Why Go?

Scuba diving in Cuba has become hugely popular in recent years, and it's easy to see why. The water is warm and crystal clear, and the vibrant underwater wildlife and excellently preserved coral reefs make it a key destination for avid scuba divers.

The sheer number of great dive sites in Cuba is staggering, far too many to explore in a single Cuba diving holiday. Many keen scuba divers return to the island year on year to explore some of the more out of the way Places. The sites also offer a good variation in their level of difficulty, so diving in Cuba is suitable for both beginners and experts.

Scuba diving in Cuba is a big business and there are many companies to choose from, especially around the most popular dive sites. Note that if you dived before, you have your certification card with you. If you are a beginner, many companies that courses will be certified in a few hours.

When IGo?

The rainy season is from May to October, to get the most popular (and expensive) time in Cuba diving is from November to May Lots of good diving can still throughout the year - the average temperature is a warm 24 degrees Celsius . Be aware that once every two years or so Cuba experiences a hurricane between August and September along the east coast, so it's worth seeking if a hurricane is expected to be before you book your holiday!

Where do IGo?

There are great dive sites suitable for scuba diving around the coast of Cuba 'island, but the resort of Cayo Coco is a particular highlight. Located north of the island, a magnificent coral reef is half a mile from the coast, this particular part of the Cuban coast is full of tropical fish, so that the divers see under the water a lot. Water, Cayo Coco features the finest beaches in Cuba, and numerous hotels and dive companies that areset up at this resort mean that you'll have little trouble finding places to stay and companies to dive with.

Maria la Gorda is equally popular, and is regarded as one of the best sites for scuba diving in Cuba. Situated in the midst of a national park, Maria la Gorda provides a more secluded experience than Cayo Coco - there's little here except for natural beauty, a few apartments and restaurants, the dive centre and some of the best diving on the island. The dive sites are characterised by steep drops, and sheer walls that are riddled with caves and tunnels to explore.

If you'd prefer to go diving amidst ship wrecks rather than coral reefs, then Santiago de Cuba is the place to go, as there are a number of well preserved wrecks that are safe to explore.

How Much Will It Cost?

Naturally, the cost of scuba diving in Cuba will vary depending on the season you visit and the company that you go with. Single dives typically cost between $25 - $50 US, with discounts available if you buy several dives at the same time. Many companies now offer Cuba diving holiday packages, including flights, accommodation and diving costs, which can offer good value and save you the hassle of putting everything together separately.