Cuba's mysterious status as an elusive travel destination for most US Citizens means not many divers have explored the country's flourishing reefs and wealth of subsurface ecosystems. Offering a plethora of sharks, tropical fish, turtles, and rays, scuba diving in Cuba is perfect for marine life enthusiasts keen to tick some species off their list. On top of all this, there is one marine creature whose reputation proceeds it as being one of Cuba's most exciting dive encounters.
Diving with saltwater crocodiles in Cuba is not for the fainthearted, but this is one of the few places where specialized encounters allow divers to interact and photograph these prehistoric beasts safely - no bismuth bullets needed. Not to be confused with the critically endangered Cuban crocodile, American saltwater crocodiles are widespread throughout the Americas, from Florida as far south as Peru and Venezuela. But observing them in Cuba's dense mangroves and offshore reefs is a unique experience that's hard to beat.
Reaching up to 20 feet in length and weighing as much as 2,000 lbs, American crocodiles do pose a potential threat to humans. However, they are not an aggressive species and tend to ignore divers and swimmers in the water. Despite this, visitors must book their time with the crocs through an experienced operator. Not only do locals understand the safest way to interact with these predators, but they will also ensure you get the best experience possible.
Check out this first-hand expereince from the Underwater Photography Guide of diving with crocodiles in Cuba.
Read the Canon EOS R5 underwater review from the Bluewater Photo Store.