For a long time I did not consider the Caribbean as a possible diving destination. I have experienced wild scuba dives during amazing live aboard in the Red Sea – mostly Southern Egypt and Sudan – and the stunning colours and biodiversity in South-Eastern Asia and couldn’t imagine the Caribbean Sea offering neither corals and colours nor schools of fishes.
I was totally wrong.
Once a year, my dive buddy Wally and myself plan a scuba diving holiday. We usually try to visit a new place every time and this year the choice eventually fell on Cuba. Why?
We wanted to see ‘big stuff’ and according to the information gathered by my friend Wally Cuba was a good place to spot sharks. Thus, end of May we left to start our wild journey to the ‘Jardines de la Reìna‘.
Every time I think back at that diving holiday in Cuba I feel astonished, because everything I experienced was so much beyond my expectations!
In many diving spots corals were stunning (although less coloured compared to the Red Sea) and I saw lots of sharks – mostly silky, lemon and reef sharks – big ones and babies, so close that I sometimes felt a little anxiety, I must admit.
Still, sharks are so incredibly fascinating. They hold like a sort of magnetic power…
Er... That's me... With Sharks...
Since the ‘Jardines de la Reìna’ is a Marine Park and a strictly restricted area, marine life is largely uncontaminated.
However, the local practice of shark feeding (something that made me think a lot and upon what I will write in a coming post) is no doubt contributing in attracting sharks at the main diving spots.
The wild scuba journey to Cuba’s ‘Jardines de la Reìna’ was anyway an amazing experience, that I would recommend to every scuba diving passionate. And while moving from a diving spot to the other, there’s the chance to lay for a while on the white sand of untamed beaches or have a swim in the pristine blue water.
And if you can manage to add a couple of days, don’t miss to visit La Havana. Such a charming place…
Simon is the publisher and editor of WIld About Travel, where she writes about her travel experiences and shares her photography. A travel addict and social media enthusiast, she is wild about nature and wilderness, as well as art, culture and good food.
How could you not ever consider the Caribbean for diving! Other than Australia it’s probably the best in the world… especially Belize’s barrier reefs and the blue hole… that and Bonaire too! I’ve seen some pretty awesome videos of the red sea it does look pretty fun.
Escaping Abroad recently posted..Contest: Win Trey’s Lightroom Presets!
Well… You’re right but… It happens. Sometimes we get a wrong idea, or maybe it’s because in Europe apart from Belize there’s not much marketing on Caribbean scuba diving
You have been to Cuba, Simon?! I was just talking about how I am dying to go! Part of the allure is that it is forbidden to Americans and that makes it exciting! You must tell me about Cuba when we finally meet!
Jennifer recently posted..The Borromean Islands: Where Nature and Art Meet
I thought Cuba was only known for cigars. Now I know better.
Traveling Ted recently posted..Ten reasons to join the Chicago Backpackers
Ya Baby! Now we are talking. Diving off Cuba is one of my main objectives. Thanks for sharing this.
Larry
Wow – incredible photos!
Thank you Andy! Indeed the photos are wonderful… Cause I’m not the one who took them…
Great photos. Almost as if I’ve been in the dive myself. That’s still one country I would love to visit and soon. Wonderful post!
Thanks Michael. Are you also a diver? Anyway, Cuba is fascinating so if you can visit it, I’m sure you’ll love it!
Outstanding photos, Simon! Personally, I wouldn’t want to get that close to sharks, but I admire the courage of those of you who do.
Thank you Gray. Indeed, I did not shoot the photos but tried to find awesome ones on the web. I usually don’t like being photographed, but the last picture is of me… with sharks…
wow.
) but I believe you. You are brave lady!
I honesty don’t believe sharks are not dangerous to divers, (Because I’ve never dont it!!!
But sharks are really beautiful, aren’t they? Smooth skin (well, if you not touch it), beautiful move…
Would want to try once. In Jeju maybe?
Uhm… maybe not so brave! But indeed sharks are wonderful. In a way, they are so perfect… And fascinating…
Oh wow, I absolutely LOVE the shark pictures here! Makes me want to drop everything and go diving now! Moreover, I went to a Dive Expo here in Malaysia today
David
A Dive Expo? That’s interesting! Do you have good info on the best diving spots in Malaysia (for big stuff…)? I know Sipadan is one of the best places in the world, but access is so limited…
You have guts, my friend. Although sharks do intrigue me, I wouldn’t relish getting too close to them in the water.
After a while you get used…