Cuban winter vacation

[swimmer_spe]

I am a Canadian, so I want to visit Cuba this winter. I also am AOW certified, so I want to dive for 2 days while there. I have been told that Garden of the Queen is the best diving area. Is there a resort that offers dives to that area?

 

[Dogbowl]

I am a Canadian, so I want to visit Cuba this winter. I also am AOW certified, so I want to dive for 2 days while there. I have been told that Garden of the Queen is the best diving area. Is there a resort that offers dives to that area?

As far as I know, it’s only accessible by liveaboard and it’s quite far away from any resort you might be staying at. Unlikely you can dive 2 days there.

 

[swimmer_spe]

As far as I know, it’s only accessible by liveaboard and it’s quite far away from any resort you might be staying at. Unlikely you can dive 2 days there.

Anything good then in Cuba to dive that resorts will cater to?

 

[CathyE]

Cayo Largo is okay. If you really want to dive in Cuba. Although if you only want to dive on two days then you need to really like beaches.

 

[swimmer_spe]

Cayo Largo is okay. If you really want to dive in Cuba. Although if you only want to dive on two days then you need to really like beaches.

I want to spend the other 5 days turning into a lobster.

 

[CathyE]

I want to spend the other 5 days turning into a lobster.

Then Cayo Largo is a great option.
- Miles upon miles of deserted bueatiful beaches.
- Most of the hotels have CO sections without having to do a route march to the bar.
- Minimal entertainment staff blocking your rays.

Downside, is it one of the more expensive options in Cuba and not because the resorts are 5 star. Food is shipped in, usually by boat, resulting in a lot of canned fruit and veggies. Popular drinks (even beer) will often run out before the next re-stocking.

 

[swimmer_spe]

Ok, so, where is good diving that is located on the mainland island?

 

[CathyE]

Marea del Portillo is popular with a TO dive shop, but I couldn't get any contact info for the dive shop, They are somewhat remote, food reviews are not great.
There is some diving in Jibacoa, from what I have been told about it, two days diving should be more than enough. Reviews say the boat is often down for 'repairs', and they take you out on a hobbie cat.
There is a shop in Varadero that used to post here. Maybe they will chime in.

 

[swimmer_spe]

I plan to go for a week, but I find that 2 days diving is plenty. I would rather do more than.... just dive......

 

[CathyE]

We have cut back to diving only five days of a week vacation instead of six.
Two tanks in the morning and beach in the afternoon.