February 15th - 28, 2026

+++ Cuba La Reina +++

🇨🇺

Diving the Pearl of the Antilles

If you like the following, this trip might be for you:

A Unique Combo

Cuba is high on a lot of travellers' bucket list. A place where time stood still, loaded with historical and political importance, but also with natural resources which are hard to find elsewhere. That is why we designed a culture & dive combo: a 7 day cultural itinerary through Cuba, combined with a 7 day liveaboard experience in the best diving area the country has to offer. Making everyone's travel time worth it!

Jardines de la Reina🍃

Located off the southern coast of Cuba, the "gardens of the queen" are renowned for their pristine coral reefs and abundant marine life. Coral gardens teeming with colorful fish, encounter Caribbean reef sharks, and rare species such as the critically endangered Cuban crocodile are expected. With its crystal-clear waters and protected status, Jardines de la Reina offers some the best diving in the Caribbean.

Cultural Galore 🗺️

It's no secret Cuba carries exceptional cultural heritage. Its vibrant music, dance, and colonial architecture are simply unique. Additionally, the country's history, from the Spanish colonial era to the Cuban Revolution are fascinating and are the reason the country is packed with historical sites. Our optional 7 day roundtrip through Cuba before the diving action will get you a perfect dose.

Photography Tips 📷

David Serradell is the BTM Travel trip leader on this journey. He is not only a scuba and freedive instructor but also a professional underwater photographer! With some small adjustments, this is the guy that can help you take your underwater photos to the next level.

Exquisite Timing 🕒

Diving in Jardines de la Reina in February offers excellent conditions to explore this pristine marine reserve. With calm seas, warm temperatures, and clear waters, it's an ideal time for underwater adventures. You'll find tranquility and natural beauty, making it a memorable experience for divers of all levels.

Caribbean Energy ⛵

Diving in the Caribbean exudes a laid-back and tropical vibe, characterized by warm waters, colorful reefs, and swaying palm trees. Alongside tropical fish and cruising sharks, the Caribbean's relaxed atmosphere and stunning underwater scenery create an unforgettable diving experience.

Something Different

A diving & culture combo in the Caribbean is something completely different than the usual diving journeys we have on offer. If you are looking to do something else that still offers a stellar underwater experience, this one might be it! 🌊

Marine Protected Area

Jardines de la Reina is protected as a marine park and marine reserve, ensuring the preservation of its pristine coral reefs and vulnerable marine life. Diving in a protected are is just a tad bit more special. 🌏

A BTM Travel Special

"A combo of this magnitude doesn't come by often. One of the best dive spots in the Caribbean combined with a cultural richness that not a lot of countries can offer... We are proud to offer this one actually."

- Marcel, BTM Travel founder -

Meet your BTM Trip leader

David Serradell

Professional Photographer & Trip Leader

Cuba De La Reina 🇨🇺

Pre-tour: Feb 15- 21, 2026

Liveaboard: Feb 21 - 28, 2026

Liveaboard Jardines de la Reina Price:

€ 4.299

per person in a shared deluxe cabin (see details below for what is included in this price)

Included:

7 nights accommodation in a shared deluxe cabin
3 dives/day (17 dives + 1 night dive)
All meals, snacks, filtered water, coffee and juice
6 speciality beverages per day (alcohol, soft drinks)
Tanks and weights

Not included:

Airfare
Land transfers to and from Jucaro Port (can be arranged upon request)
Land portion tips and crew gratuities
Beverages beyond the daily allotment of 6
Equipment Rental
Port Fee: 200 EUR
Conservation fee: 100 EUR
Nitrox: € 100 pp.

