Maria La Gorda, Buceo en Maria La Gorda, Cuba,

On a remote place at the Western side of Cuba, in Pinar del Rio province, you can find one of the most virgin natural zones in the Cuban archipelago.

This region has been declared Reserve of the Biosphere due to the treasures of its flora and fauna and for its sea and terrestrial landscapes. Within the limits of the Reserve, known as Peninsula de Guanabacabibes, we can find a wide stripe of white sands surrounded by the Caribbean Sea, with rich and extensive coastal forest areas forming a beautiful beach, Maria La Gorda, named after old pirate stories where the Diving Center of the same name is located.

The Villa is small and familiar, with 55 rooms, 20 of them are cabin, all with private bathroom, a living room, TV and minibar , bathroom with cold and hot water, air conditioned and with a safebox. There is a buffet restaurant, a bar-cafeteria and and a a la carte restaurant specialized in sea food. Medical services. No credit cards are accepted. Other activities are limited to sight seeing nearby zones and enjoy the virgin natural environment of the Reserve, and fishing. Maria La Gorda is 304 km (190 miles) from Havana, and can only be reached by road..

En el extremo mas occidental y remoto de Cuba en la provincia de Pinar del Rio, se encuentra una de las zonas naturales mas virgenes del archipielago cubano. Por sus elevados valores de la flora , la fauna y los paisajes, tanto marinos como terrestres, esta region ha sido declarada Reserva de la Biosfera.

Dentro de los limites de esta Reserva, conocida con el nombre de Peninsula de Guanahacabibes, nos encontramos con una amplia franja de arenas blancas banadas por el Mar Caribe, con ricas y extensas areas de vegetacion costera que dan lugar a la playa conocida como Maria La Gorda, nombre que viene dado por viejas historias de piratas y donde se ubica el centro de Buceo del mismo nombre.

La villa es pequena y familiar.

Actualmente nuestra cuenta con 55 habitaciones todas con baño privado, teléfono, climatizadas, con minibar y servicio de televisión vía satélite. 35 se encuentran en la primera línea de playa y las restantes 20 son cabañas de madera en la segunda línea costera. Hay un restaurante que ofrece servicio buffet, tambien un bar-cafeteria and un restaurant a la carta especializado en productos del mar y servicios medicos. En esta villa no se acepta el pago con tarjeta de credito de ningun tipo. Para los acompanantes y los buceadores que deseen realizar otras actividades estas estan limitadas a algunas opciones de visita a zonas aledanas a la Villa para contemplar la naturaleza virgen de la Reserva y la pesca deportiva. Maria la Gorda esta a 304 km (190 millas) de Ciudad de la Habana y solo se puede llegar alli por carreteras.

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. 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.

La zona buceo de Maria La Gorda, en la Ensenada de Corrientes, es una de las mas protegidas de Cuba, lo que ha dado lugar a un sorprendente desarrollo del arrecife coralino, localizado a escasa distancia de la costa. A partir de los 5 metros (16 pies) aparecen grandes y aislados parches de corales con una abundante fauna sesil, donde sobresalen las gorgonias y abanicos, mas de 20 especies de corales e infinidad de pequenos y medianos peces, langostas, morena y cangrejos se observan con frecuencia entre las oquedades del fondo. A partir de los 10 metros (33 pies) de profundidad estos parches se van uniendo y ganando en altura, formando una cordillera de altos mogotes coralinos interrumpida por canales y pasadizos, que caen abruptamente en forma de pared hacia grandes profundidades. La pared muestra atractivas estructuras como grutas, tuneles y cuevas verticales, donde sobresalen colonias de coral negro, grandes esponjas tubulares, ramosas o en forma de copas, y gorgonias de mas de 2 metros (6.5 pies) de altura. Los peces que se mueven por todo el borde de la pared estan representados fundamentalmente por barracudas, jureles, jocuses, pargos y cajies.En todo el area obispos y rayas. En ocaciones y con un poco de suerte se puede encontrar la manta y el tiburon ballena. Este Centro de Buceo cuenta con 50 puntos de inmersion de alto nivel, algunos aun sin bautizar, todos ellos menos 1 hora de navegacion, algunos a solo 5 minutos. En sentido general todos los sitios son muy parecidos, en la mayoria de ellos se realiza buceo de pared, pero cada uno tiene un encanto particular. Les recomendamos no deje de visitar El Cabezon de Ludo, El Salon de Maria, El Almirante y Yemaya, y para la segunda inmension del dia, Acuario, El Ancla de Francois y El Jardin de la Gorgonia. Lo cercano de la zona de buceo permite realizar la primera inmercion en horas de la manana a las 09:00 horas aproximadamente, regresar a la villa, y luego la segunda inmersion en horas de la tarde, alrededor de las 15:00 horas. El Centro de Buceo tiene como medida de seguridad que las inmersiones no sean mas profundas de 30 metros (98 pies) y la permanencia de 40 minutos como maximo.

