María la Gorda, Cuba
Come and discover Maria la Gorda's exotic sea beds in one of the best diving areas in Cuba
Playa de María la Gorda, Cuba
© Guillermo Seijo
Maria la Gorda is the dream of every diving enthusiast. Its crystal-clear waters and impressive sea beds with reefs and coral reefs make this destination in the province of Pinar del Río one of the best places to practice this sport in all Cuba, at the same level as the famous Isla de la Juventud.
The peculiar name of this place, supposedly comes from a Venezuelan native, who was kidnapped by pirates and later abandoned in this desolate Island of Cuba.
Page Index:
- What are the best plans to make in Maria la Gorda?
- How to get to Maria la Gorda, Cuba?
- Where to stay in Maria la Gorda?
The Best Plans to Make in María la Gorda, Cuba
María la Gorda, Cuba
© Geigerwe
In Maria la Gorda you will find several diving areas, but among them it is worth mentioning two areas that are particularly interesting for their spectacular sea beds, full of corals and sea turtles:
The Valle de Coral Negro (Black Coral Valley), considered the largest black coral surface in Cuba; and the Salón de María, where you can admire sea lilies and the exotic and colorful corals.
Diving in María la Gorda, Cuba
© Stephanie Ilner
In the same area there is an Centro Internacional de Buceo (International Diving Center) where it is possible to take diving courses of several days and with which you can obtain a diving certificate issued by the World Underwater Federation
The importance of this destination for diving lovers is so great that María La Gorda is considered among the ten best places to practice diving in all of Latin America. A strong indication of the Reserva de la Biosfera de Guanahacabibes (Guanahacabibes Biosphere Reserve) status.
The less daring can also explore the exciting seabed by snorkeling, a highly recommended and much cheaper activity. The area is also perfect for activities such as fishing or boat trips.
Don't worry if you get hungry, there are numerous restaurants in the area where you can try authentic Cuban food and, of course, the best seafood dishes.
How to Get to María la Gorda?
Maria la Gorda is in the most western part of Cuba, so the best option to get there is from Viñales or from Pinar del Rio. As the trip is somewhat long it is best to spend a couple of days there, although you can also do it in one day if you leave early. From Viñales you can go in a shared car, the trip usually takes about 3 hours.
Where to Stay in María la Gorda, Cuba?
If you decide to stay at María la Gorda, the preferential option is the Hotel María la Gorda. This hotel has a series of beautiful wooden cabins located on the beach. It will be like living in paradise.
More Information:
Location:
Playa de María la Gorda, Pinar del Río, Cuba.
Interactive map:
Pinar del Río
What to see:
- José Jacinto Milanés Theater
- Matrimonios Palace
- San Rosendo Cathedral
- Fábrica de Bebidas Casa Garay Drinks Factory
- Capitán San Luis Sports Stadium
- Alejandro Robaina Tobacco Plantation
- Guanahacabibes Peninsula National Park
- Viñales National Park
- Viñales
- Prehistory Mural
- Casa del Veguero
- Jardín de la Caridad
- Los Acuáticos
- Indio Cave
- San Miguel Cave
- Santo Tomás Great Cave
- San Diego de los Baños
- La Güíra Park
- Cueva de los Portales Cave
- Puerto Esperanza
Beaches:
Museums:
Why "Trip Cuba"?
Trip Cuba is an organization of Cuban agencies whose objectives are:
- ✓ To make Cuba, its culture and its heritage known.
- ✓ To promote sustainable tourism.
- ✓ To support the local economy, prioritizing direct contact with Cuban agencies.
Travel Agencies
If you are a travel agency or tour operator and you are looking forward to any assistance or collaboration to plan trips to Cuba, rely on our extensive experience
Copyright www.TripCuba.Org © - All rights reserved
All our agencies are duly registered in the National Registry of Travel Agencies of the Chamber of Commerce of the Republic of Cuba.