Diving in Cuba
 | JARDINES de la REINAIt is a strictly protected marine reserve, sometimes also called "the Galapagos of the Caribbean" or "Casto’s secret reef". Thanks to the fishing ban and strict limits for the number of visitors, it is possible to see there what the Caribbean looked like in Christopher Columbus’s times. Without doubt, it offers the best diving in Cuba. |  |
 | CAYO LARGOThis small isle was once Caribbean pirates’ net. Nowadays, the local all-inclusive hotels on snow-white beaches with "singing sand" are an ideal place for family holidays with terrific diving. |  |
 | MARIA la GORDAIt is a legendary locality at the western promontory of Cuba, located in the Bahía de Corrientes Bay (Pinar del Rio Province). According to the ancient legend, once there was Caribbean pirates’ base, and pretty Maria was their host and attendant - she cooked, served drinks, treated slashes got in fighting, consoled the gloomy...... |  |
 | Bay of PigsIt contains nice deep walls with mostly excellent visibility. Simple diving from the shore is suitable even for beginners. It is interesting that it is possible to dive there in caves with mixed water (the first few metres fresh water, lower brackish and then sea water). |  |
 | ISLA de la JUVENTUDIsle of Youth, sometimes also Isle of Treasure, Isle of Pirates, Isle of Pines, is situated 50 miles south-east of the Cuban shore. There are coloured populations of coral, sponge and gorgonian, and walls, caves, tunnels, snapper, tarpon, horse mackerel, tortoise, barracuda, ray, and, in case of act of God, occasionally also shark... |  |
 | PLAYA SANTA LUCIAIt is a well-known place where bullsharks live, creatures that are responsible, according to certain references, for more human victims than great white. However, they are composed there; no attacks on tourists have been reported. Besides bullsharks, there are several interesting wrecks there. NEW !!! |  |
 | Jachting & divingIf you like yachting and like diving during it, then the cruises from Cienfuegos or Trinidad to Cayo Largo are intended just for you.
NEW !!! |  |
 | VARADEROIt is one of the greatest and well-known Cuban resorts, even Al Capone went there for holiday. The greatest local diving spots of interest include a wreck of the Soviet guard ship BP 353 (Barco Patrullero) known as Russian Destroyer. It is the cheapest way of diving in Cuba. |  |
Without doubt, the most interesting area for diving in Cuba lies in Jardines de la Reina. Thanks to the strict protection of National Marine Park (particularly commercial fishing ban and control of the number of visitors), we can see there the Caribbean as it was before the expansion of tourism in that part of the world.
In a majority of other Cuban localities nearly all large fish have been caught and eaten. Therefore we strongly recommend you to consider carefully the choice of the location before the holiday, and not rely on all euphemistic offers of some travel agencies. In particular, agencies not directly specialized in diving in Cuba sometimes present diving optimism which is a bit unrealistic.
Diving in Cuba
JARDINES de la REINA
the best & easy
JARDINES de la REINA
Jardines de la Reina is the name of an archipelago lying 50 miles south of Cuba and 80 miles north of the Cayman Islands. The name means Queen’s gardens and was invented by Christopher Columbus who discovered them in 1492 and named them in honour of the Queen of Spain, Isabella of Castile. The archipelago, which is sometimes called as THE GALAPAGOS OF THE CARIBBEAN, is composed of 230 small isles, and is about 150 miles long. In 1996, a marine reserve was established there, and now it is the most extensive protected area in the Caribbean Sea. The area is entirely closed - zero number of permanent population, commercial fishing prohibited, only one base allowed, entry only with a special permit, and strictly limited number of visitors. Detailed information about the base, accommodation possibilities and the AVALON fleet is available HERE.
