In October 2022 Syd Jones and KT Budde-Jones returned to Cuba to dive the Jardines de la Reina Reef-(Garden of the Queen). It did not disappoint. Endless healthy coral as far as you can see and the visibility is so good you can see forever! Lots of Caribbean reef sharks, huge Goliath Groupers, eels and schooling reef fish of all sorts.
We first spent a few days staying in Old Havana to visit the three forts that protected Havana Harbor when the Atocha and Margarita set sail in 1622. See "Atocha Treasure Adventures; Sweat of the Sun, Tears of the Moon" (Havana Edition) for info and photos of Old Havana and the Forts. Havana is a fascinating city with rich history. We traveled from Havana to the south west to board the live aboard boat in Jucaro.
The Boat took a few hours to travel to the reef area, where it anchored for the week nestled in a permanent mooring between the mangroves. We took well appointed skiffs to the individual dive sites. The boat was large enough to allow individual space, rooms were spacious, private bathroom facilities well appointed, boat was clean and recently updated with hot tubs. Staff catered to your every need.
Each dive was different with a through briefing from our dive master before the dive. We did 22 dives in 5 days which included 2 night dives. We definitely got our monies worth! Nitrox available, dive set up was easy and plenty of room and fresh water for dive gear.
Kelly Brock and Tylor Robinson from Avalon Outdoor took care of all our reservations, questions and government forms. Kelly's emails kelly@avalonoutdoor.com, phone number 707-819-6660.
YES, you can go to Cuba. YES, you will need to fill out paper work and apply for a Visa. NO, it is not heard to do. This is a MUST see to believe trip. Hope you enjoy the photos.