Price with Optional Cuba Tour:

€ 5.999

per person (see details below for what is included in this price)

Included:

See tab “Cuba Tour Itinerary” for the full itinerary!
Roundtrip and private transfers in air-conditioned vehicle (taxi/minivan/microbus/bus) of local standard quality with driver.
Excursions, visits, hotels, restaurants and entrance fees according to the program
1. to 7. day local English-speaking guide
6 nights in the above-mentioned accommodations (according to availability)
6 x breakfast / 4 x lunch / 1 x dinner

Not included:

All meals and drinks not mentioned in the program (see “Cuba Tour – Itinerary” Tab)
Personal expenses and tipping of any kind
Optional excursions

Important: We highly recommend DiveAssure insurance which also covers force majeure and single missed days of diving due to sickness. Feel free to ask us about it. Further extensions in the Caribbean are always possible we’re happy to assist! Our terms & conditions apply!

Get in touch!

1.Day 15 Feb 2026 Welcome to Havana (25 km)

Reception and welcome at the airport and transfer to your accommodation in Havana.

Transfer Havana Airport – Havana City

Overnight in: Standard Room with Breakfast
Hotel Palacio de los Corredores (**** Plus) 15 Feb 2026 – 17 Feb 2026

A former custom office during the colonial times, this eclectic building has been turned into an elegant 55- room hotel. The discreet terrace overlooking the Plaza de San Francisco is the ideal place to enjoy the last rays of the sun.

2.Day 16 Feb 2026 Havana – Colonial & Modern (50 km)

In 1982, the UNESCO declared Havana’s historic city center as a world cultural heritage site. There is no city in whole Latin America with a larger colonial center. Enjoy a walking tour exploring the old city centre through the alleys and over the squares of Old-Havana: Plaza de Armas, Templete, Palacio de los Capitanes Generales, Plaza de la Catedral, Plaza Vieja… Also enjoy a panoramic tour passing by the Malecón, Hotel Nacional, Avenida de los Presidentes, Plaza de la Revolución, Quinta Avenida and much more.

Walking tour through the historic centre of Old Havana.

Visit to Museum Palacio de Segundo Cabo:

The Palacio de Segundo Cabo was built in 1770 and today it still maintains its original charm. As the first interactive museum to open in Cuba it rethinks the classic museum layout in order to enrich the experience of visitors. It is the center for the interpretation of Cuba-Europe cultural relations. The modern museum uses new technologies to highlight the link between the two regions in the fields of heritage and culture

Lunch at the Paladar ” Moneda Cubana”.

Tour of the Havana Club Rum Museum:

A Journey to the origin of the most famous drink of Cuba. From the cut of the sugar cane, to the distillery process and the aging cellars, you will discover the process of elaboration of the rum, essential part of the authentic Cuban culture. A glass of rum will be offered at the end of the guided tour.

Panoramic Tour in Classic convertible car inside Havana.

Revolution Square – Plaza de la Revolución:

The Revolution Square is a public square and with 72,000 square meters one of the largest in the world. It was created in the time of President Fulgencio Batista and was originally called Civic Square. Nevertheless its international fame began with the Cuban Revolution. Here you find the Monument of José Martí, the Ministry of the Interior with the well-known image of Che Guevara and the Ministry of Communication with the image of Camilo Cienfuegos.

3.Day 17 Feb 2026 Havana – Bay of Pigs (220 km)

In the morning, drive in the direction of Central Cuba to the Peninsula de Zapata. One of the country`s most diverse ecosystems and UNESCO Biosphere reserve.

Finca Fiesta Campesina

About 400 meters on the right after the exit “Jagüey Grande/Australia” on the Autopista Nacional you can find this rustic “Finca Rest Area” with a kind of mini-zoo and the possibility to get acquainted with a variety of the typical native flora and fauna. The highlights are the delicious coffee specialties, which are served with a piece of sugar cane. (1 fruits snack & 1 juice included. / Drinks and other meals not included.)

Casa del Zunzún

The roomy backyard of Bernabé’s house has become a natural space for a great variety of Cuban bird species to live in absolute freedom. Among them you will find the “bijirita” (vermivora bachmanii), the “tocororo”(priotelus temnurus), the “carpintero” (picidae) and the “toti” (ptiloxena atroviolaceus). The highlight of the visit will be watching a zunzuncito (hummingbird), the smallest bird in the world, having a sip of water from the very hand of Bernabé.