As the area is closed, we can see the Caribbean as it was during Christopher Columbus times: undamaged reefs full of life and no other divers far and wide, just you and the sea. We can safely enjoy there, from very close range, 15-30m deep, Caribbean reef shark 1.5-3m long, close to the surface their somewhat bigger relatives, silky shark, and those who are lucky may run into whale sharks 7-12m long.
| | Caribbean reef shark, also called Peréz shark (Carcharhinus perezi). These beautiful creatures reach a length up to 3m and a weight up to 60kg. When diving, we can normally be 50cm from it or closer, so we can watch its ocular membranes (similar to our eyelids) with which it protects its eyes at the moment of attacking its fish victim. It apparently looks as if it closes its eyes as a gourmet when eating. | |
 | The second most frequent shark in Jardines de la Reina is silky shark (Carcharhinus falciformis). Unlike Caribbean reef shark, it prefers areas close to the water surface so we most often meet it at the beginning and end of diving, so it makes our safety breaks more enjoyable (and nobody wants to put an end to them). | |
| | Whale shark (Rhincodon typus) is the biggest currently living species of shark. It reaches an average length about seven meters, and lives on plankton and small fish. Whale shark travels in the Jardines de la Reina Archipelago in the summer season and in the tern of November and December. | |
| | The biggest creature so far seen in the Jardines de la Reina Archipelago was a 10m-long young sperm whale (Physeter sp.) waiting on the surface for its parents. Adult sperm whale - as it is known - dive for food (giant octopus) down to kilometre depths, and they can survive without breathing for 45 minutes. | |
| | Nurse shark (Ginglymostoma cirratum) is a night predator so when diving during a day we meet it mostly asleep and hidden somewhere on the bottom. It eats slow creatures living on the bottom - rock lobster, snail, clam, octopus, squid, bony fish and ray. When fighting for food, they can easily beat even Caribbean reef shark. |  |
| | If you are lucky, in some of the localities you can snorkel with young American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus) at the end of a dive. However, you have to be very cautious as baby animals are shy creatures, and they immediately run away when disturbed. When adult, they reach an average length of 4m, and we only recommend going in the water with a crocodile shorter than 2 m. |  |
 | JARDINES de la REINABesides diving with sharks, enjoyable experiences include seeing local giant grouper (called there jewfish (Epinephelus Itajara) weighing about 200kg. In addition to these giants, you can see there wonderful Atlantic tarpon (Megalops sp.). |  |
| | ...relaxing ray (Dasyatis americana) and other classic species of the Caribbean, for instance tortoise, green moray, barracuda and plenty of small creatures. The localities are of two types: deep reefs where you particularly go to see Caribbean reef shark, and shallow coral reefs - gardens.. |  |
 | The local shallow reefs are particularly composed of brain coral, stony coral, gorgonian and large sponge typical of the Caribbean. Among them, there are schools of snapper, grunt and other coral fish sometimes creating fantastic "fish soups". |  |
| | On the foot of these shallow reefs, over the sand bottom, we can watch tortoise, ray, and the current biggest sea snail - queen conch (Strombus giga - attention, a protected species. If customs officials find its shell in your luggage, you will have a big problem). | |
| | The operational centre of the AVALON diving base is located in the Tortuga floating hotel, safely anchored in a protected mangrove bay. A daily schedule usually contains one or two deep dives first, and the third dive means a relaxation in a shallow garden. |  |
| | Thanks to the strict protection of the Jardines de la Reina National Park and strong control of entries of visitors, it looks almost like in Christopher Columbus times. Only you and the sea! |  |
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| | Have you ever received a 100% shark warranty? We will provide you with it. If you don’t run into shark during diving in Jardines de la Reina, AVALONS will give you back all money you have invested in your holiday - including the air ticket and spending at bars... |
JARDINES de la REINA: NO SHARK = FREE VACATIONS
PRICES valid from 1 JAN 2022 till 30 SEP 2022
| MY AVALON 4 - "NEW TORTUGA" | MY AVALON 1 | MY AVALON 2 | MY AVALON III |
| 2 100 EUR | 2 500 EUR | 2 500 EUR | 2 500 EUR |
includes 8 days (7 nights) full board accomoddation, 12 dives for MY AVALON 4, 19 dives for the rest of boats, 6 drinks (beer, softdrinks, water) daily,
not included : obligatory supplements : port and protection fee 390 EUR, tips
Cuba on the road & diving
NEW ! NEW ! NEW ! NEW ! NEW !
