August 6-13, 2022
7 nights onboard the Jardines Aggressor II + up to 4 dives a day
Join Blue Planet on the trip of a lifetime! Enjoy 7 nights exploring the spectacular Gardens of the Queen (Jardines de la Reina) National Park. During the week, Cuban specialists will host nightly discussions and presentations on the marine environment, conservation, and the importance of this magnificent ecosystem. Interactive exchanges will discuss how Cuba has maintained one of the healthiest marine ecosystems in the Caribbean. *THIS TRIP IS FULL*
Gardens of the Queen
Cuba's Jardines de la Reina or 'Gardens of the Queen' was named by Christopher Columbus to honor Queen Isabella of Spain. It is located 60 miles off the southeastern coast of Cuba and is the largest marine reserve in the Caribbean. In 1996, the area was declared a National Park and has been protected and managed for conservation ever since.
The Gardens of the Queen National Park encompases a chain of 250 pristine coral and mangrove islands extending along 75 miles of clear, turquoise water. It is also widely recognized to represent one of the healthiest marine ecosystems in the Caribbean.
Divers will see pristine coral reefs, steep walls dropping from the reef crest into the deep, large populations of fish including Goliath grouper weighing up to 400 lbs, large schools of multiple snapper species, large rainbow and midnight parrotfishes, eagle rays, sea turtles and much more. Additionally, several species of sharks are commonly seen including silky, caribbean reef, blacktip, lemon, hammerhead, and nurse sharks, plus the occasional whale shark.
The Jardines Aggressor II
The Jardines Aggressor II is a 120’ yacht with a wide beam built and powered for comfort, safety and stability, is diesel-powered, cruises at 10 knots and has 110-volt power onboard. She sleeps 24 guests in privacy and comfort. Accommodations include two Balcony Suites and ten Deluxe staterooms, each with a private bathroom, air conditioning and more.
The Jardines Aggressor II has a roomy, air conditioned salon and dining area, sun deck complete with a hot tub, lounge and deck chairs, stereo and CD player (has an IPod plug-in), shaded wet bar and grill, a complete photo center with a digital video and still photo editing computer.
Diving amenities include Nitrox (must be prepaid), individual dive lockers, camera table with low-pressure air hoses, and two hot, fresh water showers. All diving is done from 2 tenders with sturdy aluminum ladders on each side. The spacious dive deck shares the main deck with the salon.
Travel
Due to COVID restrictions, travel plans are in flux. Check with the shop to confirm what the latest plans are for arrivals and departures into Cuba.
For more information on traveling to Cuba for this trip, visit the Oceans For Youth Foundation website. Please contact the shop before booking any flights.
Package Price
$4,399 USD per person, double occupancy. This includes:
- 7 nights, Saturday to Saturday, onboard the Jardines Aggressor II.
- Transfers to and from Havana to Jucaro to meet the yacht.
- All meals and snacks, non alcoholic beverages, and local beer/wine.
- 5 1/2 days of diving and conservation program with marine experts.
This does NOT include:
- international or domestic airfare
- hotel in Havana ($195pp)
- port fees ($190)
- conservation fees ($100)
- rental gear or Nitrox charges
- dive accident insurance (required)
- dive trip insurance
- tips
IMPORTANT: Please read before registering for this trip
Oceans For Youth Foundation is licensed by the U.S. Treasury Department for educational programs to Cuba through the licensed ‘People to People’ Cuba Group travel program. All payments must be made directly to Oceans For Youth Foundation by the traveler who is participating in the Cuba Travel Program. That means we will only accept payments by check made payable to Oceans For Youth Foundation and they must include the confirmation number #3366.
Once you complete the registration form below, you should send a check for the deposit as described above immediately to the shop! We will only accept payments on a first come, first serve basis.
Payment Schedule: (all via personal check)
First payment due February 1, 2022: $2000
Final payment due April 30, 2022: $2399
And finally, please note the terms regarding cancellations below. Since Blue Planet is not collecting payments directly for this trip, we cannot provide refunds. Have more questions about the People to People travel program? Visit the Oceans For Youth Foundation FAQ.