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Playa María la Gorda, Cuba

Dive into the underwater paradise of Playa María la Gorda, with brilliant corals, in Pinar del Río, Cuba

Playa de María La Gorda, Cuba
© Rphstock

Playa Maria la Gorda (Maria la Gorda Beach) is located in the region of Pinar del Río, in Cuba. It is the largest diving point in the country along with the Isla de la Juventud, so if you are a diving enthusiast, you will find a diving area populated by beautiful and colourful reefs.

Index:

• What are the best plans to make in Maria la Gorda?
• How to get to Maria la Gorda?
• Where to stay in Maria la Gorda?

What are the best plans to make in Maria la Gorda?

Playa María la Gorda, fondo marino
© Stephanie Ilner

The best-known areas are undoubted, the Valle de Coral Negro (Black Coral Valley), a wall of black coral 100 meters long, and the Salón de María, an underwater cave 20 meters deep where you will discover sea lilies and brightly coloured corals. The area is home to a multitude of migratory fish and spectacular sea turtles. 

The Centro Internacional de Buceo (International Center of Diving) offers visitor initiation courses for those who dare to try this sport for the first time. In addition, you can obtain an official diving certificate. There are also options for those who prefer to snorkel.

Being part of the Reserva de la Biosfera de Guanahacabibes (Guanahacabibes Biosphere Reserve), Maria la Gorda is considered one of the best diving spots in all of Latin America. 

If you want to enjoy the environment but you don't like diving you can practise other water sports such as fishing or boat trips. And when you get hungry, in the restaurants of the area you will taste the best dishes with a taste of the sea.

How to get to María la Gorda?

Maria la Gorda is in the most western part of Cuba. The closest places from which to arrive are Pinar del Río and Viñales. From there, you can go by private transfer on a trip of about three hours. 

As it is rather far away we recommend you to spend a couple of days in the area, so you can also enjoy the beautiful beaches in peace. However, you can also visit the area on a day trip.

Where to stay María la Gorda?

María la Gorda
© Alexandre G. Rosa

Without a doubt, the best option to stay in María la Gorda is the Hotel María la Gorda. It is a beautiful and unique hotel. The rooms are wooden cabins nestled on the sand. An experience fairly close to paradise.

More Information:

 Location:

Playa María la Gorda, Pinar del Río, Cuba.

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