Log This Dive

Bajo del Francés

Bajo del Francés, just off Varadero, has a habit of surprising us. We’ve done our share of Cuban dives, and while the reefs aren't always what they once were, this site often punches above its weight. The real draw here, for us, is the chance encounter. We’ve seen swordfish cruise through the blue and, on one particularly memorable morning, a pod of Atlantic spotted dolphins decided to hang around for a good twenty minutes, putting on a show that felt almost personal. It's not about massive coral formations here, more about the smaller details and the pelagic visitors. Keep an eye out for the Atlantic yellow cowries tucked away, or the delicate left-handed jewel boxes clinging to overhangs. The little post horn squid are masters of camouflage, but if you spot one, they’re fascinating to watch. Currents can be mild to moderate, making it a good spot for divers comfortable with a bit of drift, and we find the early morning dives tend to be the calmest, and often, the most rewarding for those bigger animal sightings. It’s a site that rewards patience and a keen eye.