Maria
La Gorda
| Maria
La Gorda diving zone, in the Ensenada de Corrientes, is one
of the most protected areas in Cuba with an amazing coral reef
development, located at a very short distance from the coast.
From 5 meters (16 feet) you can see big and insolated patches
of coral with an abundant sessile fauna, specially gorgonians
and sea fans, more than 20 species of coral and lots of small
and medium size fish. Lobsters, morays and crabs can be frequently
seen in the boles of the bottom. |
The
Diving Guide
Cuba Scuba
By Amy Houghton
BUY
NOW >>
|
Lonely
Planet
Diving & Snorkling Cuba
By Diana Williams
BUY
NOW >> |
|
|
From 10 meters (33 feet) deep these patches are joined together
and increasingly higher, thus forming a chain of tall coral
hillocks cut by channels and passages, with walls falling sharply
and deeply. This wall shows attractive structures such as holes,
tunnels and vertical caves, where you can see beautiful black
coral colonies, big tubular branch or cup shape sponges and
2 meters (6.5 feet) high gorgonians. Among the fish that move
along the wall we can mention barracudas, jacks, dogsnappers,
snappers and schoolmasters. You can also see eagle rays and
stingrays. |
Sometimes
and with a little bit of luck some mantas and whale shark can be
observed. This Diving Center has 50 sites of high level diving,
some are still not named, all of them are less than 1 hour cruise,
some at even 5 minutes away. Generally, the are all much more alike,
many are suitable for wall diving, but each one has its particular
charm. We suggest to you El Cabezon de Ludo, El Salon de Maria,
El Almirante y Yemaya, and the second diving of the day Acuario,
El Ancla de Francois and El Jardin de la Gorgonia.
 |
Since
the diving site is very near, you can do the first dive in the
morning, at about 09:00 get back to the Villa, and then second
dive in the afternoon, at about `15:00. As a protection measure,
the Diving Center makes sure that divings cannot go deeper then
30 meters (98 feet) and not more than 40 minutes dive. |
Paraiso
Perdido Dept
18 - 30 meters
The
coral and fish in this area is delightful. Huge lettuce, plate and
flower corals and a abundance of sea fans, whips and rods surrounded
by large purple baskets and yellow tubular sponges are a common
sight. The density of sponges and fans increases as you move closer
to the wall, which begins at a depth of 30 meters and reveals a
great deal of marine life. The wall has many interesting holes and
crevices offering shelter to a variety of fish and invertebrates.
Ascending
along the wall to the submarine terrace, you will find entry to
shallower regions through sandy channels. It is common to see schools
of blue chromis as well as angelfish, groupers, snappers and surgeons.
Ancla
del Pirata Dept 15 meters
This
dive site ideal for the novice diver is located thirty minutes from
the dive center. Its name translates as "pirate's anchor"
named after a giant two ton, eighteen century anchor found in these
The
anchor rests against coral promontories and is covered with crustaceans
and corals. Sponges and gorgonians are common in this region and
you are likely to see snappers, bass, wrasse, jacks, angel and squirrel
fish.
Las
Tetas de Maria Dept 24 meters
Its
name (Maria's breasts) comes from the rock formations that jut out
to sea from the land. The dive site is located just in line with
those rocks. Sandy channels weave their way around large size coral
covered rock formations and are the most prominent feature of this
dive site.
Most
variety of corals can be found here: flower, leaf, brain and lettuce.
Soft corals are also plentiful. Snappers, angelfish, jacks and groupers
abound in this area.
El
Salon de Maria Dept 20 meters
El
Salon, or "the hall" is a cave characterized by its sponges
and coral formations. It is located 10 minute away by boat from
Maria La Gorda.
You
may enter it from any of three entrances and be amazed by its bright
purple, pink, blue and green decoration.
The
cave is home to a large number of tropical fish as well as many
corals and sponges.
El
Almirante Dept 27 meters
At
90ft you reach the wall covered with huge sponges and gorgonians.
Visibility at this site is usually excellent and tarpon, angel fish,
grunts and grouper are popular in this area. At 100 ft you'll find
blooms of black coral. This wall has a beautiful bright blue backdrop
and whale sharks frequently can be seen swimming by.
Diving
Center - María La Gorda Marinas Puertosol
Address:
La Bajada, península de Guanahacabibes, Pinar del Río,
Phone: (53 82) 77-1306 / 7-8131, Location: 19°59’ N, 75°52’
W
 |
Book
Hotel Maria La Gorda through our online engine
Confirmation within a few minutes
Click
the picture ... |
 |
Book
your Maria La Gorda diving course and/or packages through
www.casa-cuba.com
Click
the picture ... |
Cayo
Levisa
Diving
Center - Diving World
Address:
Cayo Levisa, La Palma, Pinar del Río, Phone: (53 226) 2-6471
- 73
|
