Program

Arrival:

The diving weeks run Saturday to Saturday. We suggest arriving into Cayo Coco, Santa Clara or Camaguey airports. Transfers from these airports are $50 per person one way to Jucaro port. If arriving into these airports, the flight must arrive no later than 12:00pm to ensure same day arrival to the port and navigation to Jardines de la Reina. If clients prefer to arrive and depart in Havana, they must arrive in the city on Friday, overnight, then take the collective land transfer to Jucaro port ($100pp one way — 6 hours). This transfer leaves Havana in the morning and ensures that clients will arriving at the port in time to board and navigate on Saturday. Guests MAY NOT arrive into Havana on Saturday, it must be at least the day before. Diving occurs Sunday thru Friday and will be up to 3 dives/day (including night dives). While on the boat, all meals and drinks are included.

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Departure:

The boat will navigate to Jucaro port on Friday afternoon and will overnight in port. Clients will depart between 5 and 9am on Saturday morning, depending on the group transfer needs. Flights from Cayo Coco, Santa Clara or Camaguey airports can be booked after 11am and flights out of Havana can be booked after 8:30pm on Saturday or the clients may overnight and fly home on Sunday from Havana.
*Any flights outside of these guideline times will be subject to private transfer fees*

US Citizens: our cruises fall under the "Workshops, clinics, public performances and other athletic competitions" general license 515.567(b).

Marine Biologists working with Avalon will be collaborating with the clients about marine park conservation and the Gardens of the Queen’s unique ecosystem and clients will actively be engaging in the conservation initiative and efforts during their dive week.
Please feel free to read more about this program at www.BlueSanctuary.Org

Daily routine:

The diving schedule is usually at the discretion of the customers following the instructor’s suggestions with 3 daily dives. The day begins with a wakeup call at 7:00 am, coffee/tea ready, breakfast at 7:15 am. Our diving instructors are ready to go diving from 8:00 am. Fast diving boats are used to reach diving spots having the opportunity to explore different sites each day and enjoy the view of mangrove channels, virgin beaches, birds, and other exuberant fauna during the trips. There is no chance for loneliness; dive guides and crew are available every single minute.

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Avalon guarantees all the equipment required to ensure safety (First Aid kits with O2 on every boat, excellent communications with mother boats and the mainland, life jackets, AED, etc.). Sunday morning, check-in dive to get acquainted and make sure all equipment is in good shape. During the briefings, our experienced instructors will explain every detail of the dive, from what will be seen in a particular spot to the correct behavior while diving with sharks or highlights of the area and special characteristics of the marine life present. After the first dive, the surface interval in one of the beautiful beaches. Second dive and, at midday, boats will return for lunch.

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Together with the instructor, arrange a time for afternoon dives or for excursions through the lagoon and mangrove channels. Coming back to the liveaboard, it is time to drink a frozen “mojito”, enjoy the afternoon pizza, and talk about the dives. Around 8:00 pm, dinner is served and, like a family, everyone gets together around the table. Night dives available.

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The staff will be in contact every minute to assist and receive special requests or suggestions. Evening time next to the bar, to watch photos and videos while breathing the sea atmosphere, it’s time to plan with the instructors what will happen the next day.

On Friday there are 2 dives in the morning then navigation back to Jucaro port where the group will overnight on board the mother yacht and disembark for transfer home on Saturday morning.

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Tipping
Tipping is widespread in Cuba. Many Cuban workers rely on tips to supplement their basic income and they all work really hard. Tips help them get a better lifestyle. So if you receive good service, it is very good etiquette to tip accordingly.

Our Recommendations
Recommended $350-450 USD per person. This will be given to the captain or cruise director to be dispersed among the entire staff. 

We would like to remind you that we do not accept credit cards onboard the boats. You will need cash for any purchases and gratuities. You can easily exchange money at the airport or at any bank for CUC (Cuban Convertible Pesos). The best currency to bring on your trip to Cuba is Euros to get a direct exchange to CUC if you plan to spend any extra time in Cuba. Otherwise, USD is the preferred currency for tips in Cuba. 

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Extra Expenses
All port fees and conservation fees will be included on your invoice and must be pre-paid. They cannot be paid onboard the boat.

Any rentals must be arranged and paid for in advance. They will be included on your invoice.
Any transfers outside of the recommended guidelines and suggestions will be subject to private transfer fees beyond the standard costs for transfers which will also be included on your invoice.
*If you have any questions about transfers and logistics, please do not hesitate to contact us at scuba@cubaviptravel.com