Cuba Photo Workshop October 2025

Cuba Photo Workshop October 2025

Join us aboard the Jardines Avalon for an extraordinary 7-night photo workshop in Cuba! Embark on a journey of discovery as we explore the captivating underwater world of the Jardines de la Reina (Gardens of the Queen), a protected marine park known for its pristine coral reefs and diverse marine life.

Why Join This Trip?

• One of the best Caribbean diving destinations
• Excellent destination for scuba divers of all levels
• Comfortable accommodations aboard the 180-foot Jardines Avalon
• FREE daily photo workshops
• For guests holding a US passport, this cruise falls under the humanitarian category as defined by the U.S. Department of Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).

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Trip Overview

The underwater paradise is all that comes into mind when you first enter the Cuban waters, the vertical walls covered with brightly hued sponges, the huge Pilar Corals (Montastraea Annularis), the black corals extending the branches in the contrasting blue water, many species of gorgonians, fragile laminar corals (Agaricia sp.) showing its beautiful shapes through crevices, canyons and caves built along thousands of years of invertebrates work, converting tons of calcium carbonate into architecture masterpieces, all this combined with one of the biggest fish diversity and biomass of the Caribbean makes each dive an unforgettable experience.

For guests holding a US passport, this cruise falls under the humanitarian and environmental projects general license category. Marine biologists working with Avalon will be teaching and collaborating with guests about marine conservation and the Gardens of the Queen's unique ecosystem. Guests will be immersed in participatory environmental projects perfectly integrated into their diving program, supporting the long-term sustainable conservation initiatives. All guests are 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.

Read about our 2023 Cuba Trip here.

[See: Cuba Dive Travel Guide]

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Inclusions

• 7 nights double-occupancy accommodation on the Jardines Avalon (Avalon may occasionally move groups between boats in their Jardines Avalon Fleet to ensure guests are in the most suitable accommdation)
• All meals and snacks throughout the day
• Filtered water, coffee, tea, and local juice
• 6 specialty beverages per day (soda, local beer, wine, rum mixed drinks)
• 3 dives per day (17 dives + 1 night dive)
• Free daily underwater photography workshops
• Round-trip group transfers from Camaguey (designated pick-up/drop-off points only) on arrival/departure day
• Tanks and weights

Exclusions

Due to financial restrictions in Cuba, all additional items must be paid for in advance. The boat cannot take payment onboard for anything except gratuity, which can only be accepted in cash.

• Land transfer between Havana and Juraco Port ($150 one way)
• Port Fee ($240)
• Conservation Fee ($120)
• Nitrox ($120)
• Equipment rental ($290)
• Transfers outside arrival/departure day or to/from non-designated pick up points

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Trip Type

This trip is a PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP. It will be led by one of our photo instructors and will include daily underwater photography tutorials, in-water photography support, and one-to-one advice and guidance as required.

What to expect from our Photo Workshops

• Daily photo workshops - Your photo instructor will schedule seminars each day on topics including, but not limited to, equipment type and selection, the concept of underwater photography, lighting and composition techniques, and post-processing. They will also include topics relevant to the location and your experience such as the use of snoots & diopters, single vs multi-point light sources, plus daily macro-specific assignments to practice your skills.
• In-water support - Where possible, each dive group will spend time underwater with the photo instructor, receiving in-water support and guidance on their shooting techniques.  Participants can also request in-water assistance during the workshop and the photo instructor will do his or her best to accommodate all requests. 
• Consecutive days of practice & review - Each day you will have the opportunity to practice the techniques and skills learned in the previous day’s tutorials. If you are new to underwater photography you will likely see a vast improvement in just a few days.
• Daily photo image reviews - You are strongly encouraged to bring your laptop, a thumb drive, edit your photos, and submit your shots for review from both the instructor and your peers. These are fun and interactive sessions encouraging you to improve throughout the trip.
• Quality time with fellow photographers - Both new and experienced photographers from past workshops have expressed the advantages of joining a trip with like-minded divers with a passion for underwater photography.
• Suitable for everyone - New and experienced photographers are welcome on all our trips. Gain the necessary skills to start shooting great photos, increase your confidence in finding the best underwater shots, or hone specific skills. We also encourage non-photographers to join, as many of them really enjoy the daily photo reviews, learning about underwater photography, and some have even returned to a photo workshop with an underwater camera setup!

Enjoy free, unlimited access to a wealth of knowledge and advice from your photo instructor.

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About The Jardines Avalon

Please note: Avalon may occasionally move groups between boats in their Jardines Avalon Fleet to ensure guests are in the most suitable accommdation.

The Jardines Avalon, a remarkable 180-foot liveaboard vessel, is a testament to Avalon's unwavering commitment to delivering an exceptional experience for anglers, divers, and eco-adventurers exploring the captivating Jardines de la Reina in Cuba. Crafted purposefully, this vessel has taken the place of the beloved Tortuga, presenting 20 thoughtfully appointed staterooms designed to accommodate a diverse range of preferences. Each room boasts private bathrooms, individually controlled air conditioning and heating, ample storage, and versatile double beds. The sun deck, featuring two hot tubs, offers an enchanting space to revel in panoramic views of the Gardens of the Queen. The upper deck includes eight double rooms, a dining area, and a covered patio, while the main deck houses an additional eight double rooms, a cozy lounge area, and a generously spaced rear deck for seamless gear organization.

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Avalon Fleet Boat Features

• Next generation Northern Lights Chiller AC individually controlled
• Large AC lounge
• Large open-air areas
• Top open air bar with hot tub
• 12 people crew
• Laundry service
• Daily housekeeping
• Audio & video entertainment
• TV & aircon in cabins
• Indoor saloon
• Warm water showers
• 220v in bar and restaurant
• USB in bar, restaurant, rooms

Avalon Fleet Dive Facilities

• Nitrox
• Huge dive deck and camera tables
• DIN adaptors
• Rinse hosts
• Tenders for diving
• Dive equipment rental

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