Page 153 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Cuba

WESTERN CUBA  151

Diving in the Caribbean Sea

The Caribbean Seabeds off the island of Cuba offer some of the most exciting coral reef scen­
ery imaginable. The coral formations lie at a maximum depth of 150 m (495 ft), at an average
temperature of about 23° C (73 °F), and never less than 18° C (64 °F). The most fascinating
areas for divers are at Jardines de la Reina, María la Gorda, the Archipelago de los Canarreos
and Playa Santa Lucía. Qualified scuba­diving centres (centros de buceo) take visi tors on trips
out to the reefs, with live­aboards available at Jardines de la Reina and Isla de la Juventud.
In some areas it is possible to see tropical fish and coral simply by snorkelling (see p285).

“Soft coral” results from an
Sea plume is a type of evolutionary process during
gorgonia that looks much which the hard skeleton turns
like a feather. into a flexible structrure.

The grouper, with its
unmistakable colouring,
is one of the most common
fish in the Caribbean, together
with the queen triggerfish and
the Pomacanthus paru angelfish.
Other widespread species are
the tarpon, with its silvery
colouring, and the barracuda,
with its powerful teeth.
Sharks are less common.

Sponge
The blue surgeon fish is born with
bright yellow colouring that later
turns blue.

Coral

The Sea Floor
Brain coral is one of many
The coral reef is a rich and complex ecosystem. types of coral common to
The Caribbean seabeds are home to numerous the Cuban seas, along with
varieties of coral and a great many sea sponges black coral, iron wire coral
and gorgonias, as well as tropical fish, sea turtles with its rod-like structure,
and various crustaceans. and elkhorn coral with
its flat branches.

Tubular sponges vary
in size, the largest ones Gorgonian sea
being 2 m (6 ft) high. fans (Gorgonia
If they are squeezed ventalina) are quite
or stepped on they widespread on
emit a purple dye that Caribbean seabeds.
will stain your skin for It is possible to
several days. There are see splendid
also barrel- and vase- examples of huge
shaped sponges. proportions.

For hotels and restaurants in this region see pp258–9 and pp272–3

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