Diving in Jardines de la Reina

Imagine 250 virgin coral islands set in a sea of turquoise and jade. Los Jardines de la Reina (The Queen's Gardens)", some 60 miles off the mainland of Cuba, are a completely undeveloped natural wilderness, extending over 75 miles.

In 1996, Los Jardines de la Reina was declared a Marine Natural Park. Access is restricted and limited exclusively for Avalon Fishing and Diving Center. Commercial fishing has been banned from all but the outermost edges of the Park.

The little town of Jucaro with its old fashioned wooden houses and 2000 inhabitants is your entrance to this private world of water, fish and coral.

Aside from a stunning variety of marine life, the coral islands are home to a fascinating collection of birds and plants. Birds commonly seen include ospreys, pelicans, frigate birds, spoonbills, and many different sorts of heron and egret. The only mammal is the ‘Jutia’ a tree loving animal the size of a squirrel, while reptiles are represented by a large population of iguanas. The flora is mainly palm trees, differing forms of Caribbean pine trees, sea grapes and the ever present mangroves.

Imagine a marine wilderness with walls covered with brightly hued sponges and corals plunging well below the limits of safe diving to shallow reefs filled with both schooling and solitary fish. The bones and maybe the booty of old Spanish galleons lie on the reefs, providing excitement for the diver and home to corals, sponges and fish.

Sharks are one of the main attractions and are everywhere. You can easily dive weekly with 5 different species of “Carcarinus”; Silky, Caribbean Reef, Lemon, Black tip, Nurse and you have chances to dive also with Whale sharks and Hammerhead sharks. The best opportunity for video and photography lovers in the Jardines is from Oct until May. Water clarity and visibility are at their peak, up to 200 feet. During summer time, June- -August you will have more fish around due to the reproduction season.

Avalon Cuban Diving Centers is the only operator allowed by law in this entire area and hosts no more than 350 divers a year.

Visit our website: http://www.divingincayolargo.com

Avalon Cuban Diving Centers Staff

Diving in Cayo Largo

With the experience and enthusiasm of the Italian team carrying out the successful operation in Jardines de la Reina, is now starting a new project in Cayo Largo. Although this small island was already known as a diving destination, its value has never been recognised.

Cayo Largo is a paradisiacal island, not yet reached by mass tourism. As from your arrival in the small international airport, you are immediately captured by this timeless heaven. Here you forget your watch, the day is just spent between unforgettable immersions, relaxing siestas on striking white beaches and evening aperitifs at the Marina bar.

The Diving Center is located at the center of the Marina. The boats that will take the divers to the dive sites are just a few meters away.

What is really new is the choice of the dive sites! Avalon diving center, with his 15 years experience at the Jardines de la Reina, has selected the most spectacular spots, which can only be reached after a one/two hours boat ride : Cayo Blanco, Cayo Sigua, Cayo Rosario are a real paradise for divers.

Visit our website: http://www.divingincayolargo.com

Avalon Cuban Diving Centers Staff