Typical depth range:	60-100ft
Diver level:	Intermediate
Local dive site number:	1

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.

Nivel de buceador: Para buceadores avanzados y principiantes.

Profundidad: 30 metros

Condiciones de acceso: A minutos en embarcación desde la Marina( es el punto más alejado de María la Gorda)

Perfil de buceo: El buceo se realiza por la pared o borde de la plataforma insular. La misma comienza a los 17 metros de profundidad aproximadamente aunque existen algunos sectores en que la profundidad inicial es de 25 metros hasta un primer nivel o terraza submarina de 50 metros. Es común en la pared encontrar estructuras en forma de cañones.

Flora y fauna: Son comunes especies propias de arrecifes de coral con buen desarrollo. En la parte superior de la pared se observan peces típicos de esta zona como angelotes (angelfish), barracudas, loros (parrotfish) barberos (surgeonfish), pargos (snapper), meros de gran tamaño (grouper) y peces pequeños de alto valor carísmático para la actividad. Los invertebrados están bien representados observándose grandes esponjas, corales y poblaciones de gorgonias (sea fan) bien desarrolladas.

Typical depth range:	50ft
Diver level:	beginner
Local dive site number:	5

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.

Typical depth range:	80ft
Diver level:	beginner
Local dive site number:	10

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.

Typical depth range:	65ft
Diver level:	intermediate
Local dive site number:	12

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.

Nivel de buceador: Para buceadores con cualquier nivel de certificación.

Profundidad: 25 metros

Condiciones de acceso: A minutos en embarcación desde la Marina

Perfil de buceo: El buceo se realiza por la pared que cae hasta 40 metros justamente encima del borde de la plataforma insular. La característica principal del punto es un salón (de ahí el nombre del punto) bastante estrecho que permite la entrada de un buzo a la vez. Luego se continúa con el recorrido por todo el arrecife

Flora y fauna: Son comunes especies propias de arrecifes de coral con buen desarrollo. Comunmente se pueden observar angelotes (angelfish), barracudas, loros (parrotfish) barberos (surgeonfish), pargos (snapper), meros de gran tamaño (grouper) y peces pequeños de alto valor carísmático para la actividad. Los invertebrados están bien representados observándose grandes esponjas, corales bien desarrollados y poblaciones de gorgonias (sea fan).

Typical depth range:	90ft+
Diver level:	intermediate
Local dive site number:	16

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.

Nivel de buceador: Para cualquier certificación de buceador en dependencia de la trayectoria que se siga (debido a las características de la pared se puede realizar buceo profundo y en cavernas).

Profundidad: 30 metros

Condiciones de acceso: A minutos en embarcación desde la Marina

Perfil de buceo: El recorrido se realiza bordeando la pared o talud insular de la plataforma y comienza aproximadamente a 11-13 metros hasta 28 metros al finalizar la trayectoria. Este talud presenta una terraza submarina a 50 metros de profundidad.

Flora y fauna: Son comunes especies propias de arrecifes de coral con buen desarrollo. En la parte superior de la pared se observan peces típicos de esta zona como angelotes (angelfish), loros (parrotfish) barberos (surgeonfish), pargos (snapper), meros de gran tamaño (grouper) y peces pequeños de alto valor carísmático para la actividad. Los invertebrados están bien representados observándose grandes esponjas, corales y poblaciones de gorgonias (sea fan) bien desarrolladas.

