Punta Francés

Punta Francés ranks 3rd on the list of the best dive sites in Cuba. It is the second-largest island in the Cuban archipelago (2,357 square km). Its many attractions include the Punta Frances National Marine Park, Bibijagua Beach, the Los Indios-San Felipe Natural Preserve, the pictographs in Punta del Este caves, and the Colony International Scuba-Diving Center, El Abra Farm, and the "Model" Prison. Before donning your dive gear, walk the lovely white-sand crescent of Punta Francés and hunt for long-gone pirates' lairs on the jagged limestone shore and American croc nests in the jungle. The Bay of Siguanea is a remote location, located 60 miles (96 kilometers) off the coast of Cuba, off this southwest sandy point of the Isle of Youth. There are 56 diving sites along the "Pirate's Coast." Great hammerhead sharks and rays should be on your radar.

Punta Frances, located along the “pirate coast” on the Isla de la Juventud, is another must-do for divers. Advanced divers can submerge into a tunnel at the site, called Cueva Azul, to spot huge tarpon. Even snorkelers along Punta Frances’ shores may spot hawksbill sea turtles and maybe even manatees. This is the perfect place to snorkel in Cuba.You will admire multicolored fishes, corals, and numerous tree gorgonians.

Location: Isla de la Juventud, Cuba

Area: 2,357 km2