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Avalon FAQs

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Each guest has an allotment of six (6) specialty beverages per day.

Specialty beverages include a limited selection of sodas, local beer, wine, and one (1) rum mixed drink per day, such as mojitos, daiquiris, etc.

Guests are welcome to bring your own liquor aboard the vessel.

All dives are led by a divemaster or a dive instructor with typically a 5:1 ratio, divers to guide. The guides are knowledgeable, take photos and make a trip video that is shared later onboard.

Yes. The trip from / to Camagüey / Port Jucaro is 2 hours long.  Ground transfers are from Camagüey’s Ignacio Agramonte International Airport (CMW).

The trip from Havana is about 7 hours.   They will pick you up at the Parque Central Hotel at 8am.

See All Star Cuba’s Trip Info page, Ground Transportation section, for current pricing.

Payment for Camaguey is paid in advance and can be made with your final payment.

By all means, yes. There will always be a diving buddy for you. Many of our passengers come aboard as singles and it’s a great way to meet other likeminded adventure travelers who love to dive!

Side mount diving is possible. Bring your BCD with you to accommodate this setup.

We do not have the ability to accommodate rebreathers.

At the present time, dive instruction is not available.

The protected marine park only allows catch and release fishing if you have bought the fishing package.

Yes, with prior arrangement, you can rent dive gear. For rental rates, click here. Please request these items on your Trip Application. All rentals must be ordered and paid in advance of your trip. No rentals or purchases can be made on the boat.

If you are a certified diver, yes you can. Be sure to bring your certification card (c-card) with you; we’ll need to see it prior to your diving. The minimum age for diving in Cuba is 15 years old.

Dive instruction is not currently offered aboard All Star Avalon in Cuba.

At the present time, dive instruction is not available.

Unfortunately, not at the present time for U.S. citizens, as all hotels in Cuba are on the U.S. State Department’s prohibited accommodations list. You either have to book the people-to-people add-on with us, which includes stays at Casa Particulares (Private Homes – like Airbnb), or fly in the day of.

If flying in the day of, it’s probably best to fly into Camagüey (CMW). This would likely require an overnight in Miami or Fort Lauderdale so you can catch an early morning flight.   

For a list of Private Accommodations, click here.

At the present time for U.S. citizens, all hotels in Cuba are on the U.S. State Department’s prohibited accommodations list.

Your option is to book the people-to-people add-on with us, which includes stays at Casa Particulares (Private Homes – like Airbnb), or fly in the day of.

If flying in the day of, it’s probably best to fly into Camagüey (CMW). This would likely require an overnight in Miami or Fort Lauderdale so you can catch an early morning flight.   

For a list of private accommodations in Old Havana, Vedado, Miramar or Camagüey, click here.

NOTE: please see details regarding ground transfers from each destination.

This program makes it legal to dive in the Jardines de la Reina, Cuba.  To learn more about the Blue Sanctuary program, click here.

All U.S. citizens traveling to Cuba need:

  1. A passport valid for at least six months after the date of entry,
  2. A completed Travel Affidavit found in the top paragraph,
  3. A copy of your Blue Sanctuary workshop certificate. and
  4. An e-visa. See details below.
  5. A D’Viajero form.

e-visas must be applied for in advance. Please use this link:  https://cubavisaservices.com/product/e-visa/. Once you complete the e-visa, you will receive an e-visa number. You will need the e-visa number to complete the D’Viajero form. The D’Viajero form can be completed up to 7 days prior to your arrival.

Divers are required to keep all 5 documents for a period of 5 years from his/her travel dates.

Between fall and spring, a wetsuit is recommended. The chart below will give you a general idea of the water temperatures and what weight wetsuit you will need. When deciding which wetsuit works for you, consider that you will have the opportunity to dive as many as 5 times a day and it takes your body a while to warm up. Wetsuit needs are different for everyone. A general guideline follows.

The Jardines de la Reina (Gardens of the Queen) offers opportunities to go ashore and explore and enjoy the uninhabited beaches. For these occasions, we highly recommend proper footwear. Flip flops are not always suitable. We suggest water shoes or TEVA type sandals. Sneakers are fine but they will get wet!

