Jardines Avalon Fleet

Cuba's southern coast holds a marine reserve that functions as a window into the past. This protected archipelago, Jardines de la Reina, or "Gardens of the Queen," remains largely isolated from the pressures of modern development, supporting an ecosystem that mirrors the Caribbean of centuries ago. Here, healthy reefs are intrinsically linked with dense mangrove forests and extensive seagrass beds, a combination that cultivates an extraordinary density of life. The region is famous for its large populations of resident sharks, including silky, reef, and nurse sharks, as well as Goliath groupers of impressive size. The Jardines Avalon Fleet is a purpose-built diving vessel, providing dedicated and authorized access to explore the richness of this exclusive national park. The daily dive program is structured for efficiency and extensive underwater exploration. All dives are conducted from two sturdy, custom-built tenders that transport small groups to the best sites, ensuring precise drop-offs and convenient pickups. Back on the main vessel, the spacious dive deck is organized for a smooth flow. Each diver has a personal station for gear setup, and ample rinse tanks for equipment and cameras are readily available. A dedicated camera table provides a safe, dry space for photographers to work on their equipment. Dives are led by experienced local guides whose knowledge of the marine park’s currents, topography, and animal behavior is fundamental to the experience. Life aboard is arranged for comfort and relaxation between dives. The vessel accommodates a maximum of 20 guests in 10 private cabins, which include both standard and suite options. Each stateroom is air-conditioned and features its own bathroom, offering a quiet space to rest and recharge. The primary indoor social area is a large, air-conditioned lounge and dining room, perfect for meals, dive briefings, or sharing photos. Outside, a shaded upper deck provides an alfresco lounge area, while the top sundeck is an open-air space ideal for watching the sunset. This top deck is also home to a generous hot tub, a popular spot for unwinding after the day's final dive. Meals are a central part of the onboard social experience, prepared by the vessel's dedicated chef. The cuisine is a hearty and flavorful mix of international dishes and local Cuban specialties, designed to fuel active divers. Breakfast and lunch are generally served buffet-style, offering a wide variety of choices. Dinners are often a more formal, plated affair where guests can recap the day’s underwater sightings together. The crew is able to accommodate most special dietary requirements with advance notification. Throughout the day, guests have access to snacks, water, coffee, and tea, and a selection of soft drinks, beer, and wine is available from the bar. The Jardines Avalon Fleet is a solid and stable motor yacht, constructed in 2014 and receiving a subsequent update in 2015. With a length of 35.05 meters and a broad 6.4-meter beam, the vessel offers substantial interior volume and a steady platform on the water. It is powered by two reliable engines, allowing it to maintain a cruising speed of 12 knots for efficient repositioning between the remote anchorages within the Jardines de la Reina. The yacht is built to carry 20 guests and a full professional crew, with ample capacity for fuel and fresh water to support week-long expeditions in this isolated region. The overall design prioritizes functional comfort and operational self-sufficiency. All itineraries are focused exclusively on exploring the Jardines de la Reina National Park. Trips are typically structured as seven-night circuits, departing from and returning to the port of Júcaro on the Cuban mainland. The vessel operates throughout the year, taking advantage of the region's generally consistent diving conditions. This liveaboard is best suited for divers who prioritize marine life encounters and ecosystem health above all else. It is an excellent choice for underwater photographers and anyone with a strong interest in shark behavior and marine conservation. Guests should be comfortable in a remote setting where connectivity is not available, allowing for complete immersion in the natural world.