Every year, Cuba attracts swarms of divers from around the world to its calm, warm waters and stunning coral reefs. With an average visibility of close to 100 feet (30 m), divers have little chance of missing glimpses of its marine life and its mysterious 18th century shipwrecks. The mild currents also attract beginner divers, making Cuba a diving paradise for scuba enthusiasts of all levels. The many dive regions, each boasting 20-50 or more dive sites, combine to make Cuba one of the most dive-friendly islands in the Caribbean, with more than 500 sites in all. Of all dive locations in Cuba, Maria la Gorda is one with approximately 39 dive sites and is certainly worth placing on the itinerary.
Diving Maria La Gorda
Divers who want the ultimate diving “escape” should head to the pristine and undeveloped Maria la Gorda in Western Cuba. Maria la Gorda is located four hours from Havana past banana, sugar cane and tobacco plantations. Specifically, it’s local to Pinar del Rio, and renowned as a beautiful dive spot surrounded by nature, possibly because it is one of the least developed areas in Cuba. The dive sites are found in the Guanahacabibes Peninsula, which is a world-famous marine preserve. Past divers have described Maria la Gorda as “seemingly bottomless,” and “an impossibly beautiful, remote place.”
The types of dives at Maria la Gorda include Reef Diving, Cave and Cavern Diving, Wall Diving, and Snorkeling. The maximum and minimum dive depths at these sites measure 8-30 m (25-100 feet), although a few of the sites are visited so infrequently, some have not been officially named. The two sections at Maria la Gorda feature underwater sights including black coral walls, 18th century shipwrecks, and amazing flora and fauna. There are also numerous caves underneath the surface for divers who wish to navigate through caverns–day or night. Marine life include the largest colony of black coral in Cuba, gorgonian sponges, grottoes, barracudas, dog snappers, schoolmasters, marine turtles and a plethora of colorful fishes that greet snorkelers near the surface. The dive sites at Maria la Gorda are easy to reach as nearly all dive sites are located around the bay and are accessible within 10-20 minutes by boat from the local dive center.
The reefs at Maria la Gorda are incredible–by far the main attraction for divers who visit, as they are mostly situated on or just before the wall drop off. Although hurricane Ivan took its toll on the region, the deeper corals are incredibly healthy, and the marine life is abundant and varied. Divers can begin to explore the coral gardens in the shallows by visiting the Aquarium, a dive site that begins at 8 meters. A bit further in the shallows, the Jardin de las Gorgonias (Gorgonian Gardens) begins at depths of about 15 meters. At the deeper wall sites such as Encanto (Echanted), experienced divers can plunge to 30 meters (100 feet) and swim through tunnels and caves that litter the wall. El Ancia del Pirata (Pirate’s Anchor), is another wall with wide sandy channels, and a great spot for viewing corals and barracudas. Maria’s Lounge is also an excellent reef dive site, where the reef was formed by a hole in the rock. Divers can glimpse the coral and sponges around the cave. Perhaps the most interesting reef dive is Yemaya, a site where tunnels are covered in visually stimulating purple vase sponges and colorful shrimp.
In addition, the big fishes are often seen at a dive site called Lost Paradise. This wall dive is situated about 30 meters deep (100 feet), and is a great place to witness Dog Snappers, marine turtles, and other colorful marine fish. The occasional manta ray, whale shark, and hammerhead are spotted from time to time as well.
Apart from the reefs and walls, Maria la Gorda has another offering: a 1700s Spanish Galleon that rests in its waters. The centuries-old shipwreck can be found with a little help from local dive operators, and divers will witness the ship’s ribs, hull plates and spikes, and remnants of an early cannon barrel.
Combined with the relaxing and tranquil scenery above the surface of the water, Maria la Gorda is one of the most relaxing dive sites to visit–and one of the most peaceful spots on land to rest in between dives. The swooping birds, dense vegetation, and visible park rangers maintaining the property are all signs of a land and sea well-preserved. The white sandy beaches lined with palm trees are the invitation into the sea. In fact–Maria la Gorda is such an “escape,” divers are warned ahead of time that credit cards aren’t much of much use in the locale.
Clearly, Maria la Gorda has stood up to the tests of time and nature’s wrath–and remains thriving in its pristine state. The dive sites are among the most understated in the Caribbean. Divers who visit Maria la Gorda will not lack choices to suit their skill level–or their particular whims each day. And, after divers finish the visit to this small western bay, there’s always the other side of the country. No matter which side of the island you swim on, there’s always something great to see under the surface of Cuba’s waters.