Culture, Art and Reefs of Cuba! Dec. 2-14, 2024

I’m extremely excited to offer this unique Cultural Exchange program to Cuba.  During your explorations of this vibrant and fascinating country, you’ll have an opportunity to meet its people and revel in its natural beauty both above and below the water.
The first five nights you’ll experience the history, arts and music of Havana and Trinidad followed by seven days snorkeling in the famed Gardens of the Queen (Jardines de la Reina). This underwater Eden is still like the Caribbean was 50 years ago. The stunning hard coral is flourishing and the marine life is abundant.

Trip Highlights include:

• Cultural and snorkel program in accordance to OFAC Cuba Regulations – Legal Travel to Cuba for U.S. Citizens
• Three nights in Old Havana focusing on the local culture, arts and music.
• Two night in Trinidad, a world heritage site with fine palaces and cobbled streets.
• Engage in meaningful interactions with the warm and welcoming people of Cuba.
•  Watch Flamenco, dance the Salsa! Guided walking Tours and visits to artists in their studios.
• Experience traditional Cuban cuisine in local restaurants.
• Seven nights exploring the Gardens of the Queen (Jardines de la Reina) by yacht and snorkel the stunning world-class coral gardens and mangroves.
• Expert tour guides in Havana and Trinidad and renowned Cuban marine biologists will guide us in the Gardens of the Queen.

December 2, 2024   Recommended flight: Miami-Havana AA#2705 9:29am-10:45am 
Transfer to your hotel, The Innside Habana Catedral, a modern and comfortable located in the heart of Old Havana.
This enchanting colonial city features cobbled streets, Spanish colonial buildings and plazas perfect for people watching.
December 2-5, 2024  During our time in Havana we’ll be guided by our personable guide who will share their extensive knowledge of the culture and lifestyle of Cuba. We’ll focus on interactions with people. You’ll find the resilient and creative Cubanos kind and welcoming.
Our explorations will include a guided walking tour of Havana, visits to artist workshops and markets.  Other highlights include an energetic dance performance and an evening panoramic seaside cruise in classic American cars.
“Fusterlandia” is the amazing creation of master mosaic artist Jose Fuster. Fuster has turned his entire neighborhood into a fantastic art project.

Music is part of the soul of Cuban life; we’ll enjoy musical refrains in the streets and be serenaded in restaurants. For night owls you’ll have a chance to visit local night clubs.

December 5-7, 2024 
You’ll depart Havana in the morning and travel to Cienfuegos, about a 2 1/2 hour scenic drive from Havana.
In Cienfuegos we’ll enjoy the unique architecture of the city which was founded in 1819 as a sugar cane, tobacco and coffee trade center.
In the afternoon explorations continue with a 1 1/2 hour drive to Trinidad.  The whole city, with its fine palaces, beautiful cobbled streets is a national monument and World Heritage Site. You’ll learn about Trinidad’s sugar industry history, enjoy a walking tour in this charming and colorful town. During a visit to the Templo de Yemaya, you’ll learn about the unique Afro-Cuban religion; Santeria.
Two nights stay in the elegant Melia Trinidad Peninsula.

December 7, 2024 After a morning drive to Jucaro you’ll board the Jardines Avalon III, our home for the next seven nights. Cruising time from Jucaro to the Gardens of the Queen takes 5-6 hours.

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 an astonishing abundance and diversity of corals and marine life.  The reefs are teeming with  marine life. We’ll snorkel over vertical walls covered with brightly hued sponges, huge pillar corals, black corals extending their branches in the contrasting blue water.

December 7-14, 2024 Gardens of the Queen
Sixty miles off the southeastern coast of Cuba, Jardines de la Reina 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 guides. 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 III is 150 ft. long, 28 ft. wide steel yacht. The ship has a maximum capacity of 30 passengers but Snorkeling Etc’s trip aboard this vessel will be limited to a maximum of 22 passengers for enhanced comfort. There is ample space onboard the ship, including its 3 panoramic decks.

Onboard there is a roomy air-conditioned lounge area, camera room and a large open air sundeck complete with a bar, 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. The deluxe cabins on the lower deck have a port hole and two twins or queen bed.

The two suites on the main deck have with a private balcony and a choice of two twins or a queen bed.
The two suites on the upper deck have a large window and direct access to the outside.
The professional and friendly Cuban crew of 12 will do everything possible to make our trip enjoyable.

Saturday, December 14, 2024 Disembark the Jardines Avalon II in the morning and transfer back to Camaguey.
Recommended flight Camaguey-Miami  Dec. 14 AA #1488 2:40pm-3:59pm 

TRIP COST:
$7990 per person based on double occupancy in a Deluxe cabin, including $240 Port Fee and $120 Conservation fee.
$8500 per person based on double occupancy in a Suite with balcony, including $240 Port Fee and $120 Conservation fee.
$10,800 Single Occupancy in Deluxe cabin, including $240 Port Fee and $120 Conservation fee.

This departure is currently full.  To be waitlisted contact: WENDY@SNORKELINGETC.COM

PRICE INCLUDES:
♦ Arrival transfer in Havana on December 2, 2024
♦ December 2-7, accommodations and touring and meals in Havana and Trinidad
♦ December 7-14, 2024, Seven nights on board the Jardines Avalon III including all meals and snorkel excursions
♦ $240 Port Fee
♦ $120 Conservation Fee
♦ Beverages include fruit juices, soft drinks, tea, coffee and a limited selection of local beer and wine while on board the Avalon III
♦ Transfer from Jucaro port to Camaguey airport on December 14, 2024 

PRICE EXCLUDES:
♦ Airfare to/from Cuba
♦ $85.00 visa fee
♦ Gratuities 
♦ Trip cancellation insurance (medical and emergency evacuation insurance required)
♦ Meals and alcoholic beverages not outlined in the itinerary
♦ Future carrier imposed fuel surcharges
♦ Items of a personal nature

What a great trip!!!! Havana was fun, the snorkeling excellent, and all the people were a pleasure to be around.  Thanks for all your hard work.  Please keep me in mind for future trips and cancellations.
-Bill Frady, Culture and Reefs, Cuba January 2022

“You really are a marvel and in over 50 years of far flung travel I have never encountered anyone close to your equal”.
-S. Leverton, Cuba 2022

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

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