Scuba Diving in Cuba: Havana/Miramar Guide
Street Photography of Havana, Cuba by @alexanderkunze provided by Unsplash
Introduction
If you are looking for an amazing scuba diving destination, Cuba should be at the top of your list.
Cuba is a Caribbean island nation known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and rich history. The waters lining the coast of Havana are home to a variety of marine life, including extensive coral reefs, shipwrecks, and caves. There are dive sites to suit all levels of experience, from beginner to advanced.
In this blog post, I focus on my own experience in Cuba’s cities of Havana, specifically the Miramar area. I will also cover:
Why I chose Cuba for scuba diving
Dive sites conditions and what you can expect to see
Animals, sunken boats, & underwater topography
Tips for planning your scuba diving trip
*Important Note: Cuba is still under a 60+ year US BLOCKADE. Basically, the US government has imposed sanctions deeming it illegal to trade, import, or export nearly anything with Cuba.
Beach in Cuba by Danilo Sandoval provided by Unsplash
If you’re like me, I scouted and chose Cuba for its well-preserved underwater world.
It’s well known that Fidel Castro enjoyed scuba diving. There were many attempts to assassinate Fidel while scuba diving.
Fidel Castro: The CIA's 7 Most Bizarre Assassination Attempts (NBC news)
Fidel Castro: Dodging exploding seashells, poison pens and ex-lovers (BBC)
Thus, many laws and protected areas were created for marine conservation. There’s a strong commitment to conservation and the coral reefs are the shining examples in Cuba.
Lately, I’ve been more intentional with traveling to countries closer to the US to experience the underwater world a little closer to home. My past travels have largely been in Southeast Asia, while the coral reefs in the Coral Triangle are unmatched, I am ready to see some sharks and other oceanic megafauna.
HAVANA
Miramar is a neighborhood in Havana, Cuba, that is home to some of the best scuba diving in the country. Several dive shops in Miramar offer guided tours and equipment rentals. The tours typically last for half a day or a full day, and they can be tailored to your experience level and interests.
Dennis, my dive guide, described Miramar as a…
“kindergarten for all species”.
Here are two dive sites I visited in Miramar, Havana, Cuba
Playita de 16 The clear waters and abundant marine life make it a popular destination for divers of all levels.
24 Miramar, Havana, Cuba. This is a great place to go for a beginner dive. The water is shallow and calm, and there are plenty of fish to see.
Entry: Both dives were within walking distance from the scuba shop. Access to these sites includes cement stairs or barely walking on a jagged, uneven cement-like platform. I’m not sure what the material was, but you walk slowly and calculate your foot positions before placement. From there, you step directly into the water. Depending on the current, you’ll access. You’ve to swim out backward for about 5-10 minutes and descend within sight of the shore.
Topography: Both dive sites are connected with different access points. The topography is a white sandy bottom, which beautifully contrasts the purple soft coral swaying in the current. There is a shallow reef garden that extends for miles, but there’s also a slope that also descends even further. Most apparent is the vast garden-like scene. As you descend closer to the coral, you will notice the vastness of the details. This is one of those places where within just one cubic foot or one Biocube lives countless biodiversity.
So what’s the takeaway lesson from a work like this?
“That even small spots matter,” Liittschwager says without hesitation. “And that there is no small spot that’s not connected to the place right next to it. There’s nothing that’s separate.” - David Liittschwager
Animals & Things: puffer fish, sting ray, moray eels of all sizes and colors, juvenile angle fish, basket starfish, juvenile grouper, groups of small yellow fish, four-eye butterfly fish, yellow snappers,
Classic American car driving along the Malecon in Havana Cuba by @michelespinnato provided by Unsplash
I didn’t get a ton of photos or videos because I only had my GoPro7 without protective housing.
“HERO11/10/9/8/7/6/5 Black, HERO11 Black Mini, HERO7 Silver/White, and HERO (2018): These cameras are waterproof to 33ft (10m) with the door closed. If you dive deeper, you need to use the Protective Housing.” - GoPro.com
Planning Tips
Here are a few things to keep in mind when planning your scuba diving trip to Miramar:
The best time to dive in Miramar is during the winter months when the water is warmest.
The water temperature in Miramar ranges from 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
The visibility in Miramar is typically excellent, ranging from 100ft to 150 feet.
Be respectful of the environment: Remember that you are visiting a fragile ecosystem, so it is important to be respectful of marine life and the environment. Do not touch the coral or the fish, and do not leave any trash behind.
Respect your dive guide and heed their instructions. Remember you’re a visitor to their country.
Need a travel template? Click here for an easy fill-in PDF.
Coral Reef by @marekokon provided by Unsplash
Conclusion
Scuba diving in Havana and the Bay of Pigs is a great way to experience the underwater beauty of Cuba. No matter what your experience level or interests, you are sure to find a dive site that is perfect for you.
If you are looking for an unforgettable diving adventure, be sure to add Cuba to your list.
So what are you waiting for? Book your trip today and start exploring the underwater world of Cuba!
Watch more about Cuba:
PBS: Nature - Cuba: The Accidental Eden
Netflix: Cuba and the Cameraman
Anthony Bourdain’s - Parts Unknown: Cuba
Read More about Scuba diving and biodiversity in Cuba:
Reuters: Cubans grow corals, restore ailing barrier reef on a shoestring budget
A more comprehensive overview of Playa Larga: “ Slow down in Playa Larga, Cuba’s under-visited beach destination." by Paul & Mark of Anywhere We Roam.
Science News Explores: Exploring the Mysteries of Cuba’s coral reefs
Further reading: My 8 Perfect Days in Cuba itinerary
