Dive Site: Puente Escondido

About 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 Cuba's southern coast. This region, also known as the 'Gardens of the Queen,' is celebrated for its pristine conditions, benefiting from strict conservation measures that prohibit fishing and human habitation in its central sections. The site itself is characterized by a shallow profile, making it accessible and enjoyable for a wide range of divers. It forms part of a larger ecosystem renowned for vertical slopes and coral formations. Divers can expect to encounter an abundance of reef fish and invertebrates, thriving in clear, warm waters typical of this protected Caribbean environment. Visibility here is consistently excellent, often exceeding 40 meters, enhancing the experience of exploring the vibrant underwater world. The mild to non-existent currents contribute to comfortable diving conditions, allowing for relaxed observation of marine life and the natural topography. This combination of accessibility, rich biodiversity, and favorable conditions makes Puente Escondido a compelling destination within Jardines de la Reina for experiencing Cuba's marine beauty.

Dive site facts: Puente Escondido

Depth

Up to 18 m

Current

Mild to none

Visibility

40 m+

Water temperature

26–29°C (79–84°F)

Entry

Boat

Level

All levels

Dive type

Coral reef, shallow

Region / port

Jardines de la Reina, Cuba

Coordinates

21.6257° N, 80.4736° W

Conditions & Currents

Puente Escondido, like many sites in Jardines de la Reina, generally experiences mild to non-existent currents. This favorable condition contributes significantly to a relaxed dive experience, allowing divers to easily navigate the site and spend more time observing marine life. Visibility is consistently excellent, often extending beyond 40 meters (130 feet), providing clear views of the coral structures and diverse fauna. Water temperatures remain warm throughout the year, typically ranging from 26-29°C (79-84°F), which minimizes the need for thick wetsuits. These calm and clear conditions make the site suitable for divers across various experience levels, from beginners to more advanced. Entry and exit are typically smooth from day boats or liveaboards, given the calm sea state.

Marine life & sighting chances

Snapper

Year-round · common

Grouper

Year-round · common

Jewfish

Year-round · common

Caribbean reef shark

Year-round · common

Silky shark

Year-round · common

Lemon shark

Year-round · common

Blacktip shark

Year-round · common

Nurse shark

Year-round · common

Whale shark

Seasonal · occasional

Sponges

Year-round · common

Lobster

Year-round · common

Green moray eel

Year-round · common

Blue-striped grunts

Year-round · common

Yellowtail snappers

Year-round · common

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Diving at Puente Escondido typically begins with a boat entry, offering direct access to the shallow reef structure. The site's maximum depth is around 18 meters, making it an excellent location for extended bottom times and a relaxed exploration. Divers can follow the natural contours of the coral formations, which often feature vibrant sponges and various reef fish. The profile generally involves a gradual descent to the reef crest, allowing for ample time to explore the coral heads and observe the abundant marine life. Given the mild to non-existent currents and excellent visibility, divers can easily navigate around the site. The safety stop can be comfortably performed in the shallower sections of the reef, often around 5 meters, providing a final opportunity to enjoy the rich, colorful ecosystem.

Underwater photography

Puente Escondido, with its excellent visibility and abundant marine life in shallow depths, is ideal for wide-angle and macro photography. A wide-angle lens is perfect for capturing the expansive coral formations and the overall healthy reef environment. For subjects like colorful sponges, small reef fish, and moray eels, a macro lens will allow for detailed close-ups. External strobes are highly recommended to bring out the true colors of the corals and fish, especially in the shallower sections where ambient light is plentiful. Given the calm conditions, careful buoyancy control is easily maintained, allowing photographers to get stable shots without disturbing the delicate ecosystem. Maintaining a respectful distance from marine life is crucial, allowing natural behaviors to be captured.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• El Muchacho de Montana

  El Muchacho de Montana is a dive site nestled within the protected waters of Jardines de la Reina, located off the southern coast of Cuba.

• 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…

• 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…

• Five Seas

  Five Seas (Cinco Mares) is a notable dive site located within the Jardines de la Reina Marine Park, off Cuba's central coast.

• La Corona

  La Corona is a captivating dive site situated within the expansive 35-kilometer barrier reef off Playa Santa Lucía in Cuba's Camagüey…

Getting there & logistics

Access to Puente Escondido is exclusively via liveaboard boats operating in Jardines de la Reina. Divers typically fly into Cuba, with Havana or Camagüey being common international arrival points, followed by overland transfer to a designated departure port like Jucaro or another specific embarkation point for the liveaboard. Liveaboard trips in this region generally span 7-10 days, providing extensive diving opportunities across numerous sites within the protected marine park. All diving in Jardines de la Reina falls under strict environmental regulations, and specific permits or park fees are usually included in the liveaboard package. This setup ensures responsible tourism and helps preserve the pristine nature of the 'Gardens of the Queen.'

Safety & environment

Diving at Puente Escondido within Jardines de la Reina is generally safe due to the mild conditions and protected environment. However, divers must be self-sufficient and follow standard safety protocols, as recompression chambers in Cuba are limited, and emergency evacuations from remote marine parks can be complex and time-consuming. Comprehensive dive insurance that covers medical emergencies and potential evacuation is strongly advised for all divers. Site-specific hazards are minimal, but divers should always be aware of their depth and bottom time, manage their gas supply conservatively, and maintain excellent buoyancy control to avoid damaging the delicate coral structures. All dives are guided, and adherence to the dive brief and respecting marine life is paramount for a safe experience.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Puente Escondido FAQ

Liveaboards diving Puente Escondido

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

Jardines Avalon Fleet

Cuba

20 guests35.05 m

$494/day