Travel to Cuba with A. Nash Travel Inc.

Diving at Maria la Gorda, Pinar del Rio

Many say that Maria la Gorda is the best international diving center in Cuba. Located at the western end of the island 170 miles west Havana in an area rarely visited by tourists, this is the place to come if you really want to get away from it all. Situated on the edge of the warm, sheltered, Bahia de Corrientes, the surrounding waters are littered with shipwrecked galleons laden with treasures. The area was a popular sheltering point for pirates and corsairs. Unlike other diving meccas, at Maria la Gorda the diving areas are close to the shore so you don't lose much time on the boat getting to and from the dive site. Visibility is good all year round averaging 80 ft. Water temperature is 78F in the winter and 82F in the summer. The water here is an intense indigo, as beautiful as any in the Caribbean. The coral formations, sponges and gorgonians are quite spectacular and the fish are plentiful, including barracuda, moray eels, lobster, grunts, groupers, and even whale sharks at certain times of the year. There is little else to do in the area other than dive so you do a morning dive at 9.30 a.m., return to the shore for lunch, and then go out again at 3.30 p.m. for an afternoon dive. There are over 50 dive sites in the vicinity including a vertical drop off just 200 metres from the hotel. Two of the main attractions are Maria's Hall, a cave that is nearly 60 feet deep and the Black Coral Valley with a huge 100 yard coral reef.

The Maria la Gorda International Dive Center has its own Bauer compressor, 60 tanks and a full range of equipment. Two dedictated dive boats are available, one carries 10 divers and the other carries up to 20. All boats are fully equipped with a medical kit, oxygen and radio. There are four dive masters.

Accommodations are in air-conditioned rooms with TV and minibar. The hotel offers a restaurant that specializes in preparing fresh fish. Villa Maria La Gorda is located on a white, sandy, uncrowded beach that divers cross in order to reach the dive boats docked at the jetty.

Day 1: Assistance upon arrival at the airport. Transfer to hotel. Overnight accommodation at Park View Hotel with breakfast included.

Day 2: Morning land transfer to María la Gorda. Breakfast, lunch and dinner during your stay here.

Day 3-6: Scuba dive in María la Gorda. 8 dives per person

Day 6: Guided sightseeing tour of Havana visiting the most outstanding places, Old Havana, plazas, street markets, Revolution Square, Rum Factory and others. Lunch in Old Havana. Transfer in the afternoon to Hotel Los Jazmines in the Vinales Valley. Breakfast and dinner are included here. Comfortable accommodation in bungalows with air conditioning or fan. Swimming pool, snack bar, disco. A beautiful country side environment surrounded by nature. The afternoon is free for your own exploration.

Day 7: Excursion to Viñales Valley and the Indian Caves with private bus and tour guide. One of the most scenic areas in Cuba, Vinales is the land where the best tobacco of the world grows. Visit to the Indian's Cave and Prehistoric mural. Lunch included in local restaurant. Trip continues on to Havana. Accommodation at Park View Hotel with breakfast.

Day 8: Free time to explore the city

Day 9: Transfer for Departure to Airport at prescribed flight time

Assistance at the airport
Accommodation and meal plan described
All transfers in air conditioned vehicle according to the program
Guided City Sightseeing in Havana with bilingual guide
Lunch in Old Havana. No drinks included
8 dives in María la Gorda - Tanks, weights and boat included
Guided excursion to Viñales Valley with bilingual guide
Lunch in local restaurant. One drink included - Entrance fee to the
Indian's cave - Entrance fee to the Prehistoric Mural