 | 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. |
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
