Gibara is a small colonial town on the north coast of Holguín province, about 30 kilometres west of Guardalavaca. It was once an important port — the walls that enclosed it still stand in places — and the whitewashed streets, wooden balconies, and seafront malecón give it a faded, melancholy beauty that has attracted filmmakers and artists. The Cine Pobre (Poor Cinema) festival, founded here by director Humberto Solás, draws low-budget filmmakers from around the world each spring.
The caves below the town are the real draw for divers. The Tanques Azules — Blue Tanks — are a system of flooded limestone caverns accessible from a sinkholes a short distance inland. The cave diving here is considered among the best in Cuba, with clear blue water, stalactite formations, and passages that reward experienced divers willing to make the journey. The system is not well signposted and local guides are strongly recommended; the dive itself is challenging and not suitable for beginners.
Getting to Gibara from Holguín city takes about 45 minutes by road. Colectivo taxis run when enough passengers are waiting, or you can hire a private taxi for the day.