Jardines de la Reina

[Bryan Cunningham]

We can now offer trips to the secluded Jardines de la Reina directly from Canada
We have several choices of livea-boards that will take you to the untouched waters of the marine Park “Jardines de La Reina” south from Gulf of Ana Maria. Experience diving and relaxing in the turquoise waters of this Marine Park, beaches and virgin underwater paradises still unexplored. Dive with 30 sharks 10 centimeters away from your mask with absolute safety while your chef is preparing the best seafood in the world, 5 minutes away.- Experienced Diving Instructors by your side in every dive.
-Marine biologist available for talks and conferences.
-Underwater photographers and camera men available on demand.
-A professional crew giving you personalized attention every minute, the warmth and friendly way of the Cubans mixed with the highest European quality standards and infrastructure.
Wake up in a luxurious cabin and look through the window, all you will see is lonely white sand beaches and blue waters.There is no one else there!! Only your boat in many miles of mangrove keys, beaches and rocky islands. No other boats, nobody else diving. This luxury live-aboard stays in exclusive loneliness, 60 miles off the Cuban southern coast. An unforgettable diving week.You will have spectacular diving, deserted beaches, sunsets, wake up with the sharks, night party “Dancing salsa with the groupers”, grill at the beach, and many other activities.
All our cruises start on Saturday and end on Friday. You need to arrive in Havana/Coco Cayo on Friday as the pickup time is 4:00am on Saturday. You will return to Havana on Friday evening at approximately 9:00pm. Following you'll find our 2013 rates for all boats .
Price includes 6 days accommodation, full board, dives, transfer from/to Havana/Coco Cayo. Beverages: only mineral water is included.


CLICK HERE FOR DOCUMENTARY LINK OF JARDINES DE LA REINA




GROUP LEADER DIVES AND STAYS FREE.
La Reina :8 + 1 free (accommodation together with the crew)
Caballones: 9 +1 free
Halcon : 10 + 2 free
Tortuga : 14 + 1 free or 16 + 2 free
Avalon Fleet : 13 + 1 free - 15 + 2 free
Georgiana :11+ 1 free - 13 + 2 free


Diving Price List - Season 2012-2013


1) Avalon Fleet I.*Oct. 29th - June 1st Euro 2.330*
June 2nd - Oct 26th Euro 1.910
2 )Tortuga. *Nov. 3rd - May 31st Euro 1.950*
June 21st - Nov. 2nd Euro 1.650*
Triple/quadruple accommodation:Reduction Euro 150 p.p.
3) Halcón. *Oct. 29th - June 1st Euro 1.590*
June 2nd - Oct 26th Euro 1.180
4) Caballones .*Oct. 29th - June 1st Euro 1.590*
June 2nd - Oct 26th Euro 1.180
5) La Reina. *Oct. 29th - June 1st Euro 1.590*
June 2nd - Oct 26th Euro 1.180
6) Avalon II .*March 12th- June 1sr Euro 2.330*
June 2nd - Oct 26th Euro 1.910*
Triple accomodation: Reduction Euro 150 p.p.*NITROX Free.
7) Georgiana ). *Oct. 29th - March 1st Euro 2.100*
NITROX Free*Triple accommodation:Reduction Euro 150 p.p.


RATES INCLUDE:

• Transfer Habana / Jardines de la Reina / Habana.
• 6 nights accommodation on the reserved boat on double occupancy, on full board basis.
• 15 dives.
• Mineral water.

OBLIGATORY SUPPLEMENTS:

• Inscription fee 150 euro.
• 2 nights Hotel Panorama 4* B&B Havana (at arrival and back from Jardines de la Reina) euro 70 (price subject to possible changes) .
• Fuel surcharge: euro 70 (can be modified depending on petrol price).

RATES DO NOT INCLUDE:

• Upgrade to a 5 star Hotel or an hotel in Central Havana.
• Double cabin single occupation Euro 600 / week, subject to availability
• Equipment rental: Brand new Cressi equipment available at the cost of euro 30 / week/ regulator suit or jacket.
• Extra Dives/ night dives : EURO 35 each.
• TIPS (recommended min. euro 100/diver ) TO PAY ON SITE .
• Cuban visa Boarding tax (CUC 25 to be paid at the airport before leaving).

