IMIAS - Isla de la Juventud

The Imías wreck, resting upright in a shallow bay, offers a proper look at a decent-sized vessel, even if she’s seen better days. Built in Bilbao in '66, this motor vessel caught fire at Nuevitas before finding her final resting place here in 1981. We like that she’s shallow, less than a meter deep in parts, making it a comfortable snorkel or very easy dive, great for those newer to wrecks. You can poke around the superstructure, which took a real beating from that fire, and see how quickly the reef builds on anything left alone. Schools of snapper and grunt often mill about the hull, darting into the shadows, a calm contrast to the wreck’s fiery past.

Location
Isla de la Juventud, Cuba, Caribbean
Coordinates
23.007223, -82.764305
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
1m

Marine Protected Area: Ensenada de Portier-Lamas

Best Time to Dive in Isla de la Juventud

The warmest water temperatures in Isla de la Juventud occur in January, averaging 26.8°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 26.8°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 26.8°C (air: 24.1°C)
  • February: 26.8°C (air: 24.4°C)
  • March: 26.8°C (air: 25.3°C)
  • April: 26.8°C (air: 26.4°C)
  • May: 26.8°C (air: 27.4°C)
  • June: 26.8°C (air: 28.1°C)
  • July: 26.8°C (air: 28.9°C)
  • August: 26.8°C (air: 29.1°C)
  • September: 26.8°C (air: 28.7°C)
  • October: 26.8°C (air: 27.7°C)
  • November: 26.8°C (air: 26.3°C)
  • December: 26.8°C (air: 24.6°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Isla de la Juventud

Nearest Dive Centres to IMIAS

Marine Life in Isla de la Juventud

Home to 143 recorded species including 99 reef fish, 28 hard corals, 6 whales & dolphins, 4 seagrass & algae, 2 jellyfish, 2 other.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for IMIAS

Based on average water temperature of 26.8°C.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 27°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical depth range for diving at IMIAS?
Diving at the IMIAS wreck typically starts at a shallow depth of 1 meter. This makes it accessible for divers looking to explore a historical site close to the surface. The wreck itself is classified as showing any portion of its hull or superstructure.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at IMIAS?
Divers at IMIAS can expect to explore the impressive remains of a motor vessel, measuring 156.8m x 19.7m, which was sunk on November 5, 1981. The site is classified as a wreck showing portions of its hull or superstructure, offering a unique historical underwater feature. While specific marine life sightings are not detailed in our current data, wrecks often become artificial reefs, attracting various species over time; you can learn more about common species in our Wildlife Database.
How challenging are the dives at IMIAS, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
Dives at the IMIAS wreck are classified as intermediate difficulty. While the depth is shallow at 1 meter, the nature of wreck diving often requires specific skills and experience beyond entry-level certification. Therefore, it is generally more suitable for divers with some prior experience rather than absolute beginners.
What is the best time of year to dive at IMIAS for optimal conditions and marine life sightings?
Our current data for the IMIAS dive site does not specify the best time of year for optimal conditions or marine life sightings. For general guidance on diving in the region, you might consult our When to Dive section for the Caribbean.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive at IMIAS?
Given that the IMIAS dive site is rated as intermediate difficulty, divers should ideally possess at least an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent experience. While the depth is shallow at 1 meter, wreck diving often involves specific considerations that benefit from additional training. Consulting with a local dive operator in Isla de la Juventud is always recommended to confirm specific certification requirements.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at the IMIAS dive site?
Our available data for the IMIAS dive site does not include specific details on typical current conditions or visibility. Divers planning a trip should consult with local dive centers in Isla de la Juventud for the most up-to-date information on these environmental factors.