It is best to check with the CDC when arranging your travel plans. Information can be found here: CDC Travelers’ Health

***Latin American Citizen traveling to Cuba:  Travelers over nine months of age must provide a YELLOW FEVER VACCINATION CERTIFICATE, if they are coming from countries with the risk of infection such as Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Panama, Paraguay, Peru and Venezuela. Travelers must be vaccinated 10 days before entering Cuba. Information can be found on the following site: International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers.

It is required that all divers purchase diving accident insurance.

Proof of certificate of diving accident insurance is required.

For more information and to purchase dive and travel insurance, visit the providers below:

Diveassure:  For annual combination trip and dive accident insurance.

Travelex requires Cuba dive policies to be purchased by phone. Purchase of Travelex insurance must be more than 21 days from date of travel. Please call Monday – Friday 8am-7pm CST – 1-800-228-9792. Additional information is needed:

  1. Reason for travel as listed on the traveler’s visa:  515.567(b)
  2. The Travel Service Provider (TSP)/Travel Agency/Cruise Line:  All Star Liveaboards
  3. If the visa lists “Educational Activities” travel, the name of the Sponsoring Organization is required: Blue Sanctuary

All dives are guided aboard All Star Avalon. Solo diving is not allowed.

Cabins feature TVs with HDMI hook-ups but no iPod docking station. Music is typically playing on the boat. They do feature salsa night and offer salsa dancing lessons.

Most buses have restrooms on board. There are restrooms at the rest stops. We suggest bringing a packet of toilet paper or tissues, as most of the public restrooms do not have it.

The vessel has both 220-volts and 110-volts. Bring converters/ adapters (the 2 round prong style) if wanting to plug into the 220-volt and European style plugs. The majority of plugs in Cuba are normal flat American style. Devices should not be left unattended while charging in your cabin. Fireproof charging bags – Lipo [lithium polymer] Guard – are available for purchasing online or check with your local dive shop.

All Star Cuba departs from Jucaro in the south-central region of Cuba.

The closest airport to the docks is Camagüey (CMW). Ground transfers to/from the following airports can be arranged.

Camagüey’s Ignacio Agramonte International Airport (CMW) – 3 hours away

Ground transfers can also be arranged from Havana – 7 hours away.

For more information on Sanctioned Businesses in Cuba, ground transfers and pricing, click here.

Please also read the following page thoroughly:  USA Cuba Dive Travel Info.

HAV is the airport code for Havana’s Jose Marti International Airport. Major carriers fly into Havana.

The mangroves and shallow reefs are perfect for snorkeling with crystal clear waters and lots of fish, both small and large! You will need to bring mask, fins and snorkel. If you have not snorkeled before, the crew will be happy to instruct you. If you don’t have snorkel gear, we have some available for rent but they will need to order it on your Trip Application. All rentals must be ordered and paid in advance. No rentals or purchases can be made on the boat.

Divers will have the opportunity to log up to 18 dives per week – three (3) dives per day plus one night dive during the trip.  You may upgrade to 4 dives per day for $250.00 which would give you 22 dive including 2 night dives.

One (1) night dive is offered during the trip with three (3) dives offered each day. If divers are interested in doing additional night dives, this can be discussed with the instructor. Two sources of light are required and could be: two flashlights, a flashlight and a tank light, video lights, etc. A main night light and a back-up source are required. Please request these items on your Trip Application. All rentals must be ordered and paid in advance. No rentals or purchases can be made on the boat.

Divers will need cash for any purchases and gratuities. On the bus from Havana to Jucaro, stops will be made for food and restroom breaks. A crew gratuity of 15% is customary.  US$ or Euros are accepted everywhere.

Yes, nitrox is available for $130.00 per week per diver.  Nitrox must be paid for prior to your trip. For information and pricing, click here.

Smoking is only permitted on the top deck where receptacles for butt disposal are located. Please do not throw them overboard.

No, we do not offer Wi-Fi or internet connectivity on board. You may use your cell phone data plan when in cell range.

The average water temps in Cuba’s Jardines de la Reina (Gardens of the Queen) are found in the table below.