Lunch at the restaurant “Cueva de los Peces”

Specializing in regional cuisine, the restaurant is surrounded by lots of vegetation and is located right next to the deepest flooded cave in Cuba, the “Cueva de los Peces”. Here you can snorkel and find paths that connect other cenotes, as well as observe different species of birds and reptiles, making this restaurant an unforgettable experience.

Villa Plata Tropical (*** Star) 17 Feb 2026 – 18 Feb 2026

The house Villa Plata Tropical is a beautiful and modern property that perfectly fit in a natural and very quiet environment. The house offers a total of 7 spacious rooms with a nice decoration

4.Day 18 Feb 2026 Bay of Pigs – Cienfuegos – Trinidad (255 km)

In the morning drive to Cienfuegos, a port town characterized by its French colonial architecture also known as the “Pearl of the South”. Walk through the historic city center with its main square José Martí and the nostalgic Terry Theater, where Caruso used to sing. Continue along the panoramic coastal road to Trinidad, a UNESCO world cultural heritage site.

Excursion “Enigma de las Rocas”

Trek through a rocky forest area and flooded caves where birds, reptiles and other species can be watched.

Walking tour through the historic centre of Cienfuegos

Palacio de Valle

This is probably the most famous building in Cienfuegos. It was built in 1917 by Cuban and foreign architects for the sugar baron Acisclo del Valle Blanco. Its architecture is a mixture of Gothic, Venetian and Moorish elements. (1 Cocktail included.)

Paddle Punta Gorda kayak tour Private without transfer

Enjoy half-day of kayaking in the bay of Cienfuegos. From the sea you will be able to appreciate the neighborhood of Punta Gorda and its eclectic architecture. After a break in the north-eastern part of the bay, you will continue to the Marlin Marina, where the tour ends.

Overnight in Hotel Mystique Trinidad (***** Star) 18 Feb 2026 – 21 Feb 2026 (Deluxe Standard Room with Breakfast)

La Popa is situated on top of a hill that dominates the entire city and right beside the ruins of an old church. This high-standard hotel was inaugurated at the start of 2020. The hotel’s terrace is in a privileged location which offers a spectacular views of sunsets over the sea. The centrally located pool is ideal to escape the Trinitarian heat.

5.Day 19 Feb 2026 Trinidad

One full day for Trinidad. Founded in the year 1514 and today the country`s most perfectly preserved colonial city. City walking tour through the old town with Plaza Mayor

Walking tour historic centre of Trinidad

Museo Romántico Palacio Brunet

Guided tour of the Romantic Museum of Trinidad. See the furniture, porcelain and various objects to get a glimpse into how one of the most prominent families in Trinidad lived during the 18th Century.

Lunch at the private restaurant (paladar) “La Ceiba”

Under the shade of an impressive leafy kapok tree, symbol of Afro-Cuban religion, you can experience unforgettable moments. Enjoy local cuisine with a wide range of Caribbean dishes in a pleasant garden atmosphere with a fantastic view of the picturesque mountain landscape.

Cocktail Lesson at Paladar “La Ceiba”

Under the shade of an impressive and leafy kapok tree, symbol of Afro-Cuban religion you can experience unforgettable moments. Learn more about the history of cocktails made in Cuba today. The bartender will introduce you to this art and you will learn how to mix different national cocktails easily. Afterwards, of course, you can try one of the refreshing cocktails.

Canopy Valle de los Ingenios

A truly spectacular adventure in Trinidad. Enjoy the breathtaking view over the sugar mill valley while you propel down the five zip lines.

Slave watchtower – Torre Manaca Iznaga

Visit to the Manaca-Iznaga-Tower which offers a wonderful panoramic view of the Valle de los Ingenios. It weirdly served as watchtower to prevent slaves from escaping the Finca.

