Dive 'Jardines De La Reina', the Last Untouched Sanctuary of the Caribbean

Why We Love It

Little seems to have changed since Christopher Columbus discovered these pristine reefs, which he named 'Gardens of the Queen' to honor his patron, Queen Isabella I of Spain. With fewer than three thousand divers allowed per year, it is one of the last relatively intact reef habitats in the Caribbean. Protected since 1996, it hosts many endangered and vulnerable species, such as staghorn and elkhorn corals, hawksbill turtles, and up to 10 species of sharks. You might even spot some American crocodiles lying motionless in the mangroves.

Conservation

The dive operator partners with many scientists, including world-famous oceanographer Sylvia Earle. Jardines de la Reina is a Mission Blue Hope Spot. During your trip, you will likely have the opportunity to converse daily with local scientists onboard.

Who Is It For?

For divers of all levels, in search of the most pristine coral reefs of the Caribbean. Photographers will enjoy seeing sharks and crocodiles.

Prices and Dates

Program

All guests are granted a certificate of participation and completion of this humanitarian and environmental project, along with a full itinerary of activities that will certify them as legal under US and Cuban regulations.

Departure and arrival is from Juraco, about 3-4 hours drive from Santa Clara or Camagüey, or 5 hours from Havana.

Dive Briefing!

Marine Life

• Healthy gardens of soft corals, sponges incredibly diversified in colors and shapes, sea fans, black corals, staghorn corals and elkhorn corals are found throughout the marine park
• Caribbean reef, lemon, hammerhead, nurse, blacktip, and silky sharks - whose population has been depleted by over 90% throughout the Caribbean, freely approach and investigate divers
• You'll also get to dive along massive Goliath, Nassau, black and tiger groupers, snappers, hawksbill turtles, tarpons, stingrays and eagle rays, and Caribbean reef squids
• In the mangroves and sea grasses, American crocodiles lie motionless, their eyes breaking the calm surface

Dive Conditions

• Season: all year round for diving. October to May is the dry season, bringing exceptional visibility and good opportunities for photographers. June to August is the reproduction season, with more fish around
• Currents: little current
• Visibility: 30 meters (98 ft)
• Water Temperature: 25° to 29°C (77° to 84°F)
• Depth: both shallow and deep dives

Dive Sites

• The Gardens of the Queen is made up of 250 virgin coral and mangrove islands, extending along 75 miles of pristine coastline
• About 50 dive sites, offering a great diversity in topography, with coral gardens, drop-offs, gentle slopes and walls
• Dive sites are well protected from the winds and sea currents
• You will go dive every day in small groups - only one boat per dive site is allowed at a time
• You will use a skiff to explore new sites every day

The Team

• Dive operator with more than 20 years of experience in the area
• Languages spoken: English, Spanish
• Maximum divers per guide: 6

Safety Information

• Equipment Recommended: a 3mm shorty is recommended except for January and February when it is better to have a 5mm full wetsuit. Equipment can be rented on board - ask us.
• Insurance: Both dive insurance and travel insurance are mandatory. We recommend DAN Europe that has plans to cover both - ask us for a quote.
• Nearest Hyperbaric Chamber: Havana

Visas, Flights, and More!

Visa Requirements

• Check the current visa policy that applies for your country.
• Since January 2022, all travelers must fill a DViajeros Form 72 hours prior to their arrival in Cuba.
• American citizens: Tourist trips to Cuba from the United States (even in transit) remain, in principle, prohibited, regardless of the person's nationality. However, the US Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has issued general authorizations for 12 categories of travelers who do not need to request additional authorization to travel to Cuba - see travel categories allowed on the OFAC website.
• This liveaboard trip to Gardens of the Queen in Cuba (7 nights starting from ...) is compliant with the American authorizations.

How to Get There

• The dive operator will pick you up at your hotel in La Havana, and bring you to Juraco Harbor. It's a five-hour drive.
• You can also fly to Jardines del Rey (CCC) International Airport, Santa Clara Airport (SNU), or Camaguey Airport (CMW). Count on a three to four hour drive to Juraco.

More...

• Cuba is subject to Dengue and Zika. Take necessary precautions to avoid them.
• Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, a rash guard, a sweater or a lightweight jacket, insect repellent, a mask and snorkel, and any prescription medicine you might need.