JARDINES AVALON F I

Jardines Avalon F I is a 130 foot vessel and has great accommodations for up to 20 passengers and 8 crew members. There are 10 deluxe king cabins, with 9 private bathrooms, with air conditioning and heat controls, electricity plugs, as well as storage in drawers. Each room has panoramic windows to enjoy the breathtaking view of the Caribbean beaches.

There are many outlets on board that provide both 110 and 220V. The beautiful pickled oak interior decor has an open and contemporary atmosphere. The lounging area is a large salon with a set of large inviting sofas that form the central setting and also a desk and PC station. Clean, modern lines combined with a moderate, natural and warm color turn this space into an area that feels like a cozy classical salon. The soft carpet combines remarkably well with the walls. The cushions on the sofas spice things up and give the overall ambiance a subtle edge. On a corner, an intimate dining room with a glass table invites for elegant lunches and dinners; just in front, there is a nice bar. Beside the bar, a comfortable staircase takes us to the lower deck.

On the upper deck, the large dining area is surrounded by comfortable sofas inviting to sit before dinner to enjoy a cocktail while watching the sunset. There is a large bar on one corner with a music system and well equipped to prepare all kinds of cocktails, and also to assist in the preparation and service during dinner. Beside the bar, a glass door leads to the captain’s bridge, including a nice bathroom and crew cabin. At the end of the large dining room, the stairs lead to the roof, to an open area with Jacuzzi, a majestic grill, chairs and an excellent panoramic view.

Meals are usually served on the afterdeck where there’s a nice breeze. Dining on board combines the style of the best Continental Italian cuisine with delicious seafood and traditional Cuban favorites like rice and beans, black bean soup and fried bananas. Beverages available on board are: Bottled mineral water, sparkling and tonic water, various soft drinks, juices, beers, rums, whisky and excellent wines (6 beverages/day are included in the package).

The chef on the Jardines Avalon F I is excellent. The day starts with a hearty breakfast. Lunch and dinners are primarily fresh fish. Lobster is our specialty and is served in a variety of ways. For those who like something different, chicken, pork and beef are also available. Salads and different fruits are served in every meal. Desserts feature our famous Cuban caramel custard, rum-flavored cakes, cookies, puddings, pies and many others. Vegetarian and kosher meals are served on request with many different choices available.

Divers booked on the Jardines Avalon I will board at the port of Júcaro. The trip to Jardines de la Reina lasts 5 hours. Lunch is served on board on the way out, and there is time to kick back and relax with a cocktail, or even get a nap before arriving at JDR.

Program

Arrival: The diving weeks run Saturday to Saturday. We suggest arriving into Cayo Coco, Santa Clara or Camaguey airports. Transfers from these airports are $60 per person one way to Jucaro port. If arriving into these airports, the flight must arrive no later than 12:00pm to ensure same day arrival to the port and navigation to Jardines de la Reina. If clients prefer to arrive and depart in Havana, they must arrive in the city on Friday, overnight, then take the collective land transfer to Jucaro port ($120pp one way — 6 hours). This transfer leaves Havana in the morning and ensures that clients will arriving at the port in time to board and navigate on Saturday. Guests MAY NOT arrive into Havana on Saturday, it must be at least the day before. Diving occurs Sunday thru Friday and will be up to 4 dives/day (including night dives). While on the boat, all meals and drinks are included.

Departure: The boat will navigate to Jucaro port on Friday afternoon and will overnight in port. Clients will depart between 5 and 9am on Saturday morning, depending on the group transfer needs. Flights from Cayo Coco, Santa Clara or Camaguey airports can be booked after 11am and flights out of Havana can be booked after 8:30pm on Saturday or the clients may overnight and fly home on Sunday from Havana.
*Any flights outside of these guideline times will be subject to private transfer fees*

US Citizens: Our cruises fall under the humanitarian and environmental projects general license category.
Marine biologists working with Avalon will be teaching and collaborating with the guests about marine conservation and the Gardens of the Queen's unique ecosystem. The guests will be immersed in a participatory environmental project throughout their diving week that integrates perfectly into the diving schedule while building on a long term sustainable conservation initiative through active engagement from divers, Cuban marine biologists and guides. All travelers will be granted a certificate of participation and completion of this humanitarian and environmental project along with a full itinerary of activities that will certify them as legal under US and Cuban regulations for their diving week.
For more information visit: www.BlueSanctuary.Org

Daily routine

Diving schedule is usually at the discretion of the customers following the instructor’s suggestions with 3 to 4 dives daily. The day begins with a wakeup call at 7:00 am, coffee/tea ready, breakfast at 7:15 am. Our diving instructors are ready to go diving from 8:00 am. Fast diving boats are used to reach diving spots having the opportunity to explore different sites each day and enjoy the view of mangrove channels, virgin beaches, birds and other exuberant fauna during the trips. There is no chance for loneliness; dive guides and crew are available every single minute.

Ask for a quote Boat Layout

Our group guarantees all the equipment required to ensure safety (First Aid kits with O2 on every boat, excellent communications with mother boats and mainland, life jackets, AED etc.). Sunday morning, check-in dive to get acquainted and make sure all equipment is in good shape. During the briefings, our experienced instructors will explain every detail of the dive, from what will be seen in a particular spot to the correct behavior while diving with sharks or highlights of the area and special characteristics of the marine life present. After the first dive, surface interval in one of the beautiful beaches. Second dive and, at midday, boats will return for lunch.

Together with the instructor, arrange time for afternoon dives or for excursions through the lagoon and mangrove channels. Coming back to the live aboard, it is time to drink a frozen “mojito”, enjoy the afternoon pizza and talk about the dives. Around 8:00 pm, dinner is served and, like a family, everyone gets together around the table. Night dives available.

The staff will be in contact every minute to assist and receive special requests or suggestions. Evening time next to the bar, to watch photos and videos while breathing the sea atmosphere, it’s time to plan with the instructors what will happen next day.

On Friday there are 2 dives in the morning then navigation back to Jucaro port where the group will overnight on board the mother yacht and disembark for transfer home on Saturday morning.

Tipping

Tipping is widespread in Cuba. Many Cuban workers rely on tips to supplement their basic income and they all work really hard. Tips help them get a better lifestyle. So if you receive good service, it is very good etiquette to tip accordingly.

Our Recommendations
Recommended $350-450 USD per person. This will be given to the captain or cruise director to be dispersed among the entire staff.
We would like to remind you that we do not accept credit cards on board the boats. You will need cash for any purchases and gratuities. You can easily exchange money at the airport or at any bank for CUC (Cuban Convertible Pesos). The best currency to bring on your trip to Cuba is Euros to get a direct exchange to CUC if you plan to spend any extra time in Cuba. Otherwise, USD is the preferred currency for tips in Cuba.

Extra Expenses

• All port fees and conservation fees will be included on your invoice and must be pre-paid. They cannot be paid on board the boat.
• Any rentals must be arranged and paid for in advance. They will be included on your invoice.
• Any transfers outside of the recommended guidelines and suggestions will be subject to private transfer fees beyond the standard costsfor transfers which will also be included on your invoice.
  *If you have any questions about transfers and logistics, please do not hesitate to contact your Avalon travel representative*