6.Day 20 Feb 2026 Trinidad & Sierra Escambray (70 km)

In the morning, head to the mountain health resort and national park Topes de Collantes (800 m) in den Sierra del Escambray, Cuba’s second highest mountain range. 30 minute drive along a curvy street through the rainforest. On the way, photo opportunity with panoramic view over the Caribbean ocean. A paradise for hikers, bird watchers and botanists.

Excursion Canyoning in the heights of the Nengoa

Side by side with a trained guide and perfectly equipped you climb into the depths of the Nengoa Cave! Experience an unforgettable and, above all, adrenaline-packed adventure! The Topes de Collantes National Park is just the right spot to practice outdoor sports such as canyoning. The different levels of difficulty of the gorges in the national park enable even visitors without prior knowledge to enjoy this unique experience. However, swimming skills are a must! After a short briefing almost every visitor, experienced or inexperienced, is prepared for the descent. Of course, the entire excursion is accompanied by trained staff who are available all the time. In addition to the adventurous descent, visitors can also enjoy the unique flora and fauna and a microclimate that only exists here.

7.Day 21 Feb 2026 Trinidad – Jucaro ( 170 km)

Early in the mormining transfer from Trinidad to Jucaro to make boarding with Avalon II liveaboard.

The Jardines Avalon II

Jardines Avalon II, a 136′ long and 25′ wide professional steel yacht, adheres to SOLAS shipping standards, typical of Avalon Fleet’s vessels. Powered by diesel, it maintains a cruising speed of 10 knots and is equipped with 110-volt power onboard.

The yacht boasts a spacious, air-conditioned salon and dining area, along with a sun deck featuring a hot tub (Jacuzzi), lounge and deck chairs, stereo system, shaded wet bar and grill, as well as a comprehensive photo center complete with digital video and still photo editing capabilities.

There is no WIFI aboard the boats during the week in Jardines de la Reina. There is also no cell service out in Jardines de la Reina as you are 60 miles off the coast of Cuba.

Itinerary

Saturday

Transfers to Jucaro Port (3hrs to 6hrs)
Board between 2 -3pm
Navigate out to the Gardens (3-5hrs)

Sunday – Friday:

Diving and Adventures
2 dives AM – Lunch – 2 dives PM

Friday mid-day:

2 x morning dives
Wash & hang gear to dry
Head back to Jucaro Port
Overnight in port aboard mothership

Saturday early morning:

Disembark and transfers accordingly

Cuba

Cuba, a Caribbean island nation, is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant atmosphere. From its colorful streets adorned with classic cars to its pulsating music and dance scene, Cuba exudes a unique charm that captivates visitors from around the world. The island’s history, shaped by indigenous Taíno peoples, Spanish colonization, African influences, and more recent revolutionary movements, has left an indelible mark on its culture. Visitors can explore UNESCO World Heritage sites like Old Havana, where cobblestone streets lead to majestic colonial-era buildings and lively plazas resonating with the rhythms of salsa music. Cuba’s cultural richness is also evident in its literature, art, and cuisine, which reflect the country’s diverse heritage and resilience in the face of historical challenges.

Beneath the turquoise waters that surround Cuba lies a breathtaking underwater world teeming with life. The island’s extensive coral reefs, including the renowned Gardens of the Queen, harbor a dazzling array of marine species, from colorful reef fish to majestic sharks and graceful sea turtles. These ecosystems provide vital habitat for countless marine organisms and support the livelihoods of local communities dependent on fishing and ecotourism. Moreover, Cuba’s commitment to environmental conservation has led to the establishment of marine protected areas and initiatives aimed at preserving its marine biodiversity for future generations to enjoy.

In addition to its natural beauty, Cuba’s underwater world offers unparalleled opportunities for exploration and adventure. Scuba divers and snorkelers flock to the island to discover its pristine reefs, underwater caves, and sunken shipwrecks, where they can encounter an astonishing diversity of marine life in crystal-clear waters. Whether exploring vibrant coral gardens, encountering playful dolphins, or marveling at the eerie beauty of underwater caves, Cuba’s marine treasures never fail to leave a lasting impression on visitors, inspiring awe and appreciation for the wonders of the ocean.