayboat
- Depth
- 5–10 m
- Theme
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The USS Merrimac, a former coal ship, holds a significant place in naval history as a blockship from the 1898 Spanish-American War.
- Suitable for
- Advanced
- Current
- Strong
- Access
- Liveaboard or dayboat
- Depth
- 25–30 m
- Theme
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