Join us on a citizen science scuba expedition to Cuba!
Travel legally to Cuba with us on a humanitarian environmental project expedition in the spectacular Gardens of the Queen marine park on the Avalon III liveaboard. Travel to Cuba under this program is legal for U.S. citizens and residents.
This licensed humanitarian environmental project visit examines the relationship of Cuban citizens with their natural environment, including socioeconomic and cultural issues brought about by Cuba’s growing ecotourism industry. The exchange also represents an opportunity to explore important environmental issues that impact the marine waters that both nations share through face-to-face interaction. The environment, and particularly the marine environment, is something that both biologically and culturally joins Cuba and the U.S. Visitors will meet with Cuban scientists and resource managers in workshops and perform citizen science.
You'll spend seven nights on board the spacious liveaboard dive vessel, Avalon III, in the heart of Cuba's Gardens of the Queen (Jardines de la Reina) National Park, located 60 miles off the southern coast of Cuba, an archipelago comprising a chain of 250 virgin coral and mangrove islands extending along 75 miles of turquoise waters. Gardens of the Queen was featured on an award-winning segment of the CBS news program, 60 MINUTES hosted by Anderson Cooper. Gardens of the Queen is Cuba's first marine park and the largest no-take marine reserve in the Caribbean, where much of the story lies underwater. U.S. visitors will accompany Cuban specialists and scuba dive in one of the healthiest marine ecosystems remaining in the Caribbean.
Space is limited. Visitation to Cuba's Gardens of the Queen is limited by the Cuban government, and this mixed LGBTQ+ charter is capped at 26 guests.
Package Includes:
- 7 nights accommodations on board Avalon III liveaboard
- 18 dives including one night dive, conditions permitting
- Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Local non-alcoholic beverages
- Participation in Humanitarian Environmental Project with Blue Sanctuary
- Transportation in Cuba to the liveaboard from Camaguey airport (or from our Support for the Cuban People tour).
Excluded:
Airfare to Cuba, Cuban tourist card ($50 paid at airport check-in or transit), Port Fee of $240, health insurance of $100, Conservation Fee of $120, Nitrox ($120 for week if you wish to dive with EANx), rental gear if required, alcoholic beverages, tips, laundry, souvenirs and other items of a personal nature.
Flights:
Plan to fly in to Havana mid-day on December 19 if you are participating in our Christmas in Cuba land tour.
Divers coming for only the liveaboard should book the American Airlines flight from Miami to Camaguey (CMW) on December 26. This transfer is included at no additional cost. Liveaboard-only transfers from Havana will cost you significantly in both time and dollars.
Preferred departure on January 2 is from Camaguey (CMW) at 2:35 pm on American Airlines. That saves you a six+ hour transfer back to Havana, and allows even West Coast residents to return home in a single day.
If you MUST depart from HAV, please contact us for flight and transfer times.You'll need another night in Havana on Saturday, January 2.
Divers joining us from Canada can fly in to Cayo Coco (CCC) nonstop before noon on December 26, and home from Cayo Coco after 10 am on January 2 or later..
Deposit:
$1000 deposit due within 10 days with your completed application.
Second deposit of $750 due on March 26.
Third deposit of $750 due on June 26.
Final payment due on August 26 (120 days prior to departure).
How to reserve your space:
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We'll place a space on a no-obligation courtesy hold for you and send you a confirmation e-mail.
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Complete and return the trip application and waiver from the letter with your deposit per the instructions in your confirmation letter.
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Make your airline reservations to Cuba AFTER receiving completing your application and deposit.
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