An almost virginal archipelago of 250 coral and mangrove islands, some 65 miles into the Caribbean Sea off the Southwestern coast of Cuba, awaits the discerning diver. A National Marine Reserve with restricted access, this really is a completely undeveloped natural wilderness.
WHY WE LOVE DIVING IN JARDINES DE LA REINA:
Undoubtedly one of the very best shark diving destinations
An underwater photographers dream, with 7 species of shark in one place!
Beautiful corals, gin-clear water, and crocs too!
JARDINES DE LA REINA GALLERY
Diving in Jardines de la Reina
Named by Columbus in honour to Spanish Queen Isabel, Jardines de la Reina can be translated as The Queen's Gardens although some divers call it today the Galapagos of the Caribbean for its 65 mile long mangrove and coral island system forming a natural barrier and ensuring calm waters.
There is no commercial fishing in the Natural Marine Reserve and the number of inhabitants is zero. 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. All this coupled with wondrous lush nature and pristine beaches…could you ask for a more heavenly place on earth?
Sharks are in abundance here – every dive will put you in close proximity to numerous Caribbean reef sharks, silky sharks, lemon sharks and if your luck is in, even the rarest of beasts, the elusive great hammerhead shark!
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All trips to Jardines de la Reina are for 7 nights, and include 6 full days diving, with 3 dives per day. Board on a Saturday, disembark a week later. In between? Dive, eat, sleep, repeat! All in the most amazing marine environment.
WEATHER
Winter average of 27°C / 81°F
Spring average of 28°C / 82°F
Summer average of 32° C / 90°F
GETTING HERE
Flights from LONDON
9 hours
Transport from HAVANA
5 1/2 hours
TIME DIFFERENCE
GMT - 5 hours
Deep Thought
Despite the plethora of predatory giants, marine life packs the coral reefs absolutely everywhere you look! October to May are the very best times to dive here, with visibility exceeding 50 metres!
- John
WATER TEMPERATURES
Winter average of 23°C / 73°F
Spring average of 25°C / 77°F
Summer average of 29° C / 84°F
VISIBILITY
30 to 60m / 100 to 200ft avg