At just under an hour from Pinar del Rio's numerous hotels and Vinales, Maria La Gorda El Colony is a premier dive center located on the Guanahacabibes peninsula of Pinar del Rio. Easily a day trip but better to do an overnight stay at the Hotel Maria la Gorda, visitors can either dive or snorkel at one of over 50 diving sites that have been recognized by Scuba Diving Magazine as some of the best on the planet. The El Colony Maria La Gorda International Scuba-Diving Center at Maria La Gorda accommodates novices and certified divers alike plus, most dive sites are ideal for snorkeling also. It’s not worth visiting Maria La Gorda if your desire is only to visit the beach but, if your partner wishes to dive and you wish to relax on the beach then its perfectly educate with plenty of small bars and souvenir shops to spend time in.