Farallón - Jardines de la Reina

Farallón, or ‘The Cliff’ as we know it, is a big coral mountain that feels a bit like diving a submerged plateau in Jardines de la Reina. You drop onto the top at around 15 metres, and then the sand slopes away to a deeper 30 metres. It’s an interesting spot, particularly for those who like to hang out and see what swims past. We've seen some impressive schools of grunts and jacks here, often so thick they make you feel small. Tarpons are regulars, too, and we often spot Caribbean reef sharks making lazy passes. Sometimes, if you're lucky, a silky shark will cruise by in the blue. It’s a good, solid dive that rewards patience, often best done when you can dedicate some time to just observing the reef action.

Location
Jardines de la Reina, Cuba, Caribbean
Coordinates
20.800000, -78.910000
Type
pinnacle
Maximum Depth
15-40m

Marine Protected Area: Jardines de la Reina

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 Farallón

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 Farallón

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical depth range for scuba diving at Farallón in Jardines de la Reina, Cuba?
The typical depth range for diving at Farallón is 15-40 meters (50-130 feet). Divers can explore the top of this magnificent coral mountain at 15 meters, descending to a sandy bottom at 30 meters, with the site extending to 40 meters. This makes it suitable for intermediate divers.
What marine life and underwater topography can divers expect to encounter at Farallón, Cuba?
At Farallón, divers can expect to encounter a spectacular underwater topography likened to a giant coral mountain or pinnacle. This site is a magnet for diverse marine life, including large schools of grunts, jacks, and silver tarpons. You'll also likely spot turtles, rays, and various sharks such as silky sharks and Caribbean reef sharks.
What is the difficulty level for diving at Farallón in Jardines de la Reina, considering currents and site features?
The difficulty level for diving at Farallón is rated as intermediate. This is due to its structure as a large coral mountain or pinnacle, which can sometimes be exposed to currents, making it a more engaging dive. Divers should have appropriate experience for these conditions.
What is the best time of year to dive at Farallón in Cuba for optimal conditions and marine life sightings?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive at Farallón for optimal conditions or marine life sightings. However, Jardines de la Reina generally offers excellent diving year-round. We recommend checking specific seasonal conditions for Cuba before planning your trip.
Are there any specific dive certifications required to explore the Farallón dive site in Cuba?
While the data does not explicitly state specific dive certifications required for Farallón, its intermediate difficulty rating suggests that divers should possess at least an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent experience. This ensures comfort and safety when exploring depths up to 40 meters and navigating pinnacle structures.
What are the usual water conditions, visibility, and currents like at the Farallón dive site in Jardines de la Reina?
The provided data does not detail the usual water conditions, visibility, or specific current patterns at Farallón. However, given its intermediate difficulty rating and status as a pinnacle dive, divers should be prepared for potentially varying conditions, including moderate currents. Visibility in Jardines de la Reina is typically excellent.