Dive Site: Shark Point

About Shark Point

Shark Point is an exceptional dive site located within the highly protected Jardines de la Reina Marine Park off Cuba's southern coast. This area is globally recognized as one of the Caribbean's most pristine and healthiest coral reef systems, largely due to minimal human impact and beneficial cold-water upwellings that deliver essential nutrients. The site itself features dramatic wall formations, intricate coral canyons, and mysterious caves, offering a diverse and captivating underwater topography. Depths here range from 10 to 30 meters, accommodating intermediate divers with options for shallower reef exploration and deeper wall dives. The well-preserved environment supports a rich array of marine species, including numerous fish populations and a significant presence of sharks, making it a key destination for wildlife enthusiasts. Divers can anticipate encountering flourishing coral reefs adorned with colorful soft corals, sponges, and sea fans. The thriving smaller fish, such as jacks and tarpons, attract larger predators like silky sharks and various reef sharks, providing thrilling encounters. Visibility is consistently excellent, especially during the dry season, which greatly enhances both underwater photography and the overall diving experience. Access to Shark Point is exclusively via liveaboard, ensuring its remote and protected status. The strict limitation on annual visitor numbers helps maintain the ecological integrity of this unique ecosystem. Each dive at Shark Point offers a rare opportunity to witness a truly vibrant Caribbean reef, largely untouched by human activity, making every descent an extraordinary natural encounter.

Dive site facts: Shark Point

Depth

10–30 m

Typical dive

12–25 m, 50–60 min

Current

Mild to moderate

Visibility

20–40 m

Water temperature

25–30°C

Entry

Liveaboard tender

Level

Intermediate

Dive type

Wall, reef, pelagic

Night dive

Possible in sheltered areas

Region / port

Jardines de la Reina, Cuba

Coordinates

20.72, -78.805

Conditions & Currents

Currents at Shark Point are generally manageable, making it suitable for intermediate divers. However, conditions can vary, and divers should be prepared for potential drift dives, especially along the walls. Visibility remains consistently high, often exceeding 30 meters, contributing to an enhanced sense of current impact. Entry and exit are typically conducted via tender from a liveaboard, with dive guides providing briefings on prevailing currents and appropriate techniques. Although thermoclines are not frequently noted as a major factor, water temperatures fluctuate seasonally, which can influence diver comfort and buoyancy control. Always pay close attention to your dive leader's instructions regarding current strength and direction to ensure a safe and enjoyable dive.

Marine life & sighting chances

Silky Shark

Year-round · common

Caribbean Reef Shark

Year-round · common

Tarpon

Year-round · common

Jack

Year-round · common

Stingray

Year-round · occasional

Grouper

Year-round · common

Angelfish

Year-round · common

Parrotfish

Year-round · common

Black Coral

Year-round · common

Giant Gorgonian

Year-round · common

Sponge

Year-round · common

Soft Coral

Year-round · common

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Your dive at Shark Point typically begins with a tender drop-off directly onto the reef wall, allowing for a negative entry to quickly descend and minimize surface current exposure. The initial descent takes you to approximately 18-20 meters to explore the vibrant coral formations and look for schooling fish. You will then drift along the dramatic wall, maintaining a depth of 15-25 meters, where pelagic encounters are common. Your guide will lead you through canyons and past small caves, always keeping an eye out for sharks patrolling the deeper blue. The dive progresses along the wall, gradually ascending to shallower sections, around 10-12 meters, to extend bottom time and enjoy the colorful reef top. The turn point is determined by air consumption and current, usually around the 30-minute mark. Your safety stop will be conducted at 5 meters, often utilizing a secure line deployed from the tender or by hovering over a shallow coral garden, before surfacing near the liveaboard or an awaiting tender.

Underwater photography

Shark Point is a wide-angle photographer's paradise, with expansive reef walls, schooling fish, and frequent shark encounters. A wide-angle rectilinear lens is ideal for capturing the grandeur of the topography and the pelagic action. When approaching sharks, move slowly and avoid sudden movements to prevent startling them. Use dual strobes to evenly illuminate large reef scenes and bring out the vibrant colors of the healthy corals and sponges. For macro opportunities, particularly for nudibranchs or small reef inhabitants on the wall, switch to a macro lens or use a diopter, paying close attention to buoyancy to avoid damaging the delicate ecosystems. Given the excellent visibility, natural light photography can also be very rewarding in the shallower sections.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Farallón

  A stunning wall dive with impressive overhangs and swim-throughs, often featuring large schools of tarpon and snapper.

• Black Coral Wall

  Known for healthy, colorful coral formations, including giant gorgonians and extensive black coral colonies, with frequent shark sightings.

• Cayo Anclitas

  Features shallow coral gardens ideal for night diving, where divers can encounter octopus, lobster, and nurse sharks.

Getting there & logistics

Access to Shark Point is exclusively via liveaboard, typically departing from Jucaro, Cuba, after travelers have arranged transport from Havana. International flights arrive at José Martí International Airport (HAV) in Havana. Most liveaboard trips to Jardines de la Reina range from 7 to 10 days. There are strict conservation policies in place, and visitor numbers are limited, making advance booking essential. You will need to obtain Cuban Convertible Pesos (CUC) upon arrival, with Euros, Canadian Dollars, or Pounds sterling recommended for exchange. Park fees are usually included in the liveaboard package, but confirm this beforehand.

Safety & environment

Diving at Shark Point requires adherence to standard safety protocols and a keen awareness of your surroundings due to the presence of larger marine life. Always dive with a reputable liveaboard operator and follow your dive guide's instructions. Ensure your dive insurance covers emergency evacuation and recompression, as the nearest recompression chamber is located in Havana, a significant distance from Jardines de la Reina. Evacuation procedures typically involve transfer by the liveaboard to the nearest medical facility, followed by air transport if necessary. Maintain excellent buoyancy control to protect the pristine coral formations and avoid disturbing marine life. Stay within your certification limits and monitor your air consumption closely, especially on deeper wall dives. Always carry a surface marker buoy (SMB) for safety in case of separation from the group.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Shark Point FAQ

Liveaboards diving Shark Point

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

Jardines Avalon Fleet

Cuba

20 guests35.05 m

$494/day