Nature & Wildlife

Cuba's coral reefs are among the best-preserved in the Caribbean — a result of economic isolation: less industry, less wastewater, less overfishing than in neighboring countries. The island is surrounded by a 3,735 km long reef system, the second longest in the Western Hemisphere (after the Belize Barrier Reef).

Dive Sites

• Jardines de la Reina: "Cuba's Galapagos" — a 120 km long archipelago off the southern coast, accessible only by liveaboard. Sharks (silky shark, Caribbean reef shark), crocodiles (!), pristine corals, schools of barracudas. One of the top 10 dive sites in the world. 5–7 days liveaboard from €2,500.
• María la Gorda: Cuba's best coastal diving. Wall diving, black corals, turtles, whale sharks (Nov–March). → Chap. Viñales
• Playa Girón (Bay of Pigs): Surprisingly good shore diving directly from the beach. Cenotes (underwater caves) and a steep drop-off. From €25/dive.
• Cayo Largo: Over 30 dive sites, wrecks, wall diving. From €35/dive.

Snorkeling

Even without a diving certificate, Cuba's reefs can be experienced: The best snorkeling areas are off Cayo Coco/Guillermo, Playa Girón, Guardalavaca, and María la Gorda. Boat tours from €15–25.

The mogotes of the Viñales Valley are geological uniques: rounded limestone hills from the Jurassic era, rising like petrified giant turtles from the plain. They were formed when a former limestone plateau eroded into individual hills over millions of years due to tropical erosion. The mogotes contain cave systems, underground rivers, and endemic flora and fauna.

Cuba's forests cover about 31% of the island's area — and are growing thanks to reforestation programs. The main ecosystems:

• Tropical Rainforest: In the east (Sierra de Nipe-Sagua-Baracoa, Alexander von Humboldt National Park). Extremely diverse: over 1,300 plant species, 900 of which are endemic.
• Pine Forests: In the Sierra Maestra and on the Isla de la Juventud.
• Mangroves: On the southern coast, especially in the Ciénaga de Zapata — the largest wetland in the Caribbean.
• Dry Forest: On the southeast coast near Guantánamo — cacti and thorn bushes in an almost desert-like landscape.

Cuba's wildlife is unique and endemic — the island's long isolation has produced species found nowhere else.

Wildlife Stars

• Cuban Crocodile (Crocodylus rhombifer): Endemic and critically endangered. Lives only in the Ciénaga de Zapata and on the Isla de la Juventud. Smaller, more aggressive, and more colorful than its American relative. Breeding station in the Ciénaga de Zapata can be visited.
• Bee Hummingbird (Zunzuncito): The smallest bird in the world — only 5 cm long and weighing 1.8 g! Endemic to Cuba. Most likely to be seen in Viñales or the Ciénaga de Zapata. The hum of its wings sounds like an insect.
• Cuban Trogon (Tocororo): Cuba's national bird, whose red-white-blue plumage reflects the colors of the Cuban flag. Relatively common in the mountain forests.
• Flamingos: Large colonies on the northern Cayos (Cayo Coco, Cayo Romano) and in the Ciénaga de Zapata. Up to 70,000 animals.
• Sea Turtles: Green sea turtle and hawksbill turtle nest on Cuba's beaches (May–September), especially on Cayo Largo and the Jardines de la Reina.
• Polymita Snail: The most colorful land snail in the world — only in the Baracoa region. Each snail has a unique pattern in bright colors. Strictly protected, collecting is prohibited!