Where is it? The westernmost part of Cuba, in the Great Natural Park Guanahacabibes, declared a UNESCO Natural Biosphere Reserve. A remote and beautiful location.

Getting there: Economical collective ground transfers are available through WoWCuba from Havana (~ 4.5 hours each way) or from Viñales and Pinar del Rio (~ 2 hours each way) as part of your travel package. Alternatively, you might consider a Fly & Drive program which will provide you with a car and accommodations at Maria la Gorda.

Accommodations: Maria la Gorda - 55 air conditioned rooms, with cable tv, minibar, private bath, safety deposit box and International telephone service.

The Scuba Diving: Located within the Guanahacabibes Peninsula, national park and reserve of the biosphere. There are two dive zones, one to the north and the other to the south. The configuration of the bottom is scaled, allowing multilevel diving. All sites are within a short distance from the shore and just minutes from the hotel. Abundant black coral walls. Wrecks from the 18th century, flora and fauna in excellent condition, no currents due to its geographical position, diving facilitated all year round. Caves in the ocean and on land for practicing cave and cavern diving.

Frequency: The dive sites are very close to the hotel. The dive boat goes out three times daily. Night diving departures depend on demand.

NOTE: Credit cards are not accepted at this property. All purchases are cash only.

Save $$ on your dives by booking in advance!
Maria la Gorda
Dives	1	5	6	8	10	12	15	20	Night Diving
WoWCuba Price	$32	$120	$138	$190	$228	$245	$306	$379	$40

Dive Reservations/Minimum Booking Requirements: No Fee: For WoWCuba clients booking hotel, car rental reservations or tour packages. No minimum dive requirement. Agency Service Fee applies: For dive only Included: Tanks, weights, boat and dive guide Not Included: Wetsuit, mask, fins, regulator, BTU and night diving equipment (available for rental locally) Note: Divers must bring their accreditation or Dive License and   passport presentation is required for boarding boats    Valid: to 21-Dec-08

Dive Departures
Check-In	Departure	Return	Description
8:00 AM	8:30 AM	10:00 AM	Deep Wall Dive Open Water Divers: 18 minutes max. Advance Divers: 25-30 minutes max
10:30 AM	11:00 AM	1:00 PM
3:00 PM	3:30 PM	5:30 PM	Shallow Water Dive: All Divers: 8-13 minutes

Technical Specifications:

Name: Maria la Gorda International Dive Center
Operator: Gaviota
Address: Guanahacabibes Peninsula, Sandino, Pinar del Río, Cuba
Dive Sites: 50
Distance from Accommodations: Within hotel complex
Quantity of Instructors: 8
Course Certification School: ACUC
Daily Capacity: 100 in two departures
Boats: Two 41-ft yachts (Playa Roja, Yemaya) with dual Volvo Penta motors and capacity for 28 divers each X 2 yachts
Average Annual Visibility: 30 horizontal meters
Average Annual Temperature: 28° Celsius
Quantity of Dive Sites: 50
Nearest Hyperbaric Chamber: 45 minutes by helicopter to Havana

Services:

Coral reef diving: Yes
Wall diving: Yes
Wreck diving: No
Cave diving: No
Night diving: Yes
Nitrox Service: No
Equipment rental: Yes
Classroom: Yes
Dive Courses all levels: Yes
Instructor courses all levels: Yes
Specialty courses: Yes
Photography/Film developing service: No
Training tank (pool): No
Specialized Store: No
Medical office: Yes