TANIA - María la Gorda

The Tania lies close to shore, a real bonus for divers at María la Gorda. This motor vessel, grounded back in '74, now sits in less than 10 meters of water, making it perfect for an easy dive or even a snorkel. We love how accessible it is. You can trace the outline of its 75-meter hull, still largely intact, with schools of grunts and snapper darting in and out of the skeletal remains of its superstructure. Look for the resident barracuda patrolling the deck, always a little spooky, but they generally just watch you pass. It’s a great spot to practice wreck penetration in benign conditions, or just cruise over a piece of history covered in sponges and small corals.

Location
María la Gorda, Cuba, Caribbean
Coordinates
22.773611, -83.963330
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
1m

Marine Protected Area: Este del Archipiélago de los Colorados

Best Time to Dive in María la Gorda

The warmest water temperatures in María la Gorda occur in August, averaging 30.8°C (up to 31.8°C). The coolest conditions are in February at 26.6°C.

The calmest sea conditions are typically in September with average wave heights of 0.70m. Average current speed: 5.0 cm/s.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 26.7°C (air: 26.2°C)
  • February: 26.6°C (air: 26.4°C)
  • March: 26.8°C (air: 26.5°C)
  • April: 27.6°C (air: 27.4°C)
  • May: 28.7°C (air: 28.2°C)
  • June: 29.4°C (air: 28.8°C)
  • July: 30.4°C (air: 29.4°C)
  • August: 30.8°C (air: 29.5°C)
  • September: 30.4°C (air: 29.5°C)
  • October: 29.8°C (air: 29.0°C)
  • November: 28.7°C (air: 27.9°C)
  • December: 27.5°C (air: 26.8°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in María la Gorda

Nearest Dive Centres to TANIA

Marine Life in María la Gorda

Home to 109 recorded species including 85 reef fish, 9 hard corals, 6 sharks & rays, 4 other, 3 whales & dolphins, 2 sea snails & nudibranchs.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for TANIA

Based on average water temperature of 28.6°C, visibility 23 nmi, currents 8 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 are the typical depths for diving at Tania dive site?
The Tania wreck is quite shallow, with a typical depth of 1m. This makes it an accessible dive for many, allowing for extended bottom times and excellent light penetration at this María la Gorda dive site.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Tania?
The primary underwater feature at Tania is the wreck of a motor vessel, measuring 75.3m x 11.2m, which was sunk on February 20, 1974. Divers can explore the remains of this vessel, classified as a wreck showing any portion of hull or superstructure. While specific marine life isn't detailed in the provided data, wrecks typically attract a variety of reef fish and invertebrates over time, which you can learn more about in our wildlife database.
How challenging is diving at Tania, especially for less experienced divers?
Diving at the Tania site is classified as intermediate difficulty. While the shallow depth of 1m might seem easy, the nature of wreck diving can present unique challenges. Less experienced divers should ensure they are comfortable with basic skills and consider guidance from a local dive professional.
What is the best time of year to dive at Tania for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive at Tania for optimal conditions. However, you can generally find information about seasonal conditions for Cuba and María la Gorda on DivePlnr's When to Dive section.
Are there any specific diving certifications required to explore Tania dive site?
While the data doesn't explicitly state specific certifications, given the intermediate difficulty of the Tania wreck dive, it is generally recommended that divers have at least an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent. This ensures divers have the necessary skills and experience for wreck exploration. Always check with local dive operators for their specific requirements.
What are the typical water conditions and currents like at Tania dive site?
The provided data does not include specific details about typical water conditions or currents at the Tania dive site. For up-to-date information on local conditions, it's always best to consult with local dive centers in María la Gorda before your dive.