Maria La Gorda Cuba, Western Cuba

Picturing Maria La Gorda is picturing fluffy white sand beaches lined with large palms blowing in the wind that comes from the cerulean blue sea. This picture-perfect paradise is lined with small wooden docks and ships in between the perfectly still swimming spots, as people gear up to do some of the world-famous diving that can be found just off the shore.

The name Maria La Gorda comes from lore about a pirate ship attendant by the same name who cooked, served drinks, and tended to wounds of the pirates who manned the ship. She became a beloved character for the pirates and when she died, they buried her underneath one of the palms on this island stretch of sand with a rumored significant pirates' treasure from the ship. No one has found the grave, nor the treasure, but not for a lack of trying.

Today, you will find a handful of hotels and restaurants all centered around the biggest attraction to this western Cuban destination: Diving. With no less than a remarkable 32 different dive spots that showcase the thriving colorful reefs down below, but also the schools of playful fish that call it home, it’s truly a gem among diving spots around the world.

If you’re not one for diving yourself, then don’t be thrown off of this beautiful spot just yet, as there is a prolific National Park just a short 30-minute drive inland from Maria La Gorda. The Guanahacabibes Peninsula National Park is home to tons of interesting landscapes and incredible species of plants and animals. One of the marine animals to note who make their way to this UNESCO-protected area is the marine turtle. Between the months of October and May, this gorgeous creature can be found hatching eggs on the beach.

It’s these fascinating features that make Maria La Gorda a wonderful addition to your Cuba Itinerary.