Cuba on the Road & Diving is our new program uniquely combining getting to know Cuba and diving. Divers travel around Cuba by modern camper with our driver (diving instructor), which is also their diving guide and tourleader. At this moment we have 2 options available : SHORE TOUR (8 days/12 dives) and HEMINGWAY TOUR (3 days/3 dives). In following weeks another options will come WEST TOUR (6 days/10 dives), NORTH TOUR (7 days/11 dives) and SOUTH TOUR (6 days/10 dives). All these programs have the same main feature - travelling by campers with camping in safe places with water, electrocity and food supply available. Optionally every camper can be equipped by one or two electrobikes. Program is made by group of young Cuban diving intsructors and due to their's invention we have the oportunity to dive - besides traditional ones - in new and almost unknown diving spots. Enjoy diving in Caribbean and Atlantic waters !
 | SHORE TOUR : Day 1- Arrival to Havana, transfer to the hotel, check-in. Day 2- Pick-up the camper and the first two dives in Diving Center Copacabana. Departure to Villa Trópico Hotel, Jibacoa Day 3- Two dives in Jibacoa Day 4- Departure for Bacunayagua, two dives. |  |
| Day 5- Departure for Laguna Maya. Two dives and departure for Bay of Pigs. Day 7- One dive in cave Cueva de los Peces (Casimba Ilona), the second dive in the sea in Punta Perdiz . Day 7- Diving in Bay of Pigs: Playa Girón and Caleta Buena . Day 8- Return to Havana, drop off the camper and accomodation in hotel. |  |
| According to the name SHORE TOUR all dives during this tour are from the shore (without diving boat). Easy and nice diving... |  |
 | Webpage is under construction at this moment and will be ready very soon...If you are interested in our new program Cuba on the road & diving, please This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more info. |  |
CUBA ON THE ROAD & DIVING
Price of SHORE TOUR from 1 139 EURO p.p. (4 persons in camper) includes rental of CAMPER RV for 6 nights, 12 dives from shore, diving equipment MARES rental for whole tour, driver (diving guide) services
Velký bílý i ve Středozemním moři ?
Nenechte si ujít přednášku předního evropského odborníka na žraloky, Dot. Alessandra Maddaleny v Praze. 15.6. od 17:00 jako vždy v ZOO Praha
V duchu našeho motta "ČÍM VÍCE TOHO O ŽRALOCÍCH VÍME, TÍM VÍCE SI POTÁPĚNÍ S NIMI VYCHUTNÁME" pořádáme i letos v Praze přednášku světového odborníka na žraloky.
| Tentokrát se nám do naší metropole podařilo přilákat Dot. Alessandra Maddalenu, potápěče, presidenta italské Ichtyologické společnosti, kurátora italské datové banky shromažďující údaje o velkém bílém a zakladatele vědecké skupiny zabývající se výzkumem žraloků ve Středomoří. V neposlední řadě pak autora devíti knih o žralocích. |  | |
| Těžištěm odborného zájmu Alessandra Maddaleny je velký bílý, a proto i jeho pražská přednáška bude zaměřena zejména na velkého bílého. Věděli jste, že tohoto predátora můžete potkat i ve Středozemním moři? A že vyskakuje na hladinu, aby se "rozhlédl" ? Pokud zrovna plánujete dovolenou moře, mohlo by Vás to zajímat :) |  | |
| Přednáška bude zakončena autogramiádou jeho poslední knihy ŽRALOCI, DOKONALÍ VODNÍ PREDÁTOŘI . |  | |
| Součástí autogramiády bude i malilinkatá ochutnávka originálních kubánských rumů. Takže to vážně vypadá na zatraceně dobrý večírek v zatraceně dobré společnosti. . |  |
Vstupné je symbolických 100 Kč. Kapacita přednáškového sálu je omezená na 65 míst, takže neváhejte a rezervujte si svůj lístek co nejdřív - nejlépe mailem na This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Případné dotazy vám ve volných chvílích milerád zodpoví koordinátor akce Karel Novotný na tel. 602325848.