The fees are for permits and conservation fees. Fees are paid in advance.

We serve three meals a day. Breakfast is made-to-order. Lunch and dinner are served family style with a choice of entrees. Gourmet meals showcase Cuban and international cuisine. Fresh seafood, including lobster, are featured. Snacks and fresh fruit are always available. A selection of beverages are always on hand from soft drinks, bottled water, juices, beer, wine, and rum drinks.

Vegetarian diets can be accommodated. Due to limited product availability and food labeling it can be difficult to accommodate allergies and vegan or gluten-free diets.

For individuals, we require a per person deposit of $1,000 to confirm the space. Balance is due several months prior to departure. We accept credit cards (MasterCard, Visa, and Discover), personal check, money order and wire transfers. For more details on amounts due and when, click here.

Imports under Section 515.582 (i.e., imports from licensed independent entrepreneurs not on the Department of State’s prohibited list) must comply with all current U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) formal and informal entry requirements, as applicable. This means that, while there is no value cap on the amount of goods that may be imported under this provision, the applicable duties in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) must be considered.

U.S. visitors to Cuba can now bring home a total of $400.00* USD worth of goods acquired for personal use and of that, $100.00* USD worth may be any combination of cigars, rum and other alcoholic products. Travelers may still purchase as much original Cuban artwork, music, and books as they would like to bring it back to the U.S. but, rules are changing frequently. Please note that any large items that do not fit in your luggage may have to be left behind at the Cuban airport of departure.

*Subject to change.

Certified scuba divers need snorkel, fins, mask, and regulator with pressure gauge, buoyancy compensator (BC), u/w watch, and depth gauge. For night dives the minimum requirement is two light sources: a dive light plus a backup dive light, a non-strobing marker light or a chemical light stick (cyalume). We provide tanks, weights and weightbelts. For rental rates, click here. Please request these items on your Trip Application. All rentals must be ordered and paid in advance. No rentals or purchases can be made on the boat.

The Cuban government does not allow GPS devices, drones or satellite phones. They will be confiscated upon arrival. Kindles, iPads, laptops and cell phones with GPS on them are still permitted but don’t work in the Jardines de la Reina.

Please carefully click and read the  three (3) page document. It explains in detail the requirements for those traveling to Cuba through the U.S. and other countries (e.g. Canada, Mexico, Panama, UK, EU, etc.)

All guests joining an All Star Liveaboards’ trip to Cuba, including non-U.S. residents, must adhere to the proposed humanitarian and environmental project program.

If you experience any changes or delays in travel to Cuba, our U.S. Reservations Office is open weekdays. The U.S. Reservations Office can take your calls Monday thru Friday 9:00am – 5:00pm EST at 800.327.9600 (U.S. and Canada) or 954.734.7111.  We recommend that you purchase trip insurance.

  • Diveassure:  For annual combination trip and dive accident insurance. Included cancellation due to Covid.
  • Travelex: Travel protection for a single trip. You may choose the TRAVEL SELECT policy and select the optional ADVENTURE SPORTS COVERAGE upgrade which waives the policy exclusions for extreme sports such as scuba diving. Purchase of Travelex insurance must be more than 21 days from date of travel.
  • DAN World: This is a short-term dive insurance policy. This is NOT a travel insurance policy.

Vegetarian diets can be accommodated. Due to limited product availability and food labeling it can be difficult to accommodate allergies and vegan or gluten-free diets.”

Let us know upon booking if you require special meals. Please remember that you are participating in an adventure travel vacation that is occurring in a remote part of the world. Many of the modern conveniences, brands and pre-packaged goods we use at home are not available in remote destinations. As such, many special requests that are very specific may be difficult to accommodate.

Finally, if you are celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or other special life event, please let us know. Our crew stands ready to assist you in making your special day something to remember.

If someone needs to get in contact with you because of a true emergency, they may contact our U.S. Reservations Office and we will relay the message. The U.S. Reservations Office can take your calls Monday thru Friday 9:00am-5:00pm EST at (U.S. and Canada) 800.327.9600 or Worldwide 954.734.7111.

