Join Berkley White for an underwater photo adventure in the famous Jardines de la Reina (Gardens of the Queen) Cuba.
Cuba has become one of our favorite places to go to shoot silky sharks, saltwater crocodiles and the abundant marine life on the healthiest reefs we’ve ever seen in the Caribbean.
Designated a national park by the Cuban Government in 1996, the archipelago is carefully regulated to maintain the spectacular habitat. Less than 60 divers per week are permitted to visit the area. It is widely regarded as one of the Caribbean’s most amazing dive sites.
Many researchers consider the area a model of what unspoiled coral and mangrove environments look like. Fidel Castro often visited the Gardens and once even dove with legendary explorer Jacques Cousteau. Castro felt strongly about protecting the coastline and moved to limit fishing and development in the archipelago as early as 1960. For decades, almost no one had access to dive or fish.
Now, divers who are able to secure a reservation to enter the park should expect stunning virgin coral and untouched mangrove marshes. The 250 islands in the archipelago are ringed by steep walls, caves, and canyons dotted with bright sponges, black corals, gorgonians and soft corals. The mangroves offer an incredible nursery for young fish, a shelter for invertebrates and habitat for amphibians. Seagrass beds help protect these fragile ecosystems from open ocean wave energy.
The Caribbean’s largest populations of adult fish, sharks, snappers, groupers and jewfish are found in Jardines de la Reina. The goliath groupers that inhabit this area are some of the largest in the world, often growing over 400 pounds. Sharks are plentiful in the area. Divers often spot silkies, reef, lemon, blacktip, king hammerhead and nurse sharks on a single dive.
The relatively shallow nature of many of the reefs and dive sites makes for excellent snorkeling and freediving. Visibility often tops 40 meters. Among some of the shallow mangroves, visitors may encounter the area’s crocodiles, stingrays and iguanas. The region is also famous for its incredible birdlife. Birders will enjoy spotting more than 60 species of migratory birds that stop in the area. Jardines de la Reina is an ecosystem unlike any other and is one of the last truly wild areas in the Caribbean.
Jardines Avalon II is a 136’ steel ship with 10 deluxe cabins and 2 upper deck suites with balconies. All cabins have private bathrooms, AC with individual thermostats, and can be configured with two twins or one queen bed. The design and interior decor give the yacht a touch of intimacy, refinement, a sense of warmth and simplicity.
Jardines Avalon II’s large dive deck offers a ton of space for dive equipment and large camera tables for your gear. There is a dedicated charging station with 110/220V US and European style plugs.
There is a spacious and comfortable lounge on the main deck. The restaurant-like dining room is located on the upper deck offers a great view and extra hang out space.
The partially covered top deck offers a mix of sun and shade, a wet bar and a Jacuzzi, with panoramic views, the ideal space to drink a mojito after the last dive at sunset.
If you’d like to spend more time in Havana we can arrange for you to come in few days early to explore the rich culture of the Cuban people. Stay right in the heart of old Havana, ride around town in a classic car, visit old forts, Revolution Square, Hemmingway’s house, an authentic Cuban cigar factory, and enjoy delicious Cuban food at the local Paladars. I’m sure you fall in love with Havana as fast as we did.
Havana is a lively city, but not at all crowded, with little to no traffic. It’s safe and easy to get around and the people are very friendly. The food is great, and the art and culture are on display.
Now is the perfect time to visit Havana. The cruise ships are currently not going there so there are very few other tourists around, making it easy to see the true Havana. If regulations change and the cruise ships return, it will seem like a more typical Caribbean port of call.
Join us on our expeditions in 2021 to see the best of Havana and remote diving while tourist numbers are limited. Take a day or two to experience the art district from the back of a 1950’s convertible and soak up both the new art and old architecture of this 500-year-old city.
Please note that Divers Alert Network (DAN) or equivalent evacuation insurance is mandatory on all trips. Additionally, comprehensive Cancellation, Accident, Medical and Baggage insurance such as Dive Assure, Generali Global Assistance or Travel Guard is highly recommended.
Cuba has become one of our favorite places to go to shoot silky sharks, saltwater crocodiles and the abundant marine life on the healthiest reefs we’ve ever seen in the Caribbean.
Dive into Cuba’s pristine lost coast
Just over 60 miles from Cuba’s southern coast lie a series of small islands that have been protected from development, tourism, and fishing. Christopher Columbus named the area Jardines de la Reina, or Gardens of the Queen, and it’s one of the most pristine coral reef and mangrove ecosystems in the world.
Designated a national park by the Cuban Government in 1996, the archipelago is carefully regulated to maintain the spectacular habitat. Less than 60 divers per week are permitted to visit the area. It is widely regarded as one of the Caribbean’s most amazing dive sites.
Many researchers consider the area a model of what unspoiled coral and mangrove environments look like. Fidel Castro often visited the Gardens and once even dove with legendary explorer Jacques Cousteau. Castro felt strongly about protecting the coastline and moved to limit fishing and development in the archipelago as early as 1960. For decades, almost no one had access to dive or fish.
Now, divers who are able to secure a reservation to enter the park should expect stunning virgin coral and untouched mangrove marshes. The 250 islands in the archipelago are ringed by steep walls, caves, and canyons dotted with bright sponges, black corals, gorgonians and soft corals. The mangroves offer an incredible nursery for young fish, a shelter for invertebrates and habitat for amphibians. Seagrass beds help protect these fragile ecosystems from open ocean wave energy.
The Caribbean’s largest populations of adult fish, sharks, snappers, groupers and jewfish are found in Jardines de la Reina. The goliath groupers that inhabit this area are some of the largest in the world, often growing over 400 pounds. Sharks are plentiful in the area. Divers often spot silkies, reef, lemon, blacktip, king hammerhead and nurse sharks on a single dive.
The relatively shallow nature of many of the reefs and dive sites makes for excellent snorkeling and freediving. Visibility often tops 40 meters. Among some of the shallow mangroves, visitors may encounter the area’s crocodiles, stingrays and iguanas. The region is also famous for its incredible birdlife. Birders will enjoy spotting more than 60 species of migratory birds that stop in the area. Jardines de la Reina is an ecosystem unlike any other and is one of the last truly wild areas in the Caribbean.
Crocs, Sharks, Giant Grouper
Cuba is renowned for its large fish and crocs. Don’t worry if this is your first time diving with sharks and crocs. We’ll sort you out. Our trip will maximize photography with sharks and crocs at the best time of day and help all skill levels to learn how to swim with large reptiles and fish. Our guides are professionals and we’ll coach you through it. Bring your wide lenses and prepare to be amazed.
Jardines Avalon II
Larger boat with extra camera space – Limited load
This year we have selected a larger ship but we are bringing fewer divers. This will provide all photographers ample room for cameras and extra space to spread out. Solo cabins are available as well.
Jardines Avalon II is a 136’ steel ship with 10 deluxe cabins and 2 upper deck suites with balconies. All cabins have private bathrooms, AC with individual thermostats, and can be configured with two twins or one queen bed. The design and interior decor give the yacht a touch of intimacy, refinement, a sense of warmth and simplicity.
Jardines Avalon II’s large dive deck offers a ton of space for dive equipment and large camera tables for your gear. There is a dedicated charging station with 110/220V US and European style plugs.
There is a spacious and comfortable lounge on the main deck. The restaurant-like dining room is located on the upper deck offers a great view and extra hang out space.
The partially covered top deck offers a mix of sun and shade, a wet bar and a Jacuzzi, with panoramic views, the ideal space to drink a mojito after the last dive at sunset.
Getting there
Yes, you are allowed to travel to Cuba! We can get you there.
At a minimum, travelers from the US fly to Havana (HAV) on a Friday, spend one night in Havana and then travel to meet the boat on Saturday. The trip ends the next Saturday and guests return to Havana for one night, returning home on Sunday.
If you’d like to spend more time in Havana we can arrange for you to come in few days early to explore the rich culture of the Cuban people. Stay right in the heart of old Havana, ride around town in a classic car, visit old forts, Revolution Square, Hemmingway’s house, an authentic Cuban cigar factory, and enjoy delicious Cuban food at the local Paladars. I’m sure you fall in love with Havana as fast as we did.
Havana is amazing… we can make your travel easy
Current US politics has painted Cuba as a no-go zone for US tourists. Truth be told it’s very easy to visit if you have friends like us. We consider Cuba as the best diving and cultural destination we’ve experienced in the last 10 years.
Havana is a lively city, but not at all crowded, with little to no traffic. It’s safe and easy to get around and the people are very friendly. The food is great, and the art and culture are on display.
Now is the perfect time to visit Havana. The cruise ships are currently not going there so there are very few other tourists around, making it easy to see the true Havana. If regulations change and the cruise ships return, it will seem like a more typical Caribbean port of call.
Join us on our expeditions in 2021 to see the best of Havana and remote diving while tourist numbers are limited. Take a day or two to experience the art district from the back of a 1950’s convertible and soak up both the new art and old architecture of this 500-year-old city.
Pricing:
$3,999 per personStandard Package Includes:
- 7 nights aboard the Jardines Avalon II, double occupancy
- All meals & beverages
- Diving
- Taxes
- Limited Load Trip!
Additional costs:
- International airfare to Cuba (HAV)
- Port Fee: $200
- Conservation Fee: $100
- Transfers $200
- Nitrox
- Single supplement
- Gear rental
- Trip Insurance
- Crew tip
- Cuba land tour extension ($TBD)
Travel info:
- Jan 11: Arrive in Havana (HAV) if doing the land tour
- Jan 12-13: Tour Havana
- Jan 13: Arrive in Havana if not doing the tour
- Jan 14: Transfer to Jucaro and board the Jardines Avalon II
- Jan 15-20: Diving in the Jardines de la Reina Marine Park
- Jan 21: Disembark Jardines Avalon II and return to Havana
- Jan 22: Fly home
Please note that Divers Alert Network (DAN) or equivalent evacuation insurance is mandatory on all trips. Additionally, comprehensive Cancellation, Accident, Medical and Baggage insurance such as Dive Assure, Generali Global Assistance or Travel Guard is highly recommended.
Berkley White is the owner and founder of Backscatter Underwater Video & Photo. Berkley is one of the leading underwater imaging professionals, who’s passion for underwater imaging is equaled by his passion for educating others. His images and articles are regularly seen in national and international scuba diving publications, and he leads several educational underwater imaging expeditions each year, such as The Digital Shootout. To view his online portfolio, please visit berkleywhite.com.