DEN ŽRALOKA
Nenechte si ujít besedu s předním evropským odborníkem na žraloky (t.č. žijícím v JAR), Dot. Alessandrem Maddalenou v Praze. 9.12. od 17:00 v historické budově Národního muzea
V duchu našeho motta "ČÍM VÍCE TOHO O ŽRALOCÍCH VÍME, TÍM VÍCE SI POTÁPĚNÍ S NIMI VYCHUTNÁME" pořádáme letos v Praze již podruhé přednášku světového odborníka na žraloky.
| Opět se nám do naší metropole podařilo přilákat Dot. Alessandra Maddalenu, potápěče, presidenta italské Ichtyologické společnosti, kurátora italské datové banky shromažďující údaje o velkém bílém a zakladatele vědecké skupiny zabývající se výzkumem žraloků ve Středomoří. V neposlední řadě pak autora devíti knih o žralocích. | | |
| Těžištěm odborného zájmu Alessandra Maddaleny je velký bílý, a proto i jeho pražská přednáška bude zaměřena zejména na velkého bílého. Tentokrát se společně vydáme do jižní Austrálie - do oblasti Neptune Islands. Zatímco z hladinových klecí lze velkého bílého pozorovat leckde na světě, pozorování v kleci ponořené na mořské dno je možné pouze a jen zde. | ||
| Z jižní Austrálie se následně vypravíme do severního Norska navštívit bohy oceánů - kosatky. | ||
| Z jižní Austrálie se následně vypravíme do severního Norska navštívit bohy oceánů - kosatky. | ||
| Přednáška bude zakončena autogramiádou jeho poslední knihy ŽRALOCI, DOKONALÍ VODNÍ PREDÁTOŘI . | | |
| Součástí autogramiády bude i malilinkatá předvánoční ochutnávka originálních kubánských rumů. Takže to vážně vypadá na zatraceně dobrý večírek v zatraceně dobré společnosti. Navíc s příležitostí nákupu tekutého dárku jak pro muže, tak i pro ženy. | |
Vstupné je dobrovolné a bude využito na podporu ochrany oceánů v rámci projektu Hope4Ocean. Kapacita přednáškového sálu je omezená, takže neváhejte a rezervujte si své míst co nejdřív - nejlépe mailem na This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Případné dotazy vám ve volných chvílích milerád zodpoví koordinátor akce Karel Novotný na tel. 602325848.
Havana 500th birthday : 500 EURO discount for the best diving in Cuba
Havana is celebrating 500th birthday this November. You shouldn't miss this party !
CELEBRATING HAVANA 500 IS GIVING OUT BIRTHDAY'S GIFTS : 500 EURO birthday's discount for the best diving in Cuba and EXCELENT RUM HAVANA CLUB for whole holly week
| The first birthday welcome bottle of HAVANA CLUB you will get after you arrival to Havana airport (Thursday 21 NOV). After check-out we will move to our hotel to have a rest. On Friday we will walk, enjoy and celebrate HAVANA - Pearl of Caribbean |  | |
| Saturday early morning we will have festive transfer to Jucaro (cca 6 hrs) to embark luxury MY AVALON 1. |  | |
After embarging we will start to navigate for unforgettable week of diving in marine park Jardines de la Reina. We will celebrate HAVANA 500 togehter with Caribbean reef sharks, silky sharks, nurse sharks. With piece of good luck also american crocodiles and whalesharks (Jardines de la Reina photogallery). |  | |
| Party time schedule : 21.11. arrival Havana, welcomedrink and obtaining of birthday HAVANA CLUB bottle and transfer to hotel 22.11. breakfast and festive Havana walkings 23.11. early morning transfer to Júcaro port, embarking luxury MY AVALON 1 24.11. - 29.11. festive diving in marine park Jardines de la Reina 30.11. sailing back to Júcaro port, disembarkation, transfer to Havana airport, departure for home sweet home |  |
Invitation of this kind is comming once per 500 years. Book your place in time ! Birthady price 3 190 EURO includes 2x accomodation in Havana, all transfers and one week of excellent diving in Jardines de la Reina on luxury MY AVALON 1 with fullboard. Birthday rum HAVANA CLUB for free for whole holly week !!! Normal price of such a program (without rum !!!) is 3 700 EURO, from 1.1. 2020 even 3 900 EURO. Book your place now !
