All Star Liveaboards

All Star Avalon is a dedicated dive liveaboard exploring Jardines de la Reina – the Gardens of the Queen – a vast, strictly protected marine park off the south-central coast of Cuba and one of the Caribbean's last pristine reef systems. Trips depart from Port Júcaro and run for seven nights, taking divers deep into a 100-kilometre chain of mangrove cays and coral reefs that lies more than 50 miles offshore, far from any development. Diving here is famous for its abundance of large marine life. The reefs teem with Caribbean reef sharks and silky sharks, huge Goliath and black grouper, schooling snapper and jacks, healthy elkhorn and barrel-sponge formations, and – in season – American crocodiles patrolling the mangroves. Because the park has been closed to commercial fishing for decades, the ecosystem offers a rare glimpse of the Caribbean as it once was. The seven-night itinerary includes up to three day dives daily with one night dive offered during the week, all within the marine park. Comfortable cabins, full-board Cuban and international cuisine, and an experienced local dive crew make the Avalon a relaxed base for serious underwater photography and shark, grouper and reef encounters. The boat carries up to 20 cabins, with single travellers paired by request and a premium suite available on selected departures. Published rates start from around US$3,275 per person for low-season (June–September) weeks and US$3,950 per person standard, plus a port fee and marine-park conservation fee; contact the operator for current pricing and availability.