Cuba is the largest of the Caribbean islands.  Click here for the map.

Cuba has four main dive locations: Maria la Gorda, Playa Giron and Trinidad and Cienfuegos but, arguably, the best diving is the Isla de la Juventud (the Isle of Youth). 

Surprisingly, there is also good diving just outside the capital, Havana.  This is due to the fishing restrictions that have been imposed and the reefs are pristine, with some interesting cavern dives.

Its estimated that there are over 1,000 fish species in the seas around Cuba and the reefs are seriously impressive.  However, you're less likely to spot some of the large pelagics which you would expect to find in other top diving destinations.

• Isla de la Juventud where the diving is fantastic, probably some of the best in the world.  This is a marine reserve where you're likely to spot Tarpon.  These huge preditors (which can reach up to 2.5 mtrs) make for a spectacular sight.   Exceptional dive sites are on the Cabo Frances Reef for masses of overhangs and arches and from Cabo Frances to Point Pedernales.  All these dives have great visibility with gentle currents.
• Not diving, we know, but don't miss the land crab migration (January to April/May).

• PADI is not authorised in Cuba because of the dispute with the US, but the Cubans have adopted the Canadian ACUC system, which is a CMAS accredited authority. 
• The east coast is subject to hurricanes from August to November (generally, the country averages one a year) and droughts are common.