CLICK HERE FOR AVALON'S WEBSITE TO LOOK AT THEIR BOATS



Contact me for details
Bryan
SCUBA DESTINATION DEALS - HOME

 

[vincent54]

Can Americans go??

 

[Bryan Cunningham]

Yes, we are working on a trip for an American group in August/September. It is a grey area. You would need to fly from Toronto, and are not allowed to spend money in Cuba. We are happy to arrange trips for Americans, but take no responsibility for your issues with your government on your return to USA. The Cuban authorities have no problem and will not stamp your passport.
If you want to go 100% legally, there is a permit you can get, but has to involve learning the local culture. Our operator there is working on getting this license approved, and it will be a more expensive option.
Shout if you want more information.
Bryan
SCUBA DESTINATION DEALS - HOME

 

[Ana]

Can Americans go??

You are presenting this question to a foreign company.... I wonder what would they answer...

Yes, we are working on a trip for an American group in August/September. It is a grey area. You would need to fly from Toronto, and are not allowed to spend money in Cuba. We are happy to arrange trips for Americans, but take no responsibility for your issues with your government on your return to USA. The Cuban authorities have no problem and will not stamp your passport.
If you want to go 100% legally, there is a permit you can get, but has to involve learning the local culture. Our operator there is working on getting this license approved, and it will be a more expensive option.
Shout if you want more information.
Bryan
SCUBA DESTINATION DEALS - HOME

I'm shocked and appalled (not!)

A Canadian travel agency does not take responsibility for any potential issues any American traveler would have by breaking a law established for over 40 years or so.... wow, next thing we'll read that divers are responsible for their own safety.

 

[Bryan Cunningham]

Americans wanting to dive in Jardines de la Reina, Cuba, legally. We are working with Avalon and Ocean doctors to make this happen. By Spring of 2013 we should be able to offer legal trips to Cuba. Visit this link for info on Ocean Doctor. Cuba Marine Science | Cuba Conservancy | OceanDoctor.org | Ocean Doctor | Ocean Conservation in Action
It will still be much cheaper for us to fly you through Toronto due to the number of regular flights to Cuba.

Till then we can still get you in back door, at your own risk.

Bryan
SCUBA DESTINATION DEALS - HOME

---------- Post added January 28th, 2013 at 10:00 AM ----------

Many Americans visit Cuba. It is a lovely country with lovely people suffering under a corrupt embargo/sanctions from the USA that no other country in the United Nations supports. Am more than happy to help anyone break this so called law. But am not going to get too political here. There are legal loopholes we can help Americans to get there. If you are "the land of the free" you should be allowed to travel.

 

[indiedive]

Thanks for the post Bryan! I watched the documentary couple times already and it is indeed really impressive, they take it seriously in protecting the marine area.

I have been considering to visit Cuba to dive in Jardines de la Reina but most likely not from Toronto . What is the best month to dive in Jardines de la Reina in regards to visibility?

Additional question, would you recommend diving in Havana? I have heard some areas near Havana are better.

 

[Bryan Cunningham]

Hi Indiedive
You can dive Cuba most of the year, but Sept and October are peak hurricane season months. And poor old Cuba seems to get hit a lot. As to diving Havana, no, would not recommend it. Most of the diving is Cuba is mediocre. Marie la Gorda is good as are a couple of other places, but Jardines is best. You can stay on Cayo Largo and do day trips into the marine park with Avalon.

PS: There are two areas called Jardines de la Reina and Reena. Gardens of the Queen and King. Do not get them confused

Cheers
Bryan

 

[indiedive]

Hi Brian,

Thank you! We will book the flights to Cuba for August this week. I hope that there will be no hurricanes in August

Jardines de la Reina is in our top list to dive and we still have to decide where to dive next after that - either Isla de Juventud or Maria la Gorda..

cheers,

Indah

 

[hallboy]

a few question: theres is a lot of live aboards: so much that its a bit confusing..
a/ as the place is pretty large, to stay on Tortuga wold make us traval a lot from onespot to another? so is it a better idea to be on a liveaboard taht on Tortuga?
b/ DOES ALL BOATS FILL THE TANKS , ive seen somewhere that at lesat for La reina ther wher a small baots briging back the tanks every day.
c/ what is the best season for sharks? ( i dont talk about whale shark) : as it seems taht tigers or hammerhead are maybe possible to see; is winter with some colder water a better season ?