SCUBA Guardalavca

[norton]

Hi, Any one got any info on diving at Guardalavca? I will be there next (2008) easter.

Thanks in advance

Gary

[jelloduc]

Hi Gary,

have a look here: http://www.cubalinda.com/English/Activities/ScubaDiving/ScubaCentersByZone.asp?Zone=17

it's very nice there, been there a couple of times.


regards,
Henk

[norton]

Thank you Henk!

Gary

[marianhernandez]

hello Guardalavaca. How do you do today?

[minnie81]

I'm heading out there In Feb 2009, I've got my own shorties (5mm) and a weight belt, dive watch etc but I'll need a BCD, regs and fins... no mention of this on the site but you'd assume they'd have the gear if they're running a dive shop.
I've an AdvOWD from PADI but since PADI isn't well liked in Cuba do I assume I need to re-sit a starter course..?(I'd probably have to anyway) I'm really just hoping to grab my lil' bro and take him out for a few recreational dives...
We'll not get the chance again for a long time so spending a lot on refresher courses and sitting in tanks won't really do.
Any suggestions?
Cannot wait to get down there and take my first canned lungful... It's been an age. !!

[cubafish]

BCD, regulators & fins are available from dive shops in Cuba, but their condition varries. When new, the equipment is obviously in OK condition - but the terms "new or in good condition" is not necessarily the case in all dive shops in Cuba.

Certification from any certifying agency, or even current certification is not that much of an issue in Cuba. Unfortunately, what is important to dive in Cuba is cash in your hand to pay the dive fee.

Good luck, & enjoy - but be safe, as safe dive practices are not always followed by all dive operator in Cuba. :shocked:

[scubamonkey]

Intresting, how IKE affected underwater visibility. Planning to do a diving trip beginning of october.

[cubafish]

Keep in mind that TWO recent hurricanes affected MLG, and be prepared that they may have suffered sufficient damage that they may not be open in early October when you are there (ie. I have see or heard no reports out of MLG since these two hurricanes).

And I can say with some certainty that the other great dive location in Cuba, the Colony on Isla de Juventud will be closed due to hurricane damage.

[scubamonkey]

Ok, it means I can only dream about diving in MLG. Can anyone suggest places to go, where diving season starts earlier than elsewhere.

[jackd]

where diving season starts earlier than elsewhere.

Diving is year round in the Caribbean.

[scubamonkey]

No sh*t shelock :)
Beginning of october starting roundtrip from Havana- MLG- Bay of Pigs- Varadero. Does anyone have informaton about condition of diving centers nearby our route.

[jackd]

No sh*t shelock :)
Beginning of october starting roundtrip from Havana- MLG- Bay of Pigs- Varadero. Does anyone have informaton about condition of diving centers nearby our route.

Probably too soon for much current information, baring any further storms you should be good at all locations.

Wow Cuba has one of the most complete lists of dive sites and operations
http://www.wowcuba.com/scuba/dive-intro.html#map

[flower]

If diving in Guardalavaca, make sure the diving is not included in the price of the hotel. Look for a dive center that you can book/ pay dives, otherwise you'll get screwed. Even better, stay away from hotels and rent a casa.

[felo]

not sure about the casa option in the area, i have been there twice and first in a hotels (brisas guradalavaca) and laster in a casa particular and the hotel was much better, even for me (i speak spanish and my dad is cuban)