Jardines de la Reina, Cuba

Jardines de la Reina: A Timeless Treasure of the Caribbean

Yacht Price: $3950*, $4300*, $4550*

Step into a world untouched by time, where the magic of the Caribbean reigns supreme. The Jardines de la Reina (Gardens of the Queen) archipelago is a dazzling remnant of a bygone era of the Caribbean. Picture yourself diving into reefs as pristine as they were 70 years ago, during the days of Hemingway’s “The Old Man and the Sea”. Here, the underwater world remains untouched by the overuse, over love and damage that have plagued so many other locations.

In the Jardines the unspoiled reefs flourish with life: healthy, colorful corals, captivating macro creatures, invertebrates, huge schools of reef fish, and plenty of sharks and big animals to get the blood moving. The diving here is proof proper management and stewardship of our marine environment results in a thriving and healthy in a marine ecosystem.

Situated 60 nautical miles off Cuba’s southern coast, the Jardines archipelago is a secluded paradise. Once Fidel Castro’s private fishing retreat, it is now a diver’s dream. Since its designation as a marine reserve in 1996 and its elevation to National Park status in 2010, this stunning archipelago—comprising over 600 cays and islands—offers some of the most spectacular diving experiences in the Caribbean.

Diving here is not just a journey into the ocean; it’s a journey back in time to a place that hasn’t been abused by overconsumption and recklessness. Welcome to Jardines de la Reina, where the Caribbean’s true beauty still thrives.

What’s Included:

• 8 days/7 nights aboard Jardines Avalon 4
• 17 dives + 1 night dive
• Daily presentations by marine scientists
• Gourmet Meals
• Non-alcoholic drinks
• 5 alcoholic drinks per day
• Tanks and weights

What’s not included:

• International flights
• Transit hotel (if needed)
• Emergency Dive Accident Insurance (Trip Insurance highly recommended)
• Nitrox ($120/wk)
• Port and Conservation Fees ($400/wk subject to change)
• Upgrade to 4 dives per day ($250/wk)
• Airport Transfer (cost dependent upon airport)
• Havana Side Trip (cost and date TBA)
• Gratuity
• Other miscellaneous costs

Legal Travel to Cuba for US Citizens:

Avalon cruises fall under the humanitarian and environmental projects general license category. Marine biologists working with Avalon will be teaching and collaborating with the guests about marine conservation and the Gardens of the Queen’s unique ecosystem. Guests will be immersed in participatory environmental projects perfectly integrated into their diving program, supporting the long-term sustainable conservation initiatives. 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.

Reservation and Payment Information:

A $1500 semi-refundable** deposit per diver is required to reserve a space. Deposits can be made in several easy ways. Credit cards (VISA & MC) may be used with a 3.5% transaction fee, or send your deposit today by check, Venmo, or Zelle and avoid the fee. Please make checks payable to Worldwide Diving Adventures and send to PO Box 1019, Twin Bridges, CA 95735. Second payments of $1500 is due on July 1, 2025. Final payment is due 4 months prior to the trip (December 13, 2025). Airfare booked by Worldwide Diving Adventures must be paid upon flight reservation. Cancellations are subject to a $300 processing fee. Price is based on double occupancy. Reservations and payments will be forfeited if full payment is not received according to the schedule. No refunds can be made after December 13, 2025.

*Price is based on double occupancy, cabin class and is subject to change.

**Semi-refundable means the initial deposit will be refunded, minus the service fee, once the cancelled spot has been reserved by a new guest. If the cancelled spot cannot be filled by a new guest the deposit will be forfeited.

WDA participates in the California Seller of Travel Program. Upon cancellation of the transportation or travel services, all sums paid to WDA for services not provided to the passenger, will be promptly paid to the passenger, when the passenger is not at fault and had not canceled in violation of any terms previously clearly and conspicuously disclosed to and agreed to by the passenger, and unless the passenger otherwise advises the seller of travel in writing, upon cancellation.

WDA, through the California Seller of Travel Program, also participates in the Travel Consumer Restitution Fund (TCRF). Passengers have a right to make a claim on the fund. The Travel Consumer Restitution Corporation (TCRC) was created to decide claims made against the Travel Consumer Restitution Fund, which serves consumers located in California who suffer losses as a result of the bankruptcy, cessation of operations, insolvency, or material failure of a seller of travel to provide the transportation or travel services contracted. Your claim must be filed within a year of scheduled date of completion of travel. File a claim here.

California Seller of Travel #2020378