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The Best Snorkelling Spots in Cuba

In Cuba, coral reefs burst with colourful fish, sea sponges and tube worms
In Cuba, coral reefs burst with colourful fish, sea sponges and tube worms | © Seaphotoart / Alamy Stock Photo
Photo of Tamara Hinson
Tamara Hinson
Contributor10 November 2021
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One of the world’s most underrated snorkelling spots and an increasingly popular sailing destination, Cuba is a beach-fringed paradise dotted with fantastic dive sites. The best bit? Although beaches in resort areas can quickly get crowded, the same can’t be said for the dive sites – the risk of a flipper to the face is surprisingly low here, and with this much spectacular marine life to check out, we’re hoping it stays that way.

Seek out the best snorkelling in Cuba by renting a yacht from SamBoat.

Cayo Levisa

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Pontoon at Cayo Levisa, Cuba
© Phanie / Alamy Stock Photo
A short ferry ride from Palma Rubia, Cayo Levisa is famous for its black coral, rays and clear water. The best time to visit is between November and April when the water’s warm and calm. The area has over 500 species of fish and 200 species of sponges, and an abundance of beautiful sea coral to spot. Facilities on the island are basic, but that’s part of the appeal. Can’t bear to leave? Book one of the rustic beachfront cabins.

Playa Santa Lucia

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Empty Santa Lucia beach, Camaguey Province, Cuba
© Sunshine Pics / Alamy Stock Photo
An hour’s drive north of Camagüey, this beach deserves a mention for the presence of a large, healthy barrier reef just offshore. The reef helps keep the water calm for those of us snorkelling closer to the beach, although for a closer look at the coral, we’d suggest a guided excursion for the chance to see long-spine porcupinefish and pretty shoals of angelfish.

Playa Rancho Luna

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The beach of Playa Rancho Luna in Cienfuegos, Cuba
© Marek Slusarczyk / Alamy Stock Photo
Tucked into Cienfuegos Bay on Cuba’s southern coast, a 30-minute drive south of Cienfuegos city, Playa Rancho Luna is a great snorkelling spot for anyone who loves colourful coral. Peek below the water to see tree-like elkhorn corals and purple gorgonian coral, both of which do a great job of attracting a spectacular array of marine life, including blue tang and trumpetfish. We recommend spending the night at one of the charming casas particulares (traditional Cuban homestays) near the beach’s eastern end.

Jardines del Rey archipelago

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Cuba, Jardines del Rey, Cayo Guillermo, Playa El Paso, Wooden pier with cabanas
© Jane Sweeney / Jon Arnold Images Ltd / Alamy Stock Photo
Most visitors to this beautiful archipelago, off the northern coast of Cuba, base themselves at Cayo Coco or Cayo Guillermo. Both have fantastic facilities, including some of the best dive schools in Cuba. The 32km (20mi) reef sits just below the water, which means snorkellers and scuba divers can check out the coral and the fish, including groupers and snappers. Sharks and moray eels are regularly spotted too, and there are numerous underwater caves for scuba divers to explore.

The Bay of Pigs

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A man snorkelling with fish in Bay of Pigs, Cuba
© TravelMuse / Alamy Stock Photo
First things first – there are no pigs at the Bay of Pigs or Bahia de Cochinos, which you’ll find on the Gulf of Cazones on Cuba’s southern coast. What there is, however, is a calm and clear ocean protected from the wind by steep cliffs. It’s a paradise for snorkellers as well as scuba divers, who come to explore the flooded caves between Playa Larga and Playa Girón, used as landing sites for squadrons of armed Cuban exiles during 1961’s famous Bay of Pigs invasion.

Playa Jibacoa

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Cuba, Havana Province, Playas del Este, People swim at Playa Jibacoa beach on a sunny day
© BIBIKOW Walter / Hemis.fr / Hemis / Alamy Stock Photo
For a laidback snorkelling session, you can’t beat this fishing village turned holiday resort a two-hour drive from Havana. Although it’s a popular tourist spot, there are still plenty of crowd-free snorkelling and scuba sites, and they’re easily accessible, too. Snorkellers can swim out to the reefs just off the beach, and confident swimmers can explore beyond the reef’s drop off, where the depth extends to around 12m (39ft). Just keep an eye on the beach flags – red ones mean choppy conditions.

Guanahacabibes National Marine Park

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You’ll find this park on Cuba’s westernmost point. Its protected status has allowed marine life to thrive and is the reason the park is best explored on guided snorkelling excursions offered by the region’s only hotel. Highlights include the brightly coloured corals and the turtles – the nearby beaches are popular nesting sites, which is why it’s one of the best places to spot the creatures. Bear in mind that it’s an isolated area – the nearest city, Pinar del Río, is a two-hour drive away.

Cayo Santa María

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Catamaran snorkel tour in Buena Vista Unesco-listed Biosphere Reserve, Buena Vista Bay, Cayo Santa Maria, Cuba
© Michael DeFreitas Caribbean / Alamy Stock Photo
Snorkel in the bright blue waters of this small island off Cuba’s north coast, and you’ll see vast coral gardens and a show-stopping range of marine life, including dolphins and turtles. The island has plenty of accommodation options, including several five-star spots and a few dive schools, many of which offer guided snorkelling tours. Head to the shallow waters on the eastern side for the best visibility and the best range of marine life.
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