Cuba - Jardines de la Reina

Jardines de la Reina - Gardens of the Queen
Scuba diving in the Gardens of the Queen in Cuba is one of the global diving hotspots this year. This area has been a marine park for over 20 years and the protection has paid off. Dr David E. Guggenheim, an American marine biologist and senior fellow at the Ocean Foundation in Washington stated that Jardines de la Reina is "the most incredibly well protected and flourishing reef I've ever seen".

Coral reefs are often called "the rainforests of the ocean." They're not just biologically diverse and stunningly beautiful, they're a source of food and income for much of the world's population, and they're in danger.

Scientists estimate that 25 percent of the world's reefs have died off and what's left is at risk. There is, however, one spot in the Caribbean that marine biologists describe as a kind of "under-water Eden," a coral reef largely untouched by man. It's called the Gardens of the Queen.

Diving in Jardines de la Reina is unique due to a collaboration between the government and privately owned Italian company Avalon which holds the licence for Scuba diving in the park, allowing a maximum of 1200 divers per year and granted permits to live in the marine sanctuary on a liveaboard.

Jardines Avalon F II (JAF2)
Jardines Avalon F II (JAF2) is a 130 foot vessel, with 10 state rooms, that started operating since April 2014. It is air conditioned with private bathrooms. All live aboards are intimate, comfortable and stylishly designed yachts, where each space is created to provide its guests with maximum comfort and safety. The atmosphere was conceived and designed to provide our guests with an experience of a lifetime.

Its overall capacity is 20 passengers and 9 crew members. The design and interior decor give the yacht a touch of intimacy, refinement, a sense of warmth and simplicity. The boat has the perfect balance of substantial exploration capabilities and a unique and noble style. It guarantees all our guests a pleasant, exciting and exclusive voyage through Jardines de la Reina.

Jardines Avalon F II (JAF2) has 10 deluxe cabins, each with ensuite bathrooms. Each room includes air conditioning and heat controls, electricity plugs, as well as storage in drawers. Each room has panoramic windows to enjoy the breathtaking view of the Caribbean beaches.
There is a spacious and comfortable combination lounge, dining room and bar area on the boat deck. In cabins and common areas there are electric sockets available for you to plug in your personal items (220 volts and 110 volts).

Jardines Avalon II's beverages selection includes fruit juices, soft drinks, iced water, iced tea, coffee, and a full bar of beer, wine and spirits.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8zreWSBxxLs

Diving Package includes:

• 7 nights accommodations aboard Jardines Avalon F II (JAF2) with ensuite bathrooms
• 3 dives per day (17 day dives + 1 night dive)
• All meals and snacks while onboard
• Alcoholic beverages, and soft drinks (up to 6 per day)
• Eco-adventures (beach and mangrove exploration, crocodile encounters)
• Tanks and weights

Dive Package Does Not Include:
• International Flights DEN to Havana (HAV), return via Camaguey (CMW)
• Meals not specified
• Rental dive gear
• Scuba training
• Crew gratuities
• Nitrox - $120

Complete Package Pricing - $4460, which includes items shown below:
• $3950 per person (based on double occupancy)
• Transfers - Havana to Jucaro Marina (6 hrs) - $150, return to Camaguey (2 hrs) - Free with half/full charter
• Conservation fee - $120
• Port fee - $240

Complete trip details: http://coloradodivetravel.com/trips/caribbean/cuba/cubas-gardens-of-the-queen-june-3-10-2023/

Optional Land Tours in Havana – completely optional and extra, for Havana or eastern part of the island, but not to be missed. I will send a separate email to discuss this completely

Payments in country or on the boat are Euros, or USD cash only, no credit cards accepted anywhere, no ATM’s anywhere in Cuba. **Please do not mark any payment instrument with “Cuba” or “Havana” – this will cause your bank to withhold your payment.

PAYMENT SCHEDULE:
• Deposit: $1000 to reserve your space (non-refundable)
• Subsequent Payment: $1500 due June 1, 2024
• Final Payment: Balance is due on September 1 2024
Passport requirement – must have 6 months remaining until expiration date upon return to USA.
Travel and dive accident insurance are highly recommended, and available to purchase!

** AIRFARE SOLD SEPARATELY **

If interested, please contact Andy Skuntz via email, [email protected] or call 719-322-6941.