Plan a CruiseMaria la Gorda is primarily known as a diving camp located in the Pinar del Rio province of western Cuba. This is a tender port, meaning ships anchor offshore and use smaller boats to transfer passengers to the shore. The entire settlement here is very small, consisting mainly of a hotel, a dedicated diving center, a small shop, a sandy beach, and two restaurants. The area is synonymous with its excellent diving opportunities.
Getting Around from the Port
Given the small size of Maria la Gorda, there are no public transport options, taxis, or shuttles available. The settlement itself is easily walkable. For a unique independent exploration, you can walk a few kilometers away from the camp towards the top of the peninsula. This walk offers interesting landscapes where mangrove swamps and the sea are separated by a wall of old shells and corals, some of which are quite large (up to 50 cm).
Attractions and Activities
Maria la Gorda's main draw is its underwater world.
- Diving: The diving center offers a range of options for certified divers. This is the primary activity for which the area is known.
- Snorkeling: Snorkeling trips are available and often accompany the dive excursions, providing an excellent way to explore the reefs closer to the surface.
- Peninsula Walk: For a land-based activity, take a walk a few kilometers from the camp towards the peninsula's tip. Here you can observe unique natural formations, including mangrove swamps, the sea, and a wall composed of large, old shells and corals. This is a free, self-guided activity.
Dining & Shopping
Shopping opportunities are limited to the small shop within the settlement, which likely stocks items typical for tourists. Cuba's main exports for tourists – rum, cigars, and coffee – are generally available. For genuine merchandise, it is recommended to purchase from official, government-owned stores at official prices.
Dining options are confined to the two restaurants within the Maria la Gorda settlement. It's a common observation in Cuba that food in government-run restaurants can be notoriously bland due to underpaid staff. While in other parts of Cuba, private paladares (locally owned restaurants in private homes) or casa particular (private guesthouses) offer better culinary experiences, these are not typically found in a small, isolated camp like Maria la Gorda.
Safety
When dealing with vendors, especially away from official establishments, be aware of common scams:
- Cigar Scams: Be cautious of street touts offering "discount" cigars that look real but are often of dubious authenticity.
- Overpriced Invitations: Friendly locals might invite tourists to bars or restaurants for a drink (like a Mojito) or a meal. These establishments often charge tourists two to three times the normal price, with the "friend" splitting the profits.
- Currency Confusion: Watch out for short-changing in bars or any service, or receiving national pesos (CUP) instead of the tourist convertible pesos (CUC) in your change.
Currency and Language
The primary currency for tourists in Cuba is the Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC). You will use CUC for most tourist-related expenses, including hotels, official taxis, entry fees, meals, cigars, and rum. The Euro is widely accepted, but the US Dollar is generally not accepted for direct transactions. Currency exchange into CUC can be done at official exchange houses (casa de cambio or cadeca), which are often found in hotels or larger towns (though options in Maria la Gorda may be extremely limited). ATMs are rare in Cuba, and credit cards are not widely accepted, so it's advisable to carry sufficient cash. The official language of Cuba is Spanish. The emergency number is 116.