The message may not be received until the boat returns to the dock. Most cell phone plans do not over international coverage in Cuba. Set your phone to airplane mode and avoid using cellular data to avoid high charges. Satellite phones brought into the country are confiscated by the government.

Dive liveaboard cruising is an appealing alternative to conventional land-based dive vacations and larger cruise ships. We offer a richer travel experience – one that goes beyond the typical tourist sites. Aboard All Star Cuba, you’ll get to experience a week of delicious meals and great diving along with optional included excursions and eco adventures.

Departure from Jucaro is at 6 pm or whenever the last transfer bus arrives.   You will spend the week moored in Jardines de Reina (Gardens of the Queen) making 2 morning dives and a afternoon dive or night dive.   You will return to Jucaro after making 2 morning dives on Friday.    Departure from the Avalon is at 7:30 Saturday morning.   To view a sample itinerary, click here.

Cuba’s Jardines de la Reina (Gardens of the Queen) Marine Park is protected and governed by Blue Sanctuary, a sustainable management program, known throughout the world for its conservation efforts. Divers can discover 6 species of sharks, large populations of adult fish, like Goliath grouper and tarpon, along with the macro-critters. Healthy colorful corals in all textures and sizes abound. A diving experience here rivals that of the Coral Sea in SE Asia without having to travel half-way around the world.

The liveaboard business is a service industry, and although the general public is seldom aware of it, gratuities are a major part of a crewmember’s salary. Few other recreational activities rely so heavily upon the professionals in charge for your enjoyment and safety. A gratuity of 15% is customary, but many leave more when they feel the service was outstanding. If you are disappointed with the service, you should inform the captain of your feelings right away so he may rectify the situation. Gratuity can be paid in CUC, EURO or USD. 

The atmosphere on board the All Star Cuba is always relaxed and casual. You’ll spend your days in bathing suits and casual wear. Bring shorts or pants, T-shirts and a windbreaker. Also bring a pair of sandals, hat, sunscreen (reef-safe) and sunglasses. In winter, a sweatshirt or sweater is advisable. The boat doesn’t have a gift shop, so you will need to bring everything you need from home. Here is a quick checklist.

We have 80 CF (12L) and 100 CF (15L) tanks for guests to use. There is no additional charge for the use of the larger 100 CF (15L) tank however, we have a limited number of these on board so note this request on your Trip Application.

Boarding the vessel can begin any time after 2:00pm. Typically the buses from Havana and Camagüey arrive after boarding has begun.

The All Star Cuba returns to port on Friday. Guests overnight on the vessel and disembark by 9:00am on Saturday in order to board the bus  Camagüey or Havana.

While staying in a protected marine park, you’ll be surrounded by opportunities in and above water and on land. In the water, you can snorkel, among the mangroves where young fish flourish, and with the endangered Cuban crocodiles. Elkhorn corals are on the endangered list and critical to reef building. In one location in the park, they thrive in shallow waters making them accessible only to snorkelers. Other important corals also found here. On the water take an excursion through a mangrove channel or a lagoon, and a sunset watching cruise. On land, feed indigenous endangered wildlife – hut’as and iguanas, explore islands and inlets or birdwatch. The park’s wetlands are home to 68 species of birds as the migrate from North to South America.

The tanks are equipped with yoke valves and we have DIN adaptors available.

Motion sickness medication should be brought along in the event that we encounter rough seas. We want you to be comfortable. The boat will moor in calm anchorages and scuba diving will be done from tenders. The best thing about a liveaboard diving vacation is that we can flex our schedule to go where the weather and conditions are best!

Divers will need cash for any purchases and gratuities, including the dive boat crew gratuity.  Most people & businesses will accept US$ or Euro’s.   You can easily exchange money at the airport or at any bank for CUC (Cuban Convertible Pesos). Major hotels and banks offer favorable currency conversion rates. 

6 species of sharks can be seen in the Jardines de la Reina Marine Park (Gardens of the Queen), Cuba – Caribbean reef, silky, nurse, lemon, great hammerhead, blacktip and seasonally whale sharks.

There will be a stop for snacks, drinks and a bathroom break about half-way to Jucaro. You are welcome to bring water and snacks on board.