The Guanacahabibes Peninsula, in Cuba's westernmost tip, benefits from the natural attractions of the sea surrounding it, and has great potential for the development of nautical activities on the Caribbean Island.

The region's warm crystal-clear waters, with sea bottoms full of the most varied treasures - both natural and man-made - are at the disposal of diving enthusiasts.

In addition, the frequent passage of ships near the peninsula, declared a Biosphere Reserved by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 1987, is a unique opportunity to create centers specialized in nautical activities.

The Cabo San Antonio Marina, in the region of same name, is one of the latest options of the local leisure industry, as part of a strategy to provide vacationers with more than traditional beach and sun options.

The fast-growing center renders such services as piers, fuel supply, drinking water, electricity, security and protection, and ship's chandler.

It also provides other services for those who prefer to travel by boat, including international communications, immigration and customs services, and port authorities, in addition to a snack bar.

The Cabo San Antonio Marina offers rentals of diving equipment and boats, diving instructors, excursions and fishing tours.

Among the development projects in the region is the construction of cabins for vacationers who want to stay overnight and enjoy the pristine environment, barely touched by man's hand.

The center has access to a score of diving spots and a marine platform made up of coral reefs inhabited by a wide range of vertebrate and invertebrate species.

The waters surrounding the Guanacahabibes Peninsula, especially Cabo Corrientes and Cabo de San Antonio, are inhabited by species of high economic value like the red snapper and the wreck fish, although divers can also find other kinds of treasures.

The region's sea bottoms are also inhabited by large colonies of black corals, about 40 species of stone corals, crustaceans like lobsters and Moorish crab, and mollusks like the queen winkle and "cigua" (a sort of winkle).

The activity of corsairs and pirates, along with the danger of sailing in an area plagued of coral reef, contributed to enriching the region's sea bottoms with sunken ships, which met their fate as a result of either an act of God or man's work.