Cuba Diving
Garden of the Queens:
A Dive into Conservation
with Ross Cunning, Ph.D.
March 6 – 14, 2026
Shedd Aquarium
ITINERARY
Embark on a diving adventure like no other in Jardines de la Reina — Cuba’s remote and protected coral reef system. Dive, snorkel and explore with Shedd Aquarium’s Coral Research Biologist Ross Cunning, Ph.D. as we examine how these reefs are responding to a changing climate and what they can teach us about coral resilience, recovery, and the future of our oceans.
- Independent Arrivals in Camagüey, Cuba; 1 Night
- Aboard Jardines Avalon IV, 7 nights
- Transfer to Camagüey for Departure
- or
- Transfer to Havana for 3-night Extension
After completing your online trip registration and paid deposit, please return to this page to complete the Shedd Aquarium Society Tour Participant Waiver. All guests must submit the signed waiver in order to be confirmed on the trip.
- Itinerary Summary
- Independent Arrivals in Camagüey, Cuba; 1 Night
Aboard Jardines Avalon IV, 7 nights
Transfer to Camagüey for Departure - Optional Additions to This Trip
- THREE-NIGHT HAVANA EXTENSION TO DIVE TRIP
https://shorturl.at/2Tkay
Immerse in Havana's vibrant rhythms, colors and flavors. Engage in meaningful exchanges with Cubans as you discover Cuba's capital city. Cruise along the Havana Malecon in a classic convertible.
March 14 – 17, 2026
Extension Price:
$1,899 per person, double rate
$2,330 single rate
HAVANA ONLY: For non-diving partners joining their spouse/companion only in Havana
March 14 - 17, 2026
$1,999 per person, double rate
OPTIONAL DIVE EQUIPMENT RENTAL
Full equipment rental: $290 pp./week Full set includes: Mask/Snorkel/ Fins/ Boots/ BC/ Reg/ Computer; Nitrox: $120 per person
NOTE: Must be reserved in your online trip account, prior to final payment deadline. - What to Expect
- The Dive Experience
- The dive schedule is semi-customizable based on group dynamics and consensus.
- Snorkelers are welcome aboard! A dedicated snorkeling guide is assigned to snorkelers; 1:6. (Limited to 12 guests)
- The Jardines Avalon IV anchors in a sheltered mangrove channel that provides exceptionally stable accommodations for guests. This strategic central location offers convenient access to all our current dive sites via scenic skiff journeys through the mangroves.
- All diving is done from a tender/dive skiff.
- Maximum 12 divers per skiff (and dive site). One dive guide assigned for every 6 divers.
- Typical dives range from 40-75 feet and last 45-60 minutes depending on the dive group.
- Water temperature: Dec-Apr: 77-79°F
- 80 cu. ft. tanks and weights provided. Limited 100 cu. ft. tanks available upon request.
- Rebreathers are NOT currently supported in Jardines de la Reina.
- Repair tools and service parts are very limited. Bring your own "save a dive kit" for minor fixes.
- Both Yoke and Din tanks available, but yoke is preferred due to the onboard filling system. Regulator adapters available if needed.
The Dive cruise falls under the humanitarian and environmental projects general license category. Marine biologists working with Avalon will be teaching and collaborating with you about marine conservation and the Gardens of the Queen's unique ecosystem. You'll be immersed in participatory environmental projects perfectly integrated into your diving program, supporting the long-term sustainable conservation initiatives. All guests are granted a certificate of participation and completion of this humanitarian and environmental project along with a full itinerary of activities that will certify your trip as legal under US and Cuban regulations.
Avalon requires all guests to submit their online liability waiver shortly before arriving in Cuba. The link will be sent to all guests with the final documents. The waiver may be reviewed here: https://avalonoutdoor.com/liabilityagreement-cdc.php - Trip Price
- Category 4: Upper Deck Deluxe Stateroom: $8,325 per person, double occupancy
Category 3: Main Deck Deluxe Stateroom: $11, 559 single rate
Category 2: Main/Upper Deck Demi-Suite: $8,675 per person, double occupancy
Category 1: Sun Deck Suite: $8,915 per person, double occupancy - Deposit
- $3,500
- Final Payment Due Date
- November 6, 2025 (120 days prior to departure)
- Inclusions
- INCLUSIONS:
- 1 Night accommodations and activities in Camagüey, as described
- Gratuities for Camaguey land services (local guide, driver, meals, housekeeping, porterage, live music)
- Expert private Cuban guide and vehicle as per itinerary in Camagüey
- Meals as noted in the itinerary (1B, 1D) in Camagüey
- Private Transportation round-trip Camagüey — Port Jucaro — Camagüey Airport
- 7 nights’ accommodation aboard dive ship
- Tanks and weights
- 4 dives per day (22 total: 20 dives plus 2 night dives)
- Dedicated Snorkeling guide 1:6 (max 12 guests)
- Port taxes and Conservation fees
- All meals, snacks, filtered water, coffee and juice aboard ship
- Aboard Ship: Daily allotment of 6 'specialty' beverages per person (Cuban soda, local beer, wine, and 1 rum mixed drink per day). You may bring your own additional beverages aboard.
- Cuban tourist e-Visa: processed by Conservancy Travel
- Detailed pre-departure information, packing list, insider information for travel to Cuba - Exclusions
- - Air transportation USA — Cuba; airline baggage fees
- Meals not mentioned as included
- Optional activities not stated as included
- Equipment Rental aboard dive ship
- Personal expenses
- Gratuity for ship's crew and dive team: $350-450 USD per person recommended
- Supplemental Cuban Medical Insurance: $100 per person (Mandatory Cuban medical insurance is included with airfare to Cuba)
- DAN Diving Insurance (required)
- Travel Insurance (required) - Travel Insurance
- All Tour Participants are required to obtain comprehensive travel insurance that includes, at a minimum, coverage for trip cancellation, interruption, delay, and medical emergencies. Proof of adequate travel insurance coverage must be submitted to Shedd Aquarium no later than the final payment deadline. Acceptable proof includes either (1) a Certificate of Insurance issued by the insurer or (2) a summary of benefits clearly indicating the policyholder’s name, covered travel dates, and confirmation of the covered benefits.
You may purchase insurance from any licensed provider. Conservancy Travel strongly encourages the purchase of a Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) policy to maximize protection against unforeseen disruptions. CFAR coverage typically must be purchased shortly after the initial deposit (usually within 14 to 21 days) and may be the only means of reimbursement in the event of cancellation due to a Force Majeure event.
Conservancy Travel Tour Protection Plan
https://my.travelinsure.com/conservancytravel/?p=50047 - Cancellation Schedule
- All cancellations are effective from the date that written notification is confirmed as received by Conservancy Travel.
Reservation - 120 days prior to Tour start date: $3,500 per person
119 - 0 days prior to Tour start date: 100% of total order - Terms and Conditions
- https://conservancytravel.org/terms-and-conditions/
For More information and registration assistance
contact@conservancytravel.org
Tel: 334-770-1700
Monday – Friday 9-5 (CST)