Isla de la Juventud, or Isle of Youth as it translates to, is the second largest of the Cuban islands and keys that make up the Cuban archipelago. The main attraction for divers of the Isle of Youth is the Punta Francis Marine park - a huge expanse of protected waters to the West of the island.
WHY WE LOVE DIVING IN THE ISLE OF YOUTH:
Abundant marine life: sharks, turtles, big and little
Warm, clear waters all year with powdery sand beaches
reason 3
ISLE OF YOUTH GALLERY
Diving in the Isle of Youth
Deep, clear waters are home for the plentiful marine life, and it is quite common to encounter whale sharks here in addition to the normal sightings of turtles, Southern stingrays and occasional reef sharks. Whale sharks, particularly in the winter months, are often seen here too.
The main attractions of the Isle of Youth are its coral reefs, abundant marine life and the steep drop-offs and walls at Punta Frances - the Isle of Youth is a scuba diving paradise. There are even a couple of wrecks here too - a fishing trawler and a commercial vessel sitting in shallow waters of about 12m at right angles to each other following a bow to bow collision. The depth and clear waters make these superb dives!
WEATHER
Winter average of 27°C / 81°F
Spring average of 28°C / 82°F
Summer average of 32° C / 90°F
GETTING HERE
Flights from LONDON
9 hours
Flight from HAVANA
40 minutes
TIME DIFFERENCE
GMT - 5 hours
Deep Thought
Quiet, relaxing and some of the best diving Cuba has to offer - all in a protected marine reserve.
-John
WATER TEMPERATURES
Winter average of 26°C / 79°F
Spring average of 26°C / 79°F
Summer average of 30° C / 86°F
VISIBILITY
20 to 40m / 66 to 130 ft average
