If you’ve ever dreamed of exploring a shipwreck wrapped in coral, history, and mystery, you don’t need to travel to the far corners of the world. Just off the coast of Matanzas — a short ride from Varadero — lies the Damuji wreck, a site that combines human history with the richness of Cuba’s Caribbean reef life.
The ship, originally called Río Damují, was a working vessel that spent years sailing Cuban waters. On February 3, 1970, it ran aground on the northern coast of Matanzas. The accident left the ship stranded but, luckily, without loss of life. Over time, its metal skeleton was stripped of valuables and surrendered to the sea. What remains today is a scattered but compelling wreck that has been completely embraced by coral and marine life.
Unlike deep technical wrecks that require advanced training, the Damuji is shallow and inviting. Resting in just 5–12 meters of water, it’s accessible to Open Water certified divers and even suitable for long, relaxed dives. Most excursions depart from Varadero and combine the wreck with nearby reef dives, making it a great half-day adventure.
Dropping into the warm Caribbean waters, the wreck slowly comes into view: hull plates lying across the sand, coral-covered machinery, and the distinctive propeller that still hints at its seafaring past. While the Damuji isn’t intact like a storybook ghost ship, its broken remains offer endless corners to explore — perfect for photography and spotting marine life.
The wreck has become part of the reef itself. Bright sponges, branching corals, and clouds of reef fish swirl around the structure. Look closely and you’ll spot small critters hiding in crevices — nudibranchs, shrimp, and tiny gobies. The site often attracts schools of grunts and snappers, with the occasional barracuda lurking in the blue. For photographers, it’s a dream mix of wreck textures and vibrant sea life.
•History with a story — you’re diving on a real Cuban shipwreck with a documented grounding date.
•Accessibility — shallow depths mean long bottom times and relaxed conditions.
•Variety — a wreck dive combined with reef life in one site.
•Atmosphere — the sense of adventure without the intensity of deeper wreck penetrations.
Though shallow, the Damuji wreck is still a wreck:
•Avoid swimming inside collapsed sections.
•Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
•Respect marine life — never touch or collect.
•Always dive with a certified local guide who knows the currents and conditions.
Reaching the Damuji wreck is simple. It’s located near Carboneras and Playa Coral, about a 30-minute drive from Varadero. Dive centers usually organize the logistics, including transport, equipment, and guided boat or shore entry. Many tours package the wreck with nearby reef sites, giving you the best of both worlds in a single trip.
The Damuji may not be the largest or deepest wreck in Cuba, but it offers something special: a perfect mix of history, accessibility, and natural beauty. Whether it’s your first wreck dive or your fiftieth, descending onto this coral-covered piece of Cuban maritime history is an experience that stays with you long after you surface.
So next time you’re in Varadero, add the Damuji wreck to your dive list. It’s a story written in steel and coral — and waiting to be explored
