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Scuba Center Eagan
1571 Century Point
Eagan, Minnesota 55121
(651) 681-8434 |
Scuba Center Minneapolis
5015 Penn Ave South
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55419
(612) 925-4818 |
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Cuba (Gardens of the Queen): Nov 8-15, 2025* |
Cuba Dive Research Trip
Legal
Educational Travel to Cuba for U.S. Citizens & Residents
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Welcome to Cuba! Our mysterious and alluring neighbor to the south has been
one of our most demanded destinations in recent years and we absolutely love
it, so here we go again! This time we’ll be returning to Gardens of the
Queen - a marine park located south of the eastern mainland. A marine
reserve since 1996, this archipelago hosts the third largest reef system in
the world! And while it may have been Fidel Castro’s favorite place for
fishing back in the day, only limited catch-and-release fishing is allowed
in this massive park spanning 840 square miles. Join us for a one-of-a-kind
underwater experience and a sure great time! |
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The
Gardens of the Queen is a key bucket list dive destination because of its
complete and utter uniqueness. You’ll enjoy underwater landscapes such as
canyons, pinnacles, and caves. You’ll experience thriving mangroves,
sponges, and black corals blanketing the massive reef. You’ll swim with
several different species of shark, grouper, and schooling fish. You'll explore unique topography – walls with tunnels, caverns
and giant ledges, home to tarpon and fairy basslets. This
biologically diverse mecca is full of life and one of the only places still
showing no signs of bleaching. Beyond bearing witness to this lush
ecosystem, the diving in the Gardens of the Queen is refreshingly
approachable. With warm waters (79-84F) and little to no current, diving in
the Gardens of the Queen is suited for beginner divers and expert divers
alike. |
Diving with sharks is a highlight of our liveaboard trips in
Cuba. Here in the Jardines de la Reina Marine Park (Gardens of the Queen),
it’s the number of species that is so remarkable: silky sharks – known for
their smooth skin and propensity to swim near the surface, lemon sharks –
named for their bright yellow or brown color and noted as being social
creatures, great hammerhead sharks – the largest of this famous species,
nurse sharks that prefer to spend time on the bottom, and seasonally whale
sharks. Whale sharks are the largest species of shark and are recognized by their unique white
spots. Because the park’s waters are protected and untouched by the
masses, sharks are much more friendly and curious than in many dive
destinations. |
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The
only way to experience the Gardens of the Queen is by liveaboard. But unlike
other liveaboards, think of this as a floating hotel. Calm seas and
favorable weather make for a smooth ride all week long. In fact, the vessel
will be moored for a good amount of your trip since dive sites are
relatively close to each other. Our vessel is equipped with a spacious,
shaded dive deck with designated counters for cameras, a sundeck with a hot
tub, and ensuite bathrooms for each cabin. |
In addition to diving, you’ll have the opportunity to snorkel the
mangroves, birdwatch for up to 68 species of bird, enjoy unparalleled
sunsets, explore the archipelagos, and snorkel with crocodiles!* |
* All activities are subject to availability.
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Side trip to Camaguey to be announced soon! |
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Includes: |
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7 nights accommodation aboard Avalon III
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Up to 4 dives per day
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Snorkeling with crocodiles
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Participation in Blue Sanctuary program
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Dive guides
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Tanks & weights
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All meals
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Beverages (coffee, tea, juices, sodas,
beer, wine, and rum)
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Airport transfers
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Port & Conservation fees
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Not included in the package: |
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Nitrox ($130 per person. Must be prepaid.)
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Roundtrip airfare.
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Incidental charges: Individual group members will be responsible for
their own charges including but not limited to beverages and bar bill,
telephone, internet usage, sightseeing, equipment rental of any sort,
gratuities and any other items of a personal nature.
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Meals not listed on itinerary.
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Incidental charges: Individual group members will be responsible for
their own charges including but not limited to beverages and bar bill,
telephone, internet usage, sightseeing, equipment rental of any sort,
gratuities and any other items of a personal nature. Suggested "walking
around cash" will be discussed at the trip meeting. |
US credit cards are generally NOT accepted in Cuba at this time. |
Suggested "walking around cash" will be
discussed at the trip meeting. |
Please note the following: |
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Dates: Nov 8-15, 2025 |
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Trip Cost: (Double Occupancy) |
Standard: $4560.00 ** |
Balcony Suite: $5160.00 ** |
** Price is for liveaboard only! Side trip to
Camaguey to be announced! |
*All rates quoted by Scuba Center include
a 2% discount for cash/check payments. |
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Reservations /
Deposit Information: |
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Registration:
An application for this
trip must be completed by each traveler at the time of registration. You may
pick up a trip application at either store or print out our
Scuba Center Trip Application. Complete the application and fax, mail or drop off in
person with a $1000 non-refundable deposit per person. |
For more information, contact our
Travel Department. |
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Sample packing checklist
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