El Patio de Vanessa

El Patio de Vanessa (Vanessa's Patio) is a beginner-friendly dive at María la Gorda on Cuba's Guanahacabibes Peninsula. Named after a local personality, this charming reef site features a flat coral platform resembling a patio, surrounded by sandy areas and coral gardens. The patio is home to cleaning stations that attract large fish including groupers and barracuda, while flamingo tongue snails decorate the sea fans. Schools of yellowtail snappers and blue tangs patrol the reef edges, and spotted eagle rays occasionally glide past. The easy, flat profile and calm conditions make El Patio de Vanessa a relaxing dive perfect for beginners and experienced divers alike.