Cuba has long been a dive destination lurking in the background, but is now emerging as a new superstar in the world of scuba spots. Years of political isolation and habitat protection mean that divers are suddenly now discovering a new underwater treasure. The undeniable jewel in Cuba’s crown is the area known as Jardines de la Reina. This chain of islands that runs along the west coast of the mainland is home to a number of world-class dive sites and is Cuba’s top liveaboard tour destination.
Sharks are the No.1 drawcard here. It is possible to encounter up to 6 distinct species on a sole dive. You can expect to see species like silky, tawny nurse, and most of all Caribbean reef sharks. But you might be lucky and also spot lemon, great hammerheads and bull sharks. Whale sharks can even put in an appearance from July through November. However, sharks are not the only interesting sight tor liveaboard divers to see in Cuba. There are many different fish species here. In fact it is said that the Queen’s Gardens is home to one of the most diverse and largest fish populations in the Caribbean.
There are groupers galore, including goliath groupers which can be huge and meaty specimens. There are also many crustaceans, including Caribbean spiny lobsters and yellowline arrow crabs. Big schools of jacks and grunts, great barracuda and tarpon, sea turtles and rays will all be vying for your attention at these amazing dive sites. And it's highly likely you will spot a caiman or two in the mangroves from the safety of your Cuban liveaboard boat or even dive with them on request.
Check out the best that Cuba has to offer before word gets out, join a liveaboard diving tour of The Queens Gardens:
This is undoubtedly the number 1 dive spot in Cuba. Commercial fishing and other deleterious industries have long been prohibited and there are no permanent residential structures. Tourism numbers are also strictly controlled. So this huge marine reserve of some 840 miles² (2,170 km²) now teems with life and is impressive in terms of both biomass and diversity.
Life-supporting habitats in the Queens Gardens range from mangroves to sea grass beds, mud flats, beaches and reefs. Liveaboard dive sites include reef flats, walls and wreck dives. There is an impressive array of corals here too. You can expect to see bushy black coral, grooved brain coral, smooth flower coral and sea rods. Sponges are also present in impressive varieties including branching tube, stove-pipe, and stinker sponges. [More details on these dive sites: Cuba].
The liveaboard experience in Jardines de la Reina is a little different to other destinations. Here the boats do not travel great distances and may indeed be the equivalent of a floating hotel. This is the case with the Tortuga. Being stationary, Tortuga enjoys a good internet connection which can be used by guests of the other liveaboards like Avalon I, which tends to be nearby. Tanks are filled at the diving center and transported to these liveaboards. Avalon II alone has its own compressors on board and therefore enjoys a more expansive itinerary than other members of the fleet.
All trips are scheduled for 6 nights and depart every Saturday.
> [More details: Jardines de la Reina Liveaboard Trips]
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You can dive the Jardines de la Reina of Cuba throughout the year. The liveaboard boats depart every week all year long. December through April is the dry season with water temperatures (and land temperatures) of around 68 to 72°F (20-22°C). August is the peak summer month where temperatures can climb to as much as 83°F (28°C).
June through November carries a slightly higher risk of hurricanes although Cuba experiences considerably less of these than other parts of the Caribbean. These months do have higher rainfall. July through November brings the opportunity of whale shark encounters. Find more seasonal information in our Cuba diving guide.
International flghts arrive into Havana's international Airport where you will be met and transferred to the boat at Jucaro. This involves a 5 to 6 hour bus transfer and a 3 hour boat transfer.
Direct standard flights arrive in Cuba from cities like Toronto (Air Canada), Mexico City (AeroMexico), Bogota (Avianca), Cancun (Interjet), Moscow (Aeroflot) and London (Virgin Atlantic). Connecting flights are possible with airlines such as Qatar Airways, Air Europa, Air China, Emirate, Air France, KLM and Cathay Pacific. Charter flights are available from New York (Jetblue and Sun Country Airlines), from Baltimore (Island travel & Tours), and from Tampa and Fort Lauderdale (ABC Charters and Jetblue).
Sometimes unexpected reasons can cause travelers to cancel their liveaboard plans. For this reason we recommend you consider insurance to cover trip cancellation, as well as diving and travel activities. See our insurance program for a competitive quotation:
If you need a hotel stay before or after visiting Cuba on your liveaboard diving safari then check out the Cuba Travel Network website. They have many accommodation options, and also have car rentals and other vacation services, should you need them. You can pay securely online with most major credit cards.
Process was very nice. Good information, nothing you have to do yourself, only confirm dates an make the payment. Very good instructions for how to make payments, easy! Best part was that you only have to tell where you want to go, and for how long, and you will make all the bookings and arrangements, easy travelling!
