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Located at the entrance of the Bay of Pigs, Caleta Buena is a translucent protected cove with superb rock landscapes and abundant undersea life. Shoals of surgeonfish and striped red mullets can be found along the spectacular rocky outcrops, scarcely troubled by the moray eels that have found a home there. This spot, ideal for beginners, is one of the most accessible and popular snorkeling in Cuba.

Blue tang in Caleta Buena
Doctorfish tang (left) and blue tang (right) abound at this location.

How to get to Caleta Buena snorkeling spot?

Caleta Buena is located approximately 5 miles/8 kilometers southeast of Playa Girón. From this city, head east on the coastal road. It is possible to rent bikes (5$/day) or scooters (25$/day) in Playa Girón. Admission to the beach is CUC$15 and includes a lunch buffet and open bar.

Caleta Buena snorkeling map, Cuba

Entering the water for snorkeling Caleta Buena

On the rocky edge of the cove, you will spot several small ladders where you can easily enter the water.

Caleta Buena snorkeling tips and recommendations

Caleta Buena forms a very little cove that you can explore in its entirety. Begin by exploring the rocky drop-offs surrounding the bay (6-14ft/2-4m), where bluehead wrasse and small groups of sergeant major find shelter. Be careful, because there are a lot of sea urchins in the area, and the sea bed is stony.

Parrotfish in Caleta Buena
Juvenile striped parrotfish swim amongst coral heads in Caleta Buena.

At the center of the bay, the water is deeper (14-20ft/4-6m). The seabed is sandy, interspersed with rocks, sea fans, and small patches of hard and soft corals. In this area, you will easily spot blue tang, stoplight parrotfish, and several species of butterflyfish.

Caleta Buena is completely sheltered, and the visibility is generally excellent. There are sometimes many visitors at this location, so watch out for other snorkelers and for people who have fun jumping into the water from the rocks above the cove.

Damselfish in Caleta Buena
A yellowtail damselfish photographed in Caleta Buena.

Restaurants and accommodation nearby

There are no hotels near Caleta Buena, but a range of accommodation is available in Playa Giron, some 5 miles/8 kilometers from here.

 

  • Level required Beginner
  • Maximum depth18ft (6m)
  • Water entranceEasy, from ladders
  • Potential DangersUsual precautions
  • Visitor numbersMedium
  • Access costsCUC$15, including lunch/drinks
  • Restaurants nearbyYes
  • Public toilets & showersYes

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.