How to Plan & Pack for Cuba: Scuba Diving Trip

Are you planning a scuba diving trip to Cuba? If so, you're probably wondering what to pack.

I recently went on a scuba diving trip to Cuba, and it was one of the best experiences of my life. The water was crystal clear, the fish were colorful and plentiful, and the scenery was stunning. I was so glad that I had done my research and packed everything I needed for the trip. Major shoutout and deep gratitude to @DoctorKiona for offering this once-in-a-lifetime educational vacation in Cuba. Check out her tour dates for Cuba 2023: LINK

In this blog post, I'll walk you through the essentials to bring, my packing list, and some planning tips if you’re going scuba diving.

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Pre-planning logistics:

When to Go

La Terreza Rooftop Sunset

The best time to go scuba diving in Havana Cuba and Bay of Pigs is during the dry season, which runs from November to April. The water is warmest and clearest during this time.

What month is best for Cuba in general?

• Peak season in Cuba (December to March, July, and August)

• Shoulder season in Cuba (April, May, June, and November)

• Low season in Cuba (September and October)

What to Expect

The water temperature in Cuba ranges from 22°C (72°F) in the winter to 29°C (84°F) in the summer. The visibility in the water is usually good, ranging from 10 to 30 meters. The water is also relatively calm, making it a good place for beginners.

Cost

Beyond the airline ticket and the travel agency payment, here are a few other items to account for when traveling and scuba diving in Cuba.

• $85 USD Travel Card to enter Cuba for U.S. citizens. I purchased mines at the departing gate inside the terminal at George Bush Intercontinental/Houston Airport (IAH). (not the ticket counter where you check your bags)

• The cost of scuba diving in Havana Cuba and the Bay of Pigs varies depending on the length of your trip, the number of dives you want to do, and the level of service you want. One dive with Dennis in Havana cost $100 USD, which included transportation, tanks, a guide, and rental gear. (did not include tip)

• Cuba is a tipping country, so please don’t forget to tip service industry workers.

• Cuba is an island and most food is imported. You can expect a meal to cost $ 15-$20 USD per person.

What to Bring

If you are planning on going scuba diving there are a few things you will need to bring with you:

• Scuba diving gear:
  (1) wetsuit, mask, fins, snorkel, and regulator
  (2) dive bag with a towel and a change of clothes

• Sun Protection:
  (1)Sunscreen: The sun in Cuba is very strong, so you will need to protect your skin. Remember to use reef-safe sunscreen. Apply at least 30 minutes BEFORE you get into the water. Why? 
  (2) sunglasses
  (3) hat

• Drinking water: It is important to stay hydrated, especially when you are in the sun.

• Snacks: You may want to bring some snacks with you, as food can be expensive in Cuba. If you’re like me, it can get really ugly if I’m hangry. I pack a snack bag in my carry-on for road trips. My favs are Clif Bar, Annie’s fruit snacks, and any type of chocolate.

• First aid kit - I have this mini one then added Advil and stomach relief medicine and some packs of Emergen-C or vitamin C.

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Scuba diving is a thrilling and rewarding experience that allows you to explore the underwater world. If you're lucky, you might even spot some fantastic marine life. On my trip, I saw a squad of squid, red snapper, barracuda, moray eels, tons of juvenile fish, butterfly fish, and garden eels. If you are planning a scuba diving trip to Cuba, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Cuba is nicknamed the “Pearl of the Antilles” because it’s the most biologically diverse and ecologically abundant island in the Caribbean. - Cuba Unbound

First, you will need a diving certification. Before diving arrangements were made, most places will appreciate you sending your diving certification cards or a picture of the card ahead of time. It helps to verify certifications and qualifications. Divers rely on each other for safety, so it helps to know that you are diving with someone who is also competent and qualified.

If you’re looking to get certified in Cuba know that PADI, an American company, does not operate in Cuba (thanks to US blockade/embargo). A PADI certification is accepted, but if you’re looking to get certified while in Cuba most dive courses are SSI, NAUI, or SNSI.

Second, you will need to book your dive trip in advance. I booked a private tour with Doctor Kiona. She hired a personal dive guide/translator (Dennis) for all of my dives. Dennis is a well-connected dive instructor. He arranged tank rentals, gear, and dive spots from the dive club and shops listed below.

1. Club De Buceo MarAbierto near Playita de 16

2. Tech Diving Cuba - https://www.facebook.com/techdivingcuba

Finally, you will need to pack the appropriate gear, including a wetsuit, mask, snorkel, fins, and buoyancy compensator (BCD). If you’re like me, I rented all of my gear except my diving mask. All my rental gear was personally owned and rented directly from Dennis. This was an extra level of safety because every dive I was diving with the exact same gear. That alleviates and prevents any mishaps with trying to adjust to new gear AND new locations for each dive. Dennis was my guide in Havana and in the Bay of Pigs.

Blog Links: Havana & Bay of Pigs

Here are a few tips for scuba diving in Cuba

• Book your dive in advance: This is especially important during peak season.

• Bring your dive certification cards: A picture of it will reassure your dive guide of your abilities.

• Be aware of the currents: The currents in the waters around Cuba can be strong, so it is important to be aware of them. Hire a local guide who knows the waters and can guide you.

• Don't touch the coral: The coral reefs are very delicate, so it is important not to touch them.

• Do not wear lotion or sunscreen that can wash off into the water. If you must wear sunscreen, choose ones that do not have these chemicals: Benzophenone-3, Oxybenzone, Avobenzone, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Cylcopentasiloxane / Cyclomethicone, Formaldehyde, Diazolidinyl urea, Quaternium-15, DMDM Hydantoin and Hydroxymethylglycinate, Homosalate, Methylisothiazolinone, Nanoparticles, or Paraben. Article about sunscreen by EWG.

• Respect marine life: The marine life in Cuba is very diverse, so don’t chase, harass, or touch any animals you might see.

Further Reading about Scuba diving and Conservation in Cuba:

• Wildlife in Cuba - https://a-z-animals.com/animals/location/central-america/cuba/

• Cuba’s Coral Reefs - https://www.amnh.org/exhibitions/cuba/cuba-s-coral-reefs

• Cuba’s Conservation - https://www.cubaunbound.com/conservation

• The Magic of Cuba’s Coastal and Underwater Treasures - https://wildcoast.org/the-magic-of-cubas-coastal-and-underwater-treasures/

• Scuba Diving Cuba’s Garden of the Queen Marine Ecosystem - https://www.scubadiving.com/an-inside-look-at-cubas-diverse-marine-ecosystem

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Further reading: My 8 Perfect Days in Cuba itinerary