This dive site, Cayo Piedra Reef, is a popular artificial reef located in the Varadero area, east of Havana, Cuba. It serves as an underwater museum featuring several deliberately sunk vessels, including old yachts, frigates, and even planes, all purposed for recreational exploration. Divers can easily navigate these structures, which lie in shallow waters, providing an accessible and engaging experience.
The wrecks and surrounding reef are teeming with a variety of marine life. Divers can expect to encounter impressive big animals such as nurse sharks, reef sharks, and sea turtles, with a chance of spotting eagle rays. The area is also home to abundant fish species including snapper, angelfish, grunts, and grouper, complemented by vibrant anemones and other invertebrate life.
The best time to visit Cayo Piedra Reef is generally year-round, as Cuba's warm climate provides consistent diving conditions. The shallow average depth of 7 meters makes it ideal for both scuba divers and freedivers seeking to explore the wrecks and observe marine life. Its beginner-friendly depth and exciting features ensure a rewarding experience for divers of all levels, especially those keen on wreck exploration and observing large reef inhabitants.
