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Punta Perdiz is most famous amongst Cuba’s snorkeling spots. This piece of coastline sheltered inside the Bay of Pigs (Bahia de Cochinos) is fringed by a reef located about 100 meters from the shore. Sea whips and corals sprinkle the seabed, and a large number of Caribbean fish, including butterflyfish and angelfish, dwell in the reef. This is the perfect place for a snorkeling and sunbathing day between Playa Larga and Playa Giron.

Banded butterflyfish in Punta Perdiz
A banded butterflyfish spotted in Punta Perdiz.

How to get to Punta Perdiz snorkeling spot?

Punta Perdiz is located on the famous Bay of Pigs’ north shore. You will most probably access it from Playa Giron (5mi/8km south of the spot) or Playa Larga (11mi/18km north of it), driving down the coastal road.

Just like Caleta Buena, there is an entrance fee (15 CUC) that also includes a buffet, drinks and beach equipment rentals for a day. Not willing to pay a fee? There are other coast access points along the road, but the shore is rocky, and entering the water can be challenging.

Punta Perdiz snorkeling map, Cuba

Entering the water at Punta Perdiz

Be careful, as sharp rocks along the shore might cut you. Enter the water from the dedicated place in front of the restaurant, where a small ladder has been set up. Beware the numerous sea urchins.

Punta Perdiz snorkeling tips and recommendations

You can explore the whole reef fringing the coast and located about 100 meters from the shore. Once in the water, you will first swim across an uninteresting sandy seabed (1-8ft/0.5-2m). Corals then progressively cover it (6-12ft/1.5-4m). From here, there will still be about 40 meters to swim to the reef drop-off. This last part isn’t of great interest for snorkelers either because of its very important water depth.

Coral reef and grunt at Punta Perdiz
Several species of grunt, including French grunt (mostly yellow) and bluestriped grunt (with a black tail) gather around the reef areas.

Over the reef itself, you will come across damselfish fighting for their territories, bluehead wrasses darting along the rocks and small groups of sergeant majors that might remain close to you, staring with curiosity. If you’re lucky, you will spot a rock beauty (Holacanthus tricolor), a small but bright-colored fish said to be one of the most beautiful in the Caribbean reefs.

Spotted moray and yellowtail snappers in Punta Perdiz
A small spotted moray surrounded by yellowtail snappers.

Restaurants and accommodation nearby

The restaurant settled on the harbor is the only one around. This all-you-can-eat buffet is included in the entrance fee. There are few accommodation options in the area, most visitors come here for a day from Playa Larga or Playa Giron.

Jump into Punta Perdiz underwater world in this video 👇 shot by Maima.

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  • Level required Beginner
  • Maximum depth12ft/4m
  • Water entranceFrom a ladder set up on the rocks
  • LifeguardNo
  • Visitor numbersMedium
  • Access costsEntrance fee, including buffet (CUC15pp.)
  • Restaurants nearbyOui
  • Public toilets & showersOui

MAP Spot

These snorkeling spots are accessible to beginners and kids. You will enter the water gradually from a beach, or in a less than 3ft. deep area. The sea is generally calm, shallow, with almost no waves or currents. These spots are usually located in marked and/or monitored swimming areas. It is not necessary to swim long distances to discover the sea life.

This level only apply when the spot experiences optimal sea and/or weather conditions. It is not applicable if the sea and/or weather conditions deteriorate, in particular in the presence of rough sea, rain, strong wind, unusual current, large tides, waves and/or swell. You can find more details about the definition of our snorkeling levels on our snorkeling safety page.