Black Coral is not simply a reef with a memorable name. It is one of the places in Jardines de la Reina where healthy coral growth and shark encounters come together on the same dive. Black coral colonies share the wall with gorgonian fans, barrel sponges and other Caribbean reef life, while Caribbean reef sharks often patrol in open water. Silky sharks may also be seen away from the reef.

The site can be explored at recreational depths, but this is still open-water boat diving in a remote marine park. Divers should be comfortable controlling buoyancy beside coral and maintaining awareness of depth while watching sharks. Current is usually manageable, although it can strengthen according to tide and weather. The guide will choose the entry point and route for the conditions on the day.

Jardines de la Reina lies around 60 miles off Cuba’s southern coast, so a liveaboard is the practical way to dive Black Coral. Staying within the archipelago means the tenders can reach the site early and adjust the schedule around visibility, current and other dive groups. It also makes several dives per day possible without repeatedly travelling back to the mainland.

Black Coral works particularly well alongside Pipin, another wall and shark dive, and Farallon, where coral tunnels add a very different type of underwater scenery. A torch is useful for looking beneath overhangs, while a surface marker buoy and dive computer are sensible equipment for remote boat diving. Nitrox can help with repetitive dives when used within your training and the operator’s procedures.

Some Jardines de la Reina itineraries include a night dive, although the exact site is selected by the crew and Black Coral should not be promised as the night-dive location. After dark, divers may see lobsters and other nocturnal animals that remain hidden during the day.

PADI’s Jardines de la Reina guide identifies Black Coral among the area’s best-known shark dives. You can also compare Cuba liveaboards before choosing an itinerary that visits the Gardens of the Queen.