Gardens of the Queen

 

Jardines de la Reina (The Gardens of the Queen) is one of the most well-known scuba locations in Cuba. The submerged scenes incorporate gullies, zeniths, and caverns. Sound mangroves, sponges, and dark corals span the reef. The Garden of the Queen has various sleek Caribbean reef sharks. In the mangroves maze, it's conceivable for tourists to discover crocodiles and sharks. 

Diving in Cuba at The Garden of the Queen is exciting on numerous levels. From hovering sharks to pristine reefs, there's something for each sort of diver. Moreover, diving at the Gardens of the Queen is quite simple. You can anticipate practically no ebb and flow, warm water averaging from 79 °F (26 °C) to 84 °F (29 °C), and excellent visibility of 100 feet (30 meters) or more.

Many of the divers in Jardines de la Reina are attracted by the almost ensured shark sightings. There are some dive locations in the gardens where you will experience more than 30 sharks hovering above and underneath you at once. Primary shark species incorporate massive, 10-foot (3-meter) Caribbean reef sharks and silky sharks. Since these waters have been protected for some time, the sharks are not scared of divers and are regularly drawn nearer simply to experience something adventurous instead of vindictiveness. You should not fear them. Just kick back, relax, and appreciate the incredible show.

While the sharks maybe what everybody is discussing, the territory's perfect reefs fall into a nearby second, much like the name proposes, the Garden of the Queen hosts a reliable garden of delicate corals, sponges, and ocean fans. The size and strength of the reef framework are impressive. You can take in these beautiful scenes at dive destinations like Farallón and Vicente.

Major Attractions
The primary fascination in the Jardines de la Reina (Garden of the Queen) is the sharks. You're assured of sightings of giant Caribbean reef sharks and silky sharks. It's likewise conceivable to experience lemon, hammerhead, nurture, and blacktip sharks based on the season of your visit. Other marine life species in the zone incorporate monstrous groupers, loggerhead turtles, hawksbill turtles, green turtles, queen conchs, snappers, jewfish approximately weighing about 400 pounds, and American crocodiles. Dark corals, staghorn corals, and elkhorn corals are likewise found all through marine biodiversity.

Region

The Garden of the Queen is an intricate biological system of little virgin islands and mangrove woods. This archipelago is found 50 miles (80km) off southern, focal Cuba, and reaches out for 93 miles (150 km) with a region of 840 square miles (2,170 km2), making the Garden of the Queen one of the largest protected territories in the Caribbean. The archipelago runs parallel to the Cuban coast from Cayo Breton to Cayos Mordazo and occupies both the Camagüey and Ciego de Ávila provinces. In light of its location and size, Jardines de la Reina is accessible from the port of Jucaro or by private yacht.

First discovered by Christopher Columbus, Jardines de la Reina was named to pay tribute to his benefactor queen. Consistently, the region endured the hazards of overfishing and Soviet-period manures. It just so happens, the archipelago was the most loved fishing location of Fidel Castro's. After critical exploration by the World Wildlife Federation, the territory was proclaimed a secured public park in 1996. From that point forward, fishing in the zone has been restricted, and the industry in the encompassing region has been profoundly controlled.

Today, Jardines de la Reina has seen a noteworthy increase in the fish populace. Stocks have improved by 30 percent. Besides, the Garden of the Queen is home to countless imperiled or endangered species, including 6 of the ten inhabitant shark species. Exclusive access to only 3000 fortunate divers is given every year in light of preserving the location's diversity and fauna. Do you want to be one of them?  

Best Dive Locales in the area
Scuba Diving at Jardines de la Reina is assorted with 80 dive spots. All the places are spectacularly beautiful, shielded from the challenges of wind and strong currents. Four of the most specific jump destinations are Pippin, Farallon, Vicente, Black Coral I and II.

The dive site Pippin is between 15-24 meters, caverns, and gulches running opposite to the coastline. At the drop-off, the reef bounds with life schools of Grunts, Jacks, and Tarpons alongside Spotted Bird Beams and Turtles. If you're fortunate enough, a curious Hammerhead may swim up from the blue, and Velvety sharks frequently elegant the recreational stop. Vicente is another breathtaking drop-off location. The divider has delightful black coral states in the wall with waters that go 40 meters deep and sharks gracing the void.

One of the most well-known jump destinations is Farallon. A goliath coral mountain, the hill's head is 17 meters deep, and the mountain goes all the way down till the sandy ocean. The coral is partitioned into four sections by caves, which are around 30 meters in length, 3 meters wide, and 10 meters high with an opening at the top, permitting daylight to pour through, which causes it to feel like you are skirting through a different universe.

Diving at Dark Coral I and II is the most energizing feat. The drop-off here has an occupant populace of 30 reef sharks who get incredibly near divers. Dramatic coral developments and channels likewise enhance the dive experience. Divers who want an adrenaline rush can get it at Dark Coral since adventure and dread run throughout the journey.

Your best option for Diving
The Garden of the Queen is an extraordinary place for divers. The primary dive operator is Avalon dive center, which schedules 900 dives for each year. Cuba VIP Travel is a dive partner with Avalon. Our 20 years of experience offering travel to Cuba will ensure an unforgettable seamless experience. We offer pre and post-dive experiences with service at Jose Marti airport in Havana and also the airports in Camaguey and Santa Clara. Avalon with their fleet of liveaboards will ensure a dIve experience of a lifetime.

Don't hesitate to contact us now to begin planning the dive trip of a lifetime. 

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