Dive Site: Vicente

About Vicente

Vicente is a remarkable dive site characterized by an expansive shield reef transitioning into a sheer wall, offering varied topography for divers. The shallow reef, extending from 3 to 10 meters, is adorned with healthy hard and soft corals, creating a vivid landscape. As you descend, the reef transforms into a deep wall, plunging beyond 40 meters into the blue. This site boasts a rich diversity of marine life, appealing to both macro enthusiasts and those seeking larger pelagic encounters. Expect to see a vibrant array of reef fish, as well as occasional sightings of turtles, jacks, emperors, and barracuda. The macro environment is particularly prolific, featuring nudibranchs, harlequin shrimp, and mantis shrimp among the corals. While diving is possible year-round, conditions can vary. Currents, especially on an outbound tide, can be significant, influencing the dive experience. Visibility generally remains good, enhancing photographic opportunities and overall enjoyment of the healthy coral ecosystems. Access to Vicente is typically managed by local dive operators, offering daily excursions. The site's diverse depths and marine inhabitants provide engaging dives for various skill levels, though awareness of potential strong currents is crucial for planning.

Dive site facts: Vicente

Depth

3–40+ m

Typical dive

10–25 m, 50–60 min

Current

Can be strong on outbound tide

Visibility

35 m

Water temperature

21–27°C

Entry

Boat from shore

Level

Intermediate to Advanced

Dive type

Reef, Wall, Macro

Region / port

Cuba, Jardines de la Reina

Coordinates

20.83, -78.97

Conditions & Currents

At Vicente, currents can be a significant factor, particularly during an outbound tide, where they can become quite strong. Divers should anticipate drift conditions and plan their entry and exit accordingly, often involving negative entries or close boat support. While the shield reef offers some protection in shallower areas, the wall dive can expose divers to more pronounced water movement. Visibility tends to be good, typically around 35 meters, but strong currents can occasionally stir up sediment. Divers should be comfortable with currents and possess good buoyancy control to navigate this site safely, especially when exploring deeper sections of the wall.

Marine life & sighting chances

Barracuda

January to August, October · occasional

Wrasse

January to March, May, June, October, December · occasional

Moray Eel

January to March · occasional

Green Turtle

March, June, July · occasional

Octopus

January, August · occasional

Hawksbill Turtle

January, February · rare

Clownfish

All year · common

Angelfish

All year · common

Butterfly Fish

January to August, November, December · common

Lionfish

January to June, August, November, December · occasional

Bannerfish

January to March, May, July to December · common

Damselfish

January, February, May, June, July, October to December · common

Triggerfish

January to June, July to December · occasional

Parrotfish

January to March, May, September, November, December · common

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Your dive at Vicente begins with a descent onto the extensive shield reef, typically around 3 to 10 meters deep. You'll navigate over vibrant hard and soft corals, observing smaller reef fish and macro subjects. From here, the dive transitions to the dramatic wall, which drops steeply beyond 40 meters. Depending on current conditions, you might perform a drift along the wall, exploring overhangs and crevices. The turnaround point is often determined by air consumption and no-decompression limits, allowing ample time to ascend gradually along the reef slope. Your safety stop will typically be conducted in the shallower sections of the shield reef, offering a final opportunity to observe the thriving coral gardens and fish life before surfacing.

Underwater photography

Vicente offers excellent opportunities for both wide-angle and macro photography. For the vibrant coral gardens on the shield reef and the dramatic wall formations, a wide-angle lens is ideal. Consider bringing strobes to bring out the true colors of the corals and sponges, which are particularly brilliant in the sunlit shallower areas. When strong currents are present, stability can be a challenge, so practicing good buoyancy control is essential to avoid disturbing the delicate ecosystem. For macro subjects like nudibranchs, harlequin shrimp, and mantis shrimp, a macro lens and focus light will be invaluable. Take your time to search for these smaller creatures hidden among the corals and in cracks.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Pipin

  Known for dramatic wall formations and abundant shark encounters within Jardines de la Reina.

• Farallón

  A stunning wall dive featuring overhangs, swim-throughs, and large schools of tarpon and snappers.

• Black Coral Wall

  Features impressive black coral colonies, giant gorgonian fans, and frequent reef shark sightings.

• Cayo Anclitas

  Shallow coral gardens, ideal for night diving, with octopus, lobster, and nurse sharks.

Getting there & logistics

Access to Vicente typically involves liveaboard trips operating within the Jardines de la Reina National Park. These liveaboards usually depart from Jucaro, following a scenic transfer from Havana. International travelers generally fly into José Martí International Airport (HAV) in Havana. Trip durations are commonly 7 nights, combining various dive sites in the region. Strict conservation policies in Jardines de la Reina limit visitor numbers, ensuring the pristine condition of the dive sites. Park fees are usually included in liveaboard packages, but it's essential to confirm. Divers should also be aware of Cuba's specific currency regulations, requiring the acquisition of Cuban Convertible Pesos (CUC) locally, with Euros, Canadian Dollars, or Pounds recommended for exchange.

Safety & environment

Diving at Vicente requires adherence to standard safety protocols due to potential strong currents. Always dive within your training limits and stay close to your dive guide, especially during drift dives. Ensure you have appropriate exposure protection, as water temperatures can fluctuate. The nearest recompression chambers are located in Havana, Matanzas, Isla de la Juventud, and Santiago de Cuba, offering specialized subaquatic medical care. Emergency procedures for evacuation are in place, but comprehensive dive insurance covering medical emergencies and evacuation is highly recommended. Always carry your certification card and follow all park regulations to help preserve this protected marine environment.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Vicente FAQ

Liveaboards diving Vicente

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

Jardines Avalon Fleet

Cuba

20 guests35.05 m

$494/day