Maria la Gorda (Pinar del Rio, Cuba)

Maria la Gorda is a beach resort located approx 310 km (190 mi) southwest of Havana (Cuba's capital). The beach and its dive resort are on the eastern end of Cabo Corrientes (cape on Guanahacabibes Peninsula) in Cuba's Pinar del Rio Province. The resort is almost exclusively diving. Guanacahabibes Peninsula is designated by UNESCO as International Biosphere Reserve.

As cruise port, Maria la Gorda is one of the gateways to Pinar del Rio City (population around 190,000) located approx 150 km (95 mi) to the northeast via Carretera Central highway (spanning west-east the island's entire length).

Maria la Gorda Beach is named after legendary Venezuelan beauty who was marooned here by pirates. She survived, decided to remain here setting up a “business”. The location was a regular refuge for Caribbean pirate ships, stopping here for water-food provisions and entertainment).

International Diving Center “María la Gorda’s” is one of the world's ever best diving spots, with a huge black coral reserve and exquisite fauna. The diving zone in Ensenada de Corrientes is among the most protected Cuban areas. It features an amazing coral reef at short distance from the coast.

In the resort's surroundings can be found restaurant (specializing in fresh fish dishes), bar, shop, food market, 24-hour medical service, international phone service, rent a car agency, Marina Service (Customs, Immigration, Health and Coast Guards authorities), boat provisioning (water, fuel), laundry services.