#19 of 20 · Cuba

Jardines de la Reina

Caribbean reef sharks and large groupers.

Where to Dive editorial
A diver among Caribbean reef sharks, Jardines de la Reina; representative of diving Jardines de la Reina
A diver among Caribbean reef sharks, Jardines de la ReinaSource ↗
Overall rank
#19 of 20
Editor’s score
8.0 / 10
Best months
January — March
Go for
Caribbean reef sharks · Silkies
The short answer

Why dive here?

Protection has helped Jardines retain large groupers, Caribbean reef sharks, silkies and healthy coral. It is a strong choice for Caribbean diving. The Pacific destinations higher on this list offer more of the large-animal variety this ranking favours.

Timing

When to go

The best time to dive here is January — March. Check the linked season guide and ask your operator about conditions for your dates.

The diving

What to look for

These are the main draws. Sightings vary by site, season and luck.

  • Caribbean reef sharks
  • Silkies
  • Goliath grouper
  • Protected coral
Practicalities

Conditions and trip planning

All levels. Generally mild currents and good dry-season visibility.

Trip format: Liveaboard only inside the protected archipelago.

Why it sits here

About the score

Jardines de la Reina scores 8.0/10 for diving at its best. The ranking favours sharks and other large animals, followed by reef health and variety across the trip. Price and travel time do not affect the score.

Recent trip footage

Dives on video

Watch for the conditions, marine life and pace of the dives. Each video shows one trip.