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The fact that the nautical world continues being one of the main tourism attractions on the isle of Cuba , is not fortuitous; first, the island has excellent beaches, special sites for diving, visits and travel aboard and an undersea flora and fauna, both marvelous and protected. On the other hand, an organized network of marinas offers lots of opportunities to explore the fascinating world of the sea: rides on boats or on other vessels; the exciting emotion of fishing, underwater watching; the ecstasy of adventure...

The holding of tournaments or events such as the Fiesta del Mar (Sea Fiesta), holds at mid-year at the central-southern City of Cienfuegos, is another attraction of the recreation nautica in Cuba.

Cuban Marinas Cubanacán Náutica (includes Havana's Marina Hemingway, one of the most well-stocked and known), Puertosol S.A. and Marina Gaviota, are true specialized centers in the development and organization of water activities.

The first of these marinas, Cubanacán Náutica, founded in 1994, operates dozen of international diving centers all over the island and is outstanding in the preparation of promotional events. Three are its main products: seafaris, featuring superb vessels; diving and fishing, in addition to other complementary offers as Aqua Ray and Jungle Boats of Jungle Tour in Varadero and Cayo Guillermo respectively; Jolly Roger catamarans and Zodiacs jeeps and gomones of Challenge Tour. Nautical points are also found in 31 hotels.

Marina Hemingway, a well-known site, is witness of the fish tournament held every year under the name of the celebrated American writer; an integrated product, with a compound of restaurants, bars and accommodation with moorings for 400 recreational vessels and for 100 vessels with possibilities to live aboard. Excursions and diving are the most requested activities at Marina Puertosol S.A., though other typical beach sports are added to them. María la Gorda is its major diving center located in the westernmost province of Pinar del Río, Very attractive is its floating restaurant in the southern-eastern area of Jardines de la Reina.

Marina Gaviota, which belongs to the tourism group bearing the same name, performs its main operations at Varadero Beach, located at some 140 km on the east of Havana and in the eastern city of Holguín, at Puerto de Vita. This agency also runs Cayo Piedras del Norte Natural Marine Park also located in the very beach of Varadero.

In further articles to be published in this section dedicated to Cuban Nautica, you will receive a more specific information on the special features of these facilities.

Diving: One of the Most Sensational Water Sports Undoubtedly, diving is an exciting experience sought by thousand tourists. Cuba has the privilege of having 70,000 km2 of island shelf featuring exuberant undersea life: over 500 species of fishes and other animals; sunken ships, tunnels and caves. Of a 650 km-shelf of coral reefs, 450 belong to the northern diving area, especially the region of the Sabana-Camagüey Archipelago, the second largest of the world, according to experts.

Cuba has over 100 major diving points, distributed over the island shelf, of them the most significant are María La Gorda International Diving Center in Pinar del Río Province and Barracuda in Varadero Beach, Matanzas Province.

Well-trained and able instructors who teach several courses, backed by diver certifications (determined by stars), in agreement with the international agencies, akin to these practices and which keep strong links with Cuba, are other options that vacationers can enjoy on the island.

Many and varied are the possibilities of recreational water activities in Cuba. The island invites you to know and enjoy them.