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 brand new Avalon IV 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 brand-new, beautiful liveaboard dive vessel, Avalon IV, 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 already limited by the Cuban government, and capacity on this mixed LGBT/general public charter has been further limited for social distancing.
Package Includes:
- 7 nights accommodations on board Avalon IV liveaboard
- 18 dives plus one night dive, conditions permitting
- Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Local non-alcoholic beverages
- Educational Workshop program with Blue Sanctuary
- 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), alcoholic beverages, tips, laundry, souvenirs and other items of a personal nature.
Flights:
Divers coming for only the liveaboard are recommended to fly to Santa Clara (SNU) on December 26 on Copa Airlines via Panama (PTY).
Please contact us for the latest information on air travel to Cuba.
Don't worry, even if you travel via a third country, your visit to Cuba is still legal and authorized by the US Treasury OFAC under the educational license.
Plan to arrive in Santa Clara (SNU) via Panama (PTY) on December 26 (or in Havana on December 19 if you are participating in our land tour).
Plan to depart on January 2 after 3:30 pm from Havana directly to the USA or elsewhere, or after noon from Santa Clara (SNU), and home via Panama City (PTY), again on Copa Airlines.
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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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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