The seas surrounding the Cuban archipelago, full of natural treasures which favor the tourist activity, constitute one of the most demanded options by thousands of vacationers who visit the island every year.
Precisely, the existence of dozens of kilometers of excellent beaches in fantasy resorts of crystal-clear waters and fine sands plays a key role in the development of the leisure industry in Cuba.
Diving enthusiasts can enjoy over 70,000 kilometers of the island shelf, with nearly 5,000 kilometers of coasts bathed by the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea.
In addition, close to 6,500 species of fish, crustaceous, sponges and mollusks; accompanied by several coral varieties, make the island into one of the best preserved underwater ecosystems in the region.
The tourist sector is also complemented by three dozen specialized diving centers which operate in the territory, including facilities for basic diving courses, as well as diving in coral reefs and caverns, always under the international standards for such activity.
Diving activities are also favored by an average water temperature above 24 degree Celsius and a horizontal visibility beyond 30 meters.
In this sense, one of the most outstanding sites is in the Isle of Youth, discovered by Admiral Christopher Columbus in his second voyage to the so-called New World, which has particularly beautiful coral reefs and offers the attractions of the Punta Francés Marine National Park.
It is precisely in this region where the diving area associated with the Colony hotel, and a six-kilometer coast stretch located between Punta Pedestales and Punta Francés, provide a unique marine environment.
In the underwater tours, visitors are accompanied by a much varied submarine fauna including shads, mackerels, grunts, bass, gags and even barracudas; while sharks are less frequently seen.
Visitors can also explore the zone of the Sunken Ships, where the remains of several vessels are scattered in a large area located at a depth ranging from six to nine meters, surrounded by abundant schools of fish.
Cuba’s marine attractions can also be found in the dozens of keys which make up the Cuban archipelago; in this sense, Levisa, in the western province of Pinar del Río, stands out for its three kilometers of excellent beaches and 23 diving sites.
Meanwhile, in the central area of the island, a causeway which extends 48 kilometers into the sea joins the main island to the keys Santa María, Las Brujas, Ensenachos, Cobos, Majá, Fragoso, Francés, Las Picúas and Español de Adentro, among others.