El Acuario I - Jardines de la Reina

El Acuario I in Jardines de la Reina lives up to its name, offering a real fishbowl experience. We've often seen Caribbean reef sharks patrolling the area, along with big schools of snapper and jacks swirling through the clear water. It’s a pretty straightforward dive, ideal for those looking for reliable shark encounters in a protected environment. Visibility here is usually excellent, making it easy to just relax and watch the show.

Location
Jardines de la Reina, Cuba, Caribbean
Coordinates
22.629223, -78.716010

Marine Protected Area: Los Caimanes

Best Time to Dive in Jardines de la Reina

The warmest water temperatures in Jardines de la Reina occur in September, averaging 30.4°C. The coolest conditions are in February at 27.1°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 27.5°C
  • February: 27.1°C
  • March: 27.1°C
  • April: 27.8°C
  • May: 28.8°C
  • June: 29.2°C
  • July: 29.8°C
  • August: 30.2°C
  • September: 30.4°C
  • October: 29.9°C
  • November: 29.2°C
  • December: 28.3°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Jardines de la Reina

Nearest Dive Centres to El Acuario I

Marine Life in Jardines de la Reina

Home to 492 recorded species including 404 reef fish, 34 hard corals, 10 whales & dolphins, 10 sharks & rays, 8 other, 6 sea snails & nudibranchs.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for El Acuario I

Based on average water temperature of 28.8°C, currents 16 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 29°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