Join us on an educational scuba expedition to Cuba!
We've arranged an educational workshop trip to Cuba including 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 educational 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 a beautiful 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 LGBT and friends charter can accommodate just 30 divers.
Package Includes:
- 7 nights accommodations on board Avalon III liveaboard
- 22 dives, conditions permitting
- Daily breakfast, lunch, dinner and non-alcoholic beverages
- Educational program
- Transportation in Cuba to the liveaboard from Havana (if participating in our Support for the Cuban People tour) or Santa Clara, Cuba.
Excluded:
Airfare to Cuba, Cuban visa and health insurance ($100 paid at airport check-in or transit), OFAC License fee of $100, Port Fee of $200, Conservation Fee of $100, Nitrox ($100 for week if you wish to dive with EANx), tips, laundry, souvenirs and other items of a personal nature.
Flights:
Divers coming for the liveaboard only are recommended to fly to Santa Clara (SNU) on Copa Airlines via Panama (PTY) on December 26.
Please contact us for the latest information on air travel to Cuba.
Plan to arrive in Santa Clara (SNU) via Panama (PTY) on December 26 (or Havana on December 19 if you are participating in our land tour).
Plan to depart on January 2 after 3:30 pm from Havana or after noon from Santa Clara (SNU).
Deposit:
$1000 deposit due within 10 days of your completed application.
Second deposit of $750 due on March 26.
Third deposit of $750 due on June 26.
Final payment due on September 25 (90 days prior to departure).
How to reserve your space:
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Call or E-mail us to check availability, including your exact name as per your passport.
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We'll place a space on 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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