The last untouched reefs in the Caribbean
Join Dan’s Dive Shop aboard Avalon Liveaboards as we explore The Gardens of the Queen (Jardines de la Reina) from April 25- May 2, 2026.
This large archipelago of islands and cays is located off the southern coast of Cuba and is known for its diverse, protected and pristine marine life with limited exposure to divers.
Spend the week aboard a luxury liveaboard with full amenities and chefs onboard. Avalon Liveaboards anchors in calm waters for the entire week while divers are transported on specially designed power boats to dive sites. This unique experience allows divers to benefits of liveaboard diving with out constant motion of the sea.
Dive with silky, reef, hammerhead, blacktip, lemon and nurse sharks, Goliath groupers and an abundance of fish and macro-critters. Even snorkel with crocodiles! This trip is unique diving experience with massive mangrove forests, and reefs largely unfazed by human intervention and open to all levels of divers.
Trips include accommodations, diving, educational workshops, meals, snacks, beverages and eco adventures.
TRIP PRICE $4200 USD
INCLUDES
• 7 nights all inclusive aboard Avalon Liveaboards
• Up to 22 dives including 2 night dives
• Luxury accommodations with private bath & TV.
• Eco Adventures
• Blue Sanctuary Educational Program
ABOUT THE DIVING
This trip is open to divers of all levels. The diving is generally very easy and divers can expect good visibility and minimal currents.
Water Temp 80-84F
Depth average max 75ft
All dives are done from large tenders, which navigate through the mangrove channels out to dive sites 10-15 minutes away. Usually, two dives are done followed by a topside excursion during surface intervals between dives.
Gardens of the Queen is an 840-square mile (2,170 km2) playground with an abundance of fish species, macro-critters, 6 species of sharks and colorful corals of all textures and shapes.
Because these nutrient-rich waters have been protected and are free of outside influences, its underwater inhabitants are extremely friendly and inquisitive.
The park is protected from wind and marine currents and offers a variety of dives including walls, reefs, tunnels, coral caves and canyons.
Marine Life:
•Schools of grunts, jacks and more jacks
•Eels, turtles and eagle rays
•Close encounters with schools of reef sharks, silky sharks and silver tarpon
•Parrotfish, big black grouper and Goliath grouper
•Tuna, cobia, mackerel, sea trout, channel crab, barracuda
•Macro-critters: anemones, nudibranch, blennies, decorator crabs, cleaning stations, banded coral shrimp.
ECO ADVENTURES
Snorkeling with crocodiles
•Feeding furry native hutías and iguanas
•Birdwatching
•Exploring islands and inlets
•Touring lagoon and mangrove channels
•Assisting with conservation efforts
Blue Sanctuary Education Program
Participate in this educational conservation program by logging fish surveys after dives and reviewing findings with marine biologists and guides. Evenings onboard include educational and conservation lectures with a marine biologist.
ABOUT AVALON LIVEABOARDS
Avalon Liveaboards include the following amenities.
•Ample space for dive briefings and underwater camera and video set up (plus a charging station)
•Shaded dive deck and warm water showers
•Cabins with TV, private bath and individual temperature control. Double occupancy.
•Ask about options to upgrade to a balcony suite cabin.
•Dining room and bar area
•Upper deck with sundeck, lounge chairs and Jacuzzi
DINING ONBOARD
Divers can expect excellent and abundant food on this trip. All meals, snacks, soft drinks, water, wine, beer & rum are included. Breakfast is made-to-order and lunch and dinner are prepared by a culinary team Meals showcase Cuban and international cuisine, using local ingredients, as well as vegetarian options, plus a variety of fresh seafood including lobster.
TRIP DETAILS
BOAT: Jardines Avalon II, III or IV.
ITINERARY: Jardines de la Reina
BOARDS: April 25, 2026 Jucaro Port, Cuba
DISEMBARKS: May 2, 2026 Jucaro Port, Cuba
PRICE: $4200 USD
INCLUDES: 7 nights accommodations (double occupancy), all meals, snacks and beverages, 4 dives per day, all shore excursions & education programs, tanks and weights.
Ask about options to upgrade to balcony suites or single occupancy.
NOT INCLUDED: Airfare to Cuba, ground transfers, $240.00 USD Port Fee, $160.00 USD Conservation Fee, Nitrox, dive gear & crew gratuity. Cuba Tourist Card.
Ground transfers available on Saturdays from Havana ($210 USD each way) OR Camagüey ($85 USD each way).
PAYMENTS
At Booking $1500 USD
Sept 1, 2025 $1500 USD
Balance due Dec 1, 2025
All extras must be paid prior to departure.
CANCELLATION POLICY: Cancellation Fee $975 USD before Dec 23, 2025. After Dec 23, 2025 all payments are non refundable.
INSURANCE: Travel Insurance is strongly advised. Diver Insurance is mandatory.
US CITIZENS: This trip is an accepted travel program for US Citizens to visit Cuba. All Star Liveaboards can provide additional information about arranging legal pre- or post-trip land tours in Cuba. For more info please read here.
Frequently Asked Questions available here
Travel Arrangements by
Fawn Messer, Envoyage
329 Welland Ave, St Catharines, Ontario
Phone: 1-800-268-DANS
Email: [email protected]
CPBC #2790 | TICO#50016384