The ExperienceJardines de la Reina).

We'll spend five unforgettable nights aboard an Avalon luxury liveaboard, from December 28, 2026, through January 2, 2027, exploring the world-renowned Gardens of the Queen (

After arriving in Cuba at Santa Clara (SNU), clearing customs, and collecting our luggage, we'll board a private motor coach for transportation to Júcaro Port. From there, we'll settle into our liveaboard and begin our journey to the Gardens of the Queen, where our vessel will remain throughout the week.

Avalon's luxury yachts offer spacious, comfortable accommodations and exceptional service. Since the liveaboards remain moored in the marine park, dedicated skiffs transport divers to and from the dive sites each day. All dives are professionally guided, and multiple skiffs are used when needed to ensure a comfortable experience for everyone.

Package Includes

✅ 5 nights aboard the liveaboard

✅ Up to 11 dives

• 3 dives per day
• 10 daytime dives
• 1 night dive

✅ All meals, snacks, coffee, juice, and filtered water

✅ Daily beverage package

• Up to 5 beers, wines, or soft drinks per day
• 1 rum cocktail per day

✅ Tanks and weights

✅ Round-trip land transfers between the airport (SNU) and Júcaro Port

Package Does Not Include

• Airfare
• Equipment rental
• Additional beverages beyond the daily package
• Crew gratuities and land staff tips (10% of the base package price is recommended)

Package Pricing

Base Package - $2,705 per person (This is a special price regularly $3,505)

Includes all accommodations, diving, meals, transfers, tanks, and weights based on double occupancy.

Optional Add-Ons

• Full Equipment Rental: $290 per person
  • Mask
  • Snorkel
  • Fins
  • Boots
  • BCD
  • Regulator
  • Dive Computer
• Nitrox Package: $120 per person
• Upgrade to 4 Dives Per Day: $150 per person
• Suite Upgrade with Balcony: $590 per person
• Single Occupancy Supplement: $1,300 per person
  • We will try to provide a room mate if needed to save on the supplemental fee for singles.

Diver Experience Requirements

An Advanced Open Water certification is recommended, but only Open Water certification is required.

Open Water divers should plan to dive within their training and experience limits unless paired with a dive professional.

For anyone interested in advancing their skills before the trip, we will offer special pricing on the Advanced Open Water course and can complete the training while enjoying the week's diving activities.

Travel Information

Flights to Cuba remain limited, which unfortunately keeps airfare higher than we would like.

At this time, we estimate airfare at approximately $1,500 - $1,700 per person, departing from Chicago O'Hare on December 28 and returning on January 2, with connections through Miami, but no overnight stay required.

We have explored options involving an overnight stay in Miami before departure, but current pricing is actually higher and then even more once hotel expenses are included.

The current best itineraries we found would have us arriving back in Chicago around 9:30 PM on January 2. From there, everyone can decide whether to head home that evening or stay overnight locally.

We'll continue monitoring airfare and routing options and will let everyone know if we find a better alternative. We are going to find the best price and when we do will send the booking options that will allow you to get that price.

Communications While at Sea

Due to our remote location within the Gardens of the Queen Marine Park, there will be no cellular service or Wi-Fi internet access while we are at sea. We intentionally scheduled this trip during the holiday period when many people are already planning time away from work and daily responsibilities, making it the perfect opportunity to disconnect, unwind, and fully immerse yourself in this unique diving experience.

Trip Payment

Because this trip is being announced on a shorter timeline than our typical group travel schedule, a deposit of $1,500 per person will be required to secure your reservation. The remaining balance will be due in full by September 10, 2026.

Prior to final payment, we will reach out to each guest to confirm all optional add-ons and upgrades to ensure every detail of your reservation is accurate and complete.

With the liveaboard operating approximately 60 miles offshore and logistics requiring extensive advance planning, it is important that all participant information, equipment needs, and travel arrangements are finalized well before departure. We'll handle those details for you so that all you need to do is look forward to an incredible week of diving in one of the Caribbean's most spectacular marine environments.

This is a bucket-list destination with some of the healthiest reefs and most abundant marine life in the Caribbean. We are truly excited to share this experience with all of you and look forward to diving the Gardens of the Queen together!

Please let us know if you have any questions and call to reserve your spot. We expect interest to be high, and spaces are limited.