Snorkel Gardens of the Queen, Cuba! June 1-8, 2019

I snorkeled in the Gardens of the Queen (Jardines de la Reina) in August 2018 and I was blown away.
I couldn’t get over the health of the reef and the sheer volume and variety of fish that literally obscured the reefs.
It’s obvious the expansive marine park is protected due to the health and sheer volume of fish. This underwater Eden is still like the Caribbean was 50 years ago. The stunning hard coral is flourishing and the marine life is abundant.
I knew I had to organize a snorkel trip and share this experience before things change and more people discover this area.

Highlights include:

• People to People Education and Cultural 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 nightly lectures.

June 1. Fly into Camaguey or Santa Clara, Cuba. You’ll be met at the airport by the staff of the Avalon II and transferred to the port of Jucaro.  Camaguey is your best option. It’s about a two hour drive to Jucaro.
Santa Clara is a further but it’s a pleasant drive.  Expect it to take four hours from Santa Clara to Jucaro.
June 1-8 Upon arrival in Jucaro you’ll board the Avalon II liveaboard, your home for the next seven nights!
Once you settle in we’ll begin our crossing to the Gardens of the Queen about a 5-6 hour cruise.
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.
The area hasn’t been over-fished or over-populated by tourism.  It is common see schools of snappers, trigger fish, angel fish, lots of lobsters, barracudas, a variety of rays, reef sharks and multiple species of big groupers.  Thankfully the reefs were not at all impacted by the recent hurricanes.

Each day we’ll explore another part of this remarkable eco-system including shallow coral reefs, mangroves and sea grass habitats. One day we’ll visit 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. We were tentative when we first entered the water but then we were thrilled by being so close to this magnificent creature.

Our snorkels will be guided by experienced Cuban marine biologists who have pioneered our special snorkel itinerary.
In the evenings our marine experts will share their knowledge of this unique environment. We’ll hear lectures about the flora and the fauna of the area, current research projects and conservation efforts.

Our liveaboard is the Avalon II.  Built in 2014 the boat has 10 comfortable en-suite, air-conditioned cabins.
8 cabins on the upper deck feature panoramic windows, a lower double bed and an upper single bed.
2 cabins on the lower deck have a port hole and two lower double beds.
The 130ft (40m) vessel has a sundeck with a jacuzzi and a restaurant/lounge.
The friendly Cuban crew of 9 will do everything possible to make our trip enjoyable.

June 8-  Disembark the Avalon II in the morning and be transferred back to Camaguey or Santa Clara airports.

TRIP COST:
Price: $3995.00 per person based on double occupancy.
**Sold Out. Contact Wendy@SnorkelingEtc.com to wait list***

Price includes:
-All transfers within Cuba.
-Seven nights on board the Avalon II in the Gardens of the Queen including all meals and snorkel excursions. Fruit juices, soft drinks, tea, coffee and a limited selection of local beer and wine are included
-Daily snorkel sessions guided by the experienced Cuban crew
-On board lectures by knowledgeable Cuban Marine Biologists.

Price Excludes:
-Airfare to/from Cuba
-Gratuities
-Trip cancellation insurance (highly recommended).
-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 educational and fascinating adventure.

 

 

 

 

 

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