Los Mogotes - Jardines de la Reina

Paia Point, right on the edge of the Hikurangi Marine Reserve, is a site we keep coming back to, despite its quirks. You’re looking at a maximum depth of 11m, which means plenty of bottom time, and frankly, a bit of a workout getting there. The shore entry is a scramble over slippery rocks, and that 20-minute surface swim can feel like a marathon when the swell picks up. We’d suggest saving this one for a calm day, or you'll regret it. But here’s the payoff: once you drop down, even with Kaikōura’s typical 4m visibility, the place is buzzing. You'll find yourself sharing the water with playful New Zealand fur seals and, if you’re lucky, dusky dolphins zipping past in the blue. Our favourite part has to be spotting the paua spider crabs clambering over the rocks, and there are always common and striped triplefins darting about in the crevices. Keep an eye out for greenbone, too; they're surprisingly common here. It’s definitely a spot for those who appreciate the hunt for smaller, unique critters and don't mind a bit of an adventure to get there.

Location
Jardines de la Reina, Cuba, Caribbean
Coordinates
20.833100, -78.932800
Type
reef

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 Los Mogotes

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 Los Mogotes

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