Reefs of Cuba! Gardens of the Queen Snorkel trip March 25-April 3, 2022

The Gardens of the Queen (Jardines de la Reina in Spanish) is one of the last intact reef habitats in all the Caribbean.
This remarkable protected marine reserve  hosts and astonishing abundance and diversity of corals and marine life. This underwater wonderland is like the Caribbean was 50 years ago. This world-class snorkel destination is, indeed, an underwater paradise with prolific marine life, vertical walls covered with brightly hued sponges, huge pilar corals, black corals extending their branches in the contrasting blue water.

Highlights include:

• Snorkel Program in accordance to OFAC Cuba Regulations – Legal Travel to Cuba for U.S. Citizens
• Spend a week exploring the Gardens of the Queen (Jardines de La Reina) by yacht and snorkel the stunning world-class coral gardens and mangroves.
• Expert Cuban marine biologists will guide us in the Gardens of the Queen and give daily lectures.

March 25  arrival in Havana, Cuba
Arrive Havana on the flight of your choice. Once you clear customs you will be met and transferred to the group hotel. Evening at leisure.
If you arrive early enough you are free to enjoy one of many music venues in Havana.

March 26
After breakfast at the hotel you will be met at the hotel and transferred to the port of Jucaro. The scenic drive takes between 5-6 hours.
There will be a couple of stops along the way to use the bathroom and stretch your legs. In Jucaro you will be welcomed onboard the Jardines Avalon II and we’ll start the voyage to the Gardens of the Queen. Cruising time from Jucaro to the Gardens of the Queen takes 5-6 hours.

March 27-April 2 Gardens of the Queen
Sixty miles off the southeastern coast of Cuba, Jardines de la Reina (Gardens of the Queen) National Park encompasses a chain of 250 virgin coral and mangrove islands. It is Cuba’s first marine park and the largest no-take marine reserve in the Caribbean.

The Jardines de la Reina was a declared Marine Park in 1996. Fish populations have increased 30 percent since the preserve was established, and shark populations are 10 times greater within the protected zone than in the waters outside the park.

The reefs are some of the healthiest in the Caribbean. Beautiful, endangered corals that are rare elsewhere are abundant in the Gardens.
This oasis in the ocean flourishes because Cuba actively protects the preserve, where tides and currents help retain nutrients and larvae.
So far the marine ecosystem has proven resilient to coral bleaching.

The area hasn’t been over-fished or over-populated by tourism. On my three previous visits I was blown away by the health of the reef and the sheer volume and variety of fish that literally obscured the reefs.

The list of fish life goes on and on. Expect to see schools of snappers, triggerfish, grunts, jacks and tarpons whooshing by.
Lots of pretty hogfish (they need a new PR guy) beautiful grey and angel fish, nassau and goliath groupers, ginormous lobsters, schools of barracudas. And then there are the rays;  graceful eagle rays, southern rays and whip tails. Sharks are a sign of the health of the reef, and we can say definitely that the Gardens of the Queen is healthy because there are 6 species of sharks: black tip, nurse sharks, grey reef sharks and silky sharks and occasionally even a whale shark. Hawksbill turtles, squid and octopus are also a pleasure to see here.

Coral and luscious sea fans are thriving and healthy in the Gardens of the Queen.  Large stands of robust Elkhorn coral and proud pilar corals rise from the sea floor, purple sea fans wave as you swim over them.

Each day we’ll explore another part of this remarkable eco-system including shallow coral reefs, mangroves and sea grass habitats.
Our snorkels will be guided by experienced eagle-eyed Cuban marine biologists. They will spot and point out the highlights on the reef.
The timing of our snorkel outings will be based on tides and current conditions so we can maximize the quality of each session.

The Gardens of the Queen is a stunning area in and and out of the water.  We’ll keep our eyes out for bird life and spend time on a beach with a number of inquisitive and adorable chipmunk-like Hutias and Iguanas.
Another unique encounter might be with “Nino” a crocodile that is known to the crew. Nino often appears  on cue when when called by the crew.

Each day our marine experts will share their knowledge of this unique environment. It’s a true privilege to travel and interact with scientists who have spent their entire career researching the life cycles and this unique marine environment.
We’ll hear lectures about the flora and the fauna of the area, current research projects and conservation efforts and we’ll even have the opportunity to participate in fish count surveys.

Our Yacht in the Gardens of the Queen:
The spacious and comfortable Jardines Avalon II is a 136 ft. long, 25 ft. wide steel yacht. Onboard there is a roomy air-conditioned lounge area, camera room and a large sundeck complete with a hot tub and deck chairs.
The indoor air-conditioned restaurant features Cuban and international cuisine. Lobster is a specialty!
The dive deck has ample space for storing our gear and getting ready before we  jump into the pristine waters of the Jardines de la Reina.

All cabins feature individually controlled AC, storage space and private en-suite bathroom. Ten standard cabins on the lower deck with two twins convertible to a queen bed. Two Master cabins on the main deck with a choice of two twins or a queen bed and private balcony.
The friendly Cuban crew of 12 will do everything possible to make our trip enjoyable.

Saturday, April 2 Disembark the Jardines Avalon II in the morning and transfer back to Havana where you will spend your last evening.

Sunday, April 3 Fly home on the flight of your choice.

TRIP COST:
$4600 per person based on double occupancy in a standard cabin.
$5100 per person in a suite, based on double occupancy
$6700 single occupancy in a standard cabin
Contact: WENDY@SNORKELINGETC.COM with any questions or to request an application. 

Price includes:
-Arrival transfer from Havana airport to hotel on March 25
-March 25 Havana hotel with breakfast
-Bus transfer from Havana to Jucaro on March 26
-March 26-April 2, Seven nights on board the Jardines Avalon II in the Gardens of the Queen including all meals and snorkel excursions.
-$300 per person Conservation and port fees.
-Beverages include fruit juices, soft drinks, tea, coffee and a limited selection of local beer and wine while on board the Avalon II.
-Bus transfer from Jucaro to Havana on April 2
-April 2 overnight in Havana hotel.

Price Excludes:
-Airfare to/from Cuba.
-$85.00 visa fee
-Antigen test before returning to the U.S.
-taxi to Havana airport on April 3
-Gratuities. 
-Trip cancellation insurance (medical and emergency evacuation insurance required).
-Meals and alcoholic beverages not outlined in the itinerary.
-Items of a personal nature.

Please contact me with any questions or for an application to join this unique snorkel adventure!

 

 

 

Wendy Simon/CEO and Expedition Specialist
Snorkeling Etc. Inc.
831 254-5001
Wendy@SnorkelingEtc.com