Culture, Arts and Reefs of Cuba! January 25-February 6, 2022

I’m extremely excited to offer a unique Cultural Exchange program to Cuba.  I invite you to explore this vibrant and fascinating country, meet its people and revel in its natural beauty both above and below the water.
For our first four nights we’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.  It’s obvious this area is protected due to the health and sheer volume of fish.

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.
• One 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.
• 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 tour guides in Havana and Trinidad and renowned Cuban marine biologists will guide us in the Gardens of the Queen.

Tuesday, January 25. Fly into Havana arriving by mid-day. Transfer to our hotel located in the heart of Old Havana.
This enchanting colonial city features cobbled streets, Spanish colonial buildings and plazas perfect for people watching. You’ll have time to settle in before enjoying an evening meal in a traditional Cuban restaurant.
Tuesday-Friday January 25-28 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.  A Santeria practitioner will meet with us and tell us a bit about this distinctly Cuban religion carried to Cuba by African slaves in the 16th century. 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. We’ll visit the town and have  lunch the artist’s compound.

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.

Friday-Saturday January 28- 29.  We’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.
Our day will 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. We’ll learn about Trinidad’s sugar industry history, enjoy a walking tour in this charming and colorful town before a leisurely dinner.

Saturday, January 29. After a morning drive to Jucaro we’ll board the Jardines Avalon II, our home for the next seven nights. Cruising time from Jucaro to the Gardens of the Queen takes 5-6 hours.

Gardens of the Queen
The Gardens of the Queen National Park is the largest in the Caribbean and has been protected for decades.  Located 60 miles off the southern coast of Cuba, this archipelago is made up of 250 virgin coral and mangrove islands that extend along 75 miles.

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 lots of sharks: nurse sharks, black tips, grey reef sharks and silky sharks! Hawksbill turtles, squid and octopus are also a pleasure to find 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 coral rise from the sea floor, and 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 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.
10 standard cabins on the lower deck with two twins, convertible to a queen bed.
2 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, February 5  Disembark the Jardines Avalon II in the morning and enjoy a leisurely 6 hour drive back to Havana.
Farewell dinner in Havana.
Sunday, February 6 Transfer back to the airport for return flight to the United States.

TRIP COST:
$6825 per person based on double occupancy Standard cabin onboard the Jardines Avalon II
$7825 per person based on double occupancy in a suite onboard the Jardines Avalon II
$7825 single occupancy in a standard cabin onboard the Jardines Avalon II
Price includes:

-All transfers within Cuba.
-Three nights accommodations and touring in Havana.
-One night accommodation in Trinidad and touring.
-All meals while touring in Cuba, except for one night in Havana when you are free to explore.
-Welcome cocktail with dinners.
-Seven nights on board the Jardines Avalon II in the Gardens of the Queen including all meals and snorkel excursions.
Beverages include fruit juices, soft drinks, tea, coffee and a limited selection of local beer and wine.
-$120.00 per person conservation fee.
-$240.00 port fees

Price Excludes:
-Airfare to/from Cuba
-$85.00 Visa fee
-If the U.S still requires a Covid test before returning home that will be provided by onboard for $120 a person.
-Gratuities 
-Trip cancellation insurance (medical and emergency evacuation coverage is 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 and memorable adventure.

 

 

 

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