Have you ever wanted to dive in a place so pristine and wild that it feels like you are entering an underwater paradise? Then Jardines de la Reina, or Gardens of the Queen may just be for you! This beautiful place is an archipelago off the southern coast of Cuba mad up of over 600 cays and islands. This protected marine park is teeming with life and is a favorite destination for divers from all over the world. Here you will find stunning coral reefs with more than 300 species of coral and curious wildlife, making it a paradise for scuba divers and nature enthusiasts alike. Let’s take a look at why this spot is so unique and why you should book your trip today.
What You’ll See
The Jardines de la Reina are home to vibrant coral reefs that serve as a refuge for many species of fish, seahorses, lobsters, crabs, octopuses and other sea creatures. From barracudas to manta rays, parrotfish, nurse sharks to giant stingrays, there’s something new to see around every corner. Its clear waters provide perfect visibility for spotting everything from sea turtles swimming by or eels hidden in crevices. The waters are also home to several endangered species such as hawksbill turtles, queen conchs and even the elusive Cuban Crocodile. You can also expect to some historic shipwrecks left behind from World War II.
Even experienced divers will be amazed at the variety of life here.
The abundant marine life, makes it an ideal spot for underwater photography. Keep your eyes peeled while exploring these waters; you never know what kind of amazing animal encounters you might have!
When To Go
The best time to visit the Jardines de la Reina is during the months of November through April when the weather is dry and sunny with temperatures in the mid-30 Celsius with little to no rain. Visibility usually sits around 25-30m, but can reach up to 45m. In addition to this being the optimal time period for great weather conditions, it’s also when many baby fish start appearing making it a great opportunity to observe their behaviour in their natural habitat. As this area is located in a protected national park, there are strict regulations on tourism numbers so make sure you book ahead of time for your desired dates!
Why Combine Your Trip with Land Excursions?
There have been divers who have been on the live aboard experience mention that they were regretful not having to seen any parts of Cuba or enjoy the culture and hospitality of the Cuban people.
Combining your dive trip with land excursions has its advantages if you want to explore more than just the underwater world – after all, Cuba has plenty of sights worth seeing on land! You’ll be able to explore some of Cuba’s unique culture while enjoying local cuisine, and get a glimpse of life in this magical island and may be even appreciate different aspects of nature such as trekking through lush forests or strolling along empty beaches – experiences that cannot be had underwater!
Enjoy some of Cuba’s most iconic cities like Havana, Cienfuegos and Camaguey before embarking on your live aboard journey in Jardines de la Reina and enjoy some downtime in Trinidad on your way home. This way you can make sure that your stay in Cuba is truly complete – after all, there’s nothing quite like experiencing both sides of this Caribbean paradise!
Jardines de la Reina offers something truly unique – an opportunity to explore an untouched paradise full of stunning wildlife and vibrant coral reef systems. To get the full experience out of this paradise destination we recommend combining your live aboard experience with a land trip – something which will allow you delve further into Cuban culture while still appreciating its natural beauty above water too!
So what are you waiting for? Start planning your next diving trip today! With its combination of beautiful scenery on land and mesmerizing marine life below the surface, Cuba promises an unforgettable experience that any diver will never forget!