No	Name	Max. Depth	Features
1	Lost Paradise	30 meters	Wall dive, Strong currents, big fish.
2	Unnamed garden	30 meters	Wall Dive.
3	Yuri’s Caves	25 meters	Wall Dive.
4	Mobby Dick Whale	30 meters	Wall Dive. Optimum visibility all year through, tunnels on the wall.
5	The Pirate’s anchor	12 meters	Anchor from the XVIII century on the coral reef.
6	Ludo’s Patch	30 meters	Patch between two walls with two small caverns.
7	Mysterious Chain	30 meters	Wall Dive, frequent mild currents, caverns.
17	Admiral	30 meters	Deep Dive. Wall starting in 22m.
20	Miracle	30 meters	Wall Dive.
24	The Farahon	30 meters	Wall Dive
25	Sponges Valley	30 meters	Wall Dive
26	María’s Umbrella	30 meters	Wall Dive.
27	Caribbean Balcony	30 meters	Dive in sandy wall with little patches of coral.
28	The White Stone	30 meters	Wall Dive, with a brain coral with unusual dimensions.
29	Sunken Ship	30 meters	Skeleton of an old “Goleta” from the XVIII century, sunken 4 m deep, very close from the coast.
39	Water Source	30 meters	Wall Dive
40	Viñales Valley	30 meters	Wall Dive. Between enormous coral formations resembling “mogotes”
**In most of the dive sites described above the wall is fractured, forming tunnels and caverns, it makes the dive much more interesting to the professional divers.
8	Enchantment 1 y 2	30 meters	Big tunnels from 18 m to 25 Dive in sic-sac through the wall.
10	Bebo’s Caves	30 meters	Caves originated from fractures in the wall. Very interesting wall dive.
22	Mysterious Cave	30 meters	Chimney like fracture in the wall from 12m to 30 m deep. Wall dive
23	Yemayá	30 meters	Chimney like fracture in the wall from 12m to 33 m deep. Wall dive.
**taking into account the difficulties and risks of the cave diving, we have limited the dives in the sites above mentioned only to master divers, the immersion will be done with a maximum of 4 divers including the guiding instructor, and each diver should carry at least two lanterns. It is also possible to do wall dives up to 30 m and dives on 15 m over the wall for inexperienced divers.
9	Aquarium	6 meters	Coral line submerged 6m deep , great and amazing variety of fish of all size and colors.
11	Maria’s Tits	10 meters	Two round formations on the shore line give the name to the site, formed by coral ands in the bottom.
12	Francois’s Anchor	12 meters	Coral line starting on 9 meters and ending at 12m deep. Great population of sea fans.
13	Maria’s Saloon	18 meters	Coral line submerged, that forms a second wall that falls till 40 m, so we can also make deep wall dive.
14	The Gorgonian	15 meters	Similar to number 13
15	Vanessa’s backyard	12 meters	Similar to number 12
16	Gorgonias Garden	15 meters	Small wall from 6 to 15 m, ideal place for feeding.
18	Marcel’s Patch	17 meters	Similar to numbers 14 y 15.
19	Labyrinth	17 meters	Short wall from 9 to 17 m. Small cavern.
21	Coral Valley	6 meters	6 m deep coral line, very close to the shore, with many different species of coral,sponges and gorgonians.
39	Water Source	25 meters	Very close to the shore with many small sources of sweet water.
41	Dangerous sand	20 meters	Wall dive. Sandy Wall.
42	Quiet canyons	25 meters	Wall dive, Fractured wall forming long canyons.
43	Rosario’s Patch	20 meters	Similar to number 19.
45	Round Pools	20 meters	Round coral formations like little pools.
48	The palm tree	25 meters	Labyrinth of pathways and channels. Also good for wall dive.
49	Negroes Shaft	25 meters	Small tunnel on the wall from 12 to 25m
50	Pipo’s Caves	30 meters	Wall dive. Greta population of sponges.

Ubicación

21°49' N, 84°28' W

Situado en la Ensenada de Corrientes, Península de Guanacahabibes.

Cartas Náuticas

GEOCUBA 11422 y 1167

Comunicación por radio

HF 3600, VHF 16 y 19

Profundidad

2 metros

No. de atraques

Facilidades

Agua potable
Combustible
Servicios médicos
Servicios de comisaría

Fondeadero
Seguridad y protección 24 horas
Autoridades portuarias
Servicios aduanales y migratorios las 24 horas.

Alojamiento

55 habitaciones climatizadas, con todas las comodidades

Otros servicios

Bar, restaurante, tienda.

Opciones náuticas

Buceo
Pesca
Seafaris
Actividades recreativas de playa

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