In March 2022 Snorkeling Etc operated two trips in Cuba.
The first 12 day trip included 4 nights touring in Havana and Trinidad and then 7 nights on board the JAII in the Gardens of the Queen, a remote marine protected area.
The second trip focused on just the Gardens of the Queen but many of the intrepid travelers enjoyed independent touring before and after the liveaboard.
During our days on tour we learned about the Santerian religion, visited community projects, saw the vibrant dance troupe. During a curated tour through the Bellas Artes we saw how poignantly art can communicate sexual and political repression.
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- Old Havana
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- cruising in style
Colonial Trinidad is lovely with historic building and cobbled stone streets.
Cuba endures financial hardships due to the continued U.S embargo and high inflation. People have so little and yet the Cuban people are so incredibly resilient, warm and friendly.
We appreciated how honest and open the Cubans about their situation. The more time I spend in Cuba the more fond I become of the kindness and spirit of the people.
Wendy and Nino
And then there was our time in the Gardens of the Queen! Incredibly healthy Elkhorn coral, bazillions of fish covering the reef and lots of unique opportunities like swimming with Silky Sharks and getting up close and personal with Nino the crocodile!
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- Reef Scene in the Gardens
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- Squirrel fish
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- Eagle Ray
The Gardens of the Queen is soon to be deservedly honored as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
I look forward to continuing my love affair the Cuban people and reefs!
Wendy
March 2022