Diving in Maria la Gorda, Cuba

Maria la Gorda is in Pinar del Rio province in western Cuba. It’s principally synonymous with the diving camp that’s located there.

The whole settlement consists of a lodge, diving centre, small store, sandy seashore and a couple of eating places.

Nonetheless, even if you’re not a diver, it’s a good place to spend an evening.

In the event you stroll just a few kilometers away from the camp, in direction of the highest of the peninsula, you see fascinating panorama — mangrove swamp and the ocean are divided by wall of outdated shells/corals. Some large (50 cm) empty shells there.

This complete peninsula was lately run over by Hurricane Ivan (and subsequently Hurricane Wilma) and it’ll in all probability take a while to revive its pure magnificence.

Diving is the principle exercise on provide. A spread of choices can be found, and snorkeling journeys exit with each dive (although on one journey there was little to be seen by snorkelers that could not be seen by snorkeling from the jetty). There may be additionally a volleyball pitch.

The lodge additionally advertises that it runs mountain climbing excursions, and different leisure, however vacationers report little proof of any of that.

When you’ve got your individual transport it’s attainable to drive (with a paid information) to the western finish of mainland Cuba. You may even see some Iguanas. There’s a deep swimming gap with an underground connection to the ocean (and containing some tropical fish) on the Ecological station, the place the highway meets the ocean on the way in which in. Different journeys (together with hikes) are additionally out there from the station. In the event you’re all for Cuban birdlife there are just a few bits and items to be seen. Bee Hummingbirds (the smallest chook on the earth) are stated to be current on the peninsula and at Playa Larga. Royal Terns loaf on the piles close to the resort entrance and there are some Yellow-headed Warblers and Black-throated Inexperienced Warblers round a dump not removed from the resort – comply with a observe into the scrubby woodland subsequent to a roadside pool on the inland facet of the highway half a mile or so from the resort entrance. In spring massive black, yellow and crimson land crabs swarm of their lots of throughout the roads (particularly after rain) and the inevitable casualties appeal to scavenging flocks of Turkey Vultures. Fairly a sight.

Getting there:

There aren’t any public buses to this a part of Cuba. You’ll be able to nonetheless e book transfers simply by tour companies.

From Vinales for instance a switch bus leaves each day at 8:00am and returns at 5:00pm – journey time 3hrs price 15CUC per individual. Keep in mind that Maria la Gorda is a good distance from anyplace.

Lodge Maria la Gorda, CUC 66 for a room with 2 beds (scorching water, TV, wealthy breakfast). That is the one lodge in whole space down from Guane. They’ve a fancy of picket cabins linked by walkways which have been comfy and nice.

If anybody is aware of if there are Casa Particulares, please add them as a remark or write an personal tip. Thanks!

The dinner buffet is not any good and at 15CUC per individual may be very dangerous worth. There may be additionally a small a la carte restaurant which is marginally higher. When reserving the lodge do not take the dinner choice – you’ll be able to resolve if you get there if you wish to danger the buffet! (In March 2006 the meals was discovered to be OK, although the restaurant was higher than the buffet. Each have been no higher or worse than a lot of the meals in varied components of Cuba.)