Colombian journalist and documentarian Guillermo Arturo Prieto La Rotta, widely known as Pirry, recently recounted a breathtaking adventure in Cuban waters: diving with sharks in the Jardines de la Reina National Park. This marine sanctuary, located in southern Cuba, left him awestruck with its stunning beauty and rich biodiversity.
In a video shared on his Instagram account, Pirry passionately described his dive in this archipelago: "Can you imagine jumping into the water and immediately being surrounded by 10 sharks? My heart was racing... The first thing that came straight at me was a silky shark, and there were several more behind it. I have a lot of respect and admiration for sharks; I don't carry the fear that most people have, but for a moment, I got goosebumps," the photographer admitted.
The nearly three-minute video captures his initial encounter with a silky shark and other species that encircled him as soon as he entered the water. Accustomed to interacting with wildlife, Pirry found the state of the underwater ecosystem to be the most striking aspect of his experience.
A Marine Sanctuary Like No Other
"This place is called Jardines de la Reina. It's a national park in Cuba. I found an ocean here unlike any other I've seen in the world. Corals, goliath groupers, barracudas, reef fish, gorgonians... I was almost moved to tears," he expressed. Pirry compared this Cuban sanctuary with world-class marine destinations like Malpelo in Colombia, the Galápagos in Ecuador, or the French Polynesia, noting that only in such places has he seen so many sharks together and of such variety.
Lessons from Nature
Beyond the adventure, Pirry emphasized the environmental message behind his experience. "The area has been protected since 1996, and it shows. The animals see you as just another creature; they don't flee. Protecting coral is non-negotiable. If the coral disappears, I don't know what will happen to the rest of the ocean and to us," he reflected.
With a critical and thoughtful tone, he lamented the effects of climate change on the world's reefs while highlighting the importance of safeguarding ecosystems like Jardines de la Reina, where a vital balance is still preserved.
A Thrilling Encounter with a Crocodile
This latest video complements an earlier post where Pirry swam alongside a crocodile in the same area, an experience he also shared with his followers. He appeared in a selfie shot very close to the animal, calling it one of the most exciting moments of his life. "I don't recommend it, but swimming with a crocodile was one of my most beautiful moments in nature," he confessed.
Hailing from Tunja, Boyacá, Pirry is renowned for his documentaries, extreme expeditions, and advocacy for animals. Besides sharks and crocodiles, he has documented encounters with wild species around the globe. His visit to Cuba seems to have left a profound impression on him. "Diving there wasn't just an adventure; it was a lesson on what nature can be when allowed to thrive," he concluded.
Preservation Amidst Restrictions
Locations like Jardines de la Reina maintain their natural wealth thanks to their protected status, but Cuba's structural limitations also play a role. There are not enough boats or infrastructure to support mass tourism in the area. The government tightly controls this industry, with benefits often concentrated in state hands.
Activities such as diving in marine parks are reserved for foreign tourists, while Cubans face numerous restrictions in enjoying these experiences. Thus, while nature is preserved, it comes at the cost of excluding those who reside on the island.
Understanding Cuba's Marine Protection and Tourism
Why is Jardines de la Reina a significant marine sanctuary?
Jardines de la Reina is a significant marine sanctuary because it hosts a diverse array of marine life, including corals, sharks, and other species, thanks to its protected status since 1996. This protection has allowed the ecosystem to thrive and maintain its biodiversity.
What challenges do Cubans face in accessing marine parks like Jardines de la Reina?
Cubans face multiple restrictions in accessing marine parks like Jardines de la Reina, as these activities are primarily reserved for foreign tourists. The government controls the tourism industry, and there is limited infrastructure to support local participation.