JOSE PALENZUELA - Isla de la Juventud

Jose Palenzuela, just off Isla de la Juventud, is a wreck dive that really brings history to life. It’s a shallow site, only 6 metres deep, making it perfect for a relaxed dive, even if you’re newer to wrecks. We love how the sunlight filters through the water, illuminating the remains of this old cargo ship, sunk in 1960 during a hurricane. What you're really getting here is a sense of time passing. The wreck isn't intact, but rather scattered debris. The bow is distinct, almost standing guard, and then you have plates and machinery spread across the sand. It’s a fantastic spot for photographers, especially with that clear, shallow water. Look closely and you’ll find schools of grunts sheltering in the metalwork, and plenty of damselfish darting between the rusty frames. Our favourite part is navigating through the larger sections, feeling the history of the vessel under your fingertips. It’s not a huge wreck, so you can really take your time and explore every nook. Go slow, keep an eye out for moray eels tucked into the crevices, and just enjoy the quiet atmosphere of this underwater relic.

Location: Isla de la Juventud, Cuba, Caribbean
Coordinates: 22.641666, -82.062500
Type: wreck
Maximum Depth: 6m

Marine Protected Area: Golfo de Batabanó

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 JOSE PALENZUELA

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

Elkhorn coral (Acropora palmata) - Hard Corals
Massive Starlet Coral (Siderastrea siderea) - Hard Corals
Gutong (Scarus iseri) - Reef Fish
Dark Green Parrotfish (Sparisoma viride) - Reef Fish
Mustard hill coral (Porites astreoides) - Hard Corals
Blue Doctor (Acanthurus coeruleus) - Reef Fish
Gutong (Sparisoma aurofrenatum) - Reef Fish
French grunt (Haemulon flavolineatum) - Reef Fish
Lettuce Coral (Agaricia agaricites) - Hard Corals
Grunt (Haemulon plumierii) - Reef Fish
Schoolmaster (Lutjanus apodus) - Reef Fish
Barber (Acanthurus bahianus) - Reef Fish
Great star coral (Montastraea cavernosa) - Hard Corals
Butterfly (Chaetodon capistratus) - Reef Fish
Bluestriped Grunt (Haemulon sciurus) - Reef Fish
Cola (Ocyurus chrysurus) - Reef Fish
Sheephead (Microspathodon chrysurus) - Reef Fish
Finger Coral (Porites porites) - Hard Corals
Doctorfish (Acanthurus chirurgus) - Reef Fish
Fire coral (Millepora complanata) - Jellyfish

Recommended Packing List for JOSE PALENZUELA

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