Diving Los Jardines de la Reina (Gardens of the Queen)

Cuba’s Premiere Dive Destination August 11-18, 2018

Designed for Scuba Diplomacy dive club members and friends by the Cuba Marine Research and Conservation Program (CubaMar), The Ocean Foundation, and Intercultural Outreach Initiative (IOI). For those interested, contact Eddie Gonzalez (PADI Divemaster #259986) at gonzalez.eddie@gmail.com.

SHARKS!! TURTLES!! MANGROVES!! CORAL REEFS!!

ABOUT

Join Cubamar, IOI, and Scuba Diplomacy for a unique scuba exploration of Gardens of the Queen, Cuba’s premiere dive destination. Gardens of the Queen is the largest marine reserve in the Caribbean. The park has a protected string of untouched islands and shallow waters off the southeast Cuban coast. The intact connectivity of extensive seagrass beds, mangroves, and coral reefs provides a historical and ecological “baseline” of a nearly pristine tropical marine ecosystem.

We will visit sites that include deep and shallow coral reefs, seagrasses, lagoons, mangroves, and barrier islands.

Depending on scientist availability, educational presentations may cover: Tropical Lagoon and Mangrove Ecosystems, Seagrass and Coral Reef Ecology, Oceanographic Process, Fisheries and Coastal Ecosystems, or Marine Protected Areas Management. Experience Cuba by meeting marine scientists and local fishers, bird watching, snorkeling, and SCUBA diving.

Diving and lodging is provided by Avalon Cuban Diving Centers. The trip is covered under a person-to-person educational visa and meets all current US State Department rules for travel to Cuba. SCUBA certification is required if diving.

COST

Total Cost = $4850 per participant in DBL accommodation (assumes 12 participants). With $1500 non-refundable deposit.

Included:

• Shared, double-occupancy cabin with en suite bathroom with shower;
• ALL meals starting with Saturday dinner on Day 1
• Up to 3 SCUBA dives per day, inclusive of rental dive gear (optional night dive
• for an extra fee)
• Roundtrip transfer from Camaguey airport to port
• Meet and greet at the airport
• Travel Visa
• Tips for boat crew
• 24-hr assistance in Cuba
• 6 beverages/day (water/soda/local beer).

Not Included:

• Roundtrip airfare to Camaguey
• Bar tabs (including any water beyond the daily allowance)
• Luggage fees
• Souvenirs/personal items
• Emergency evacuation insurance, DAN insurance, & trip insurance