The diving region encompasses north of the Gulf of Mexico to the
south Caribbean. This is an
unspoiled underwater world, one of the most
beautiful and interesting regions with a coastline stretching for almost 6000
km.
The wide variety of
underwater world seascapes, caves, tunnels and sunken
ships on one of the largest coral reefs in the world invite adventure. You
are able to see rays, barracudas, sharks, moray eels, many shellfish, mollusks
and tropical fish.
We have chosen two especially interesting places from all the excellent dives
available in Cuba, Maria La Gorda in the west and the island Isla de Juventud
in the archipelago del los Canarreos. Both dives come highly recommended and
are suitable for beginners and advanced.
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INTERNATIONAL DIVING CENTER MARIA LA GORDA
The center and villa complex is situated on the western tip of the south coast
near the Yucatan strait of Mexico. Historically, this region was a meeting
point and harbour for Corsairs and pirates and there are still can be seen parts of sunken
galleons, anchors and canons. The distance from Havana to Maria La Gorda is approx. 160 kms and will take about 3-4 hours to
reach.
As many as 26 dive sites will be approached where you will be diving in crystal clear water
in depths of between 8-40m. Excellent dives are the cave Salon Maria at 25ms of depth,
and the Valley of Black Coral with its 30m outstretched coral reef. For beginners
we recommend the Ancla del Pirata - Pirates Anchor at a depth of 15 meters.
Dive
season is all year round at an average water temperature of 24°C and visibilty up to 40m.
VILLA MARIA LA GORDA
The complex
is situated at the beach, which stretches for 8 km in total. A fully equipped dive center, two
boats with emergency gear, oxygen and transmitters are at disposal for the guests. Diving trips start from the marina of the complex which is in very close walking distance to the bungalows or main house.
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Hotel: 55 rooms, partly with sea view, 20 rooms in wooden bungalows, air conditioning,
bad, shower, TV, minibar. Amenities: restaurant,
bar, shop with daily necessities, medical help and car rental are available.
We recommend trips to Pinar del Rio with its
famous tobacco factory, or the picturesque Valley of Vinales where tobacco plantations and the mountains make a beautiful contrast.
ATTENTION: Currently there is light construction of new wodden bungalows underway. Estimated until October.
Both
of the international dive centers provide professional staff and concentrate on the safety and comfort
of their guests.
It's not only our wishl to bring you closer to the underwater world of Cuba
but to also support the development of dive sports and the respect and protection
of our maritime life and its surroundings.
ISLA DE LA JUVENTUD
Once known as the famous Parrot Island, was used
to hide the treasure of sea pirates by the likes of, Sir Francis Drake, John
Hawkins and the notorious Henry Morgan. This inspired Robert Louis Stevenson
to write his famous book "Treasure Island". On the island Punta
del Este there are cave drawings by the once native Taino Indians.
Many turtles, lizards and pelicans live on the smaller eastern cluster of
islands.
DIVE CENTER EL COLONY
The journey to the dive center El Colony starts with the flight from
Havana to the islands airport in Nueva Gerona. We recommend to just take a taxi cab to the Hotel El Colony or otherwise reserve a transfer.
The dive center is fully equipped and offers rental equipment.
Included are the daily shuttles to the nearby marina of the hotel, further on by boat to the Cape Punta Francés from where all dive sites are to be reached. This spot boasts a nice beach and snorkel area, very recommendable for attendes who do not scuba dive.
There are 56 places to dive, ranging in depth from 8-40m. Some are known
for their sumptuos underwater valleys, tunnels and canals with over 40 kinds
of coral life, including the rare black coral.
Dive
season is all year round at an average water temperature of 24°C. Visibility in between 30-40m is excellent with calm waters in the region, undisturbed from waves.
Hotel: main building with 53 rooms, 24 bungalows (some on two levels), air conditioning, shower/toilet, telephone, TV, room service. Amenities: bar, restaurant, cafeteria,
grill, swimming pool, souvenir
shop, disco, tennis court, squash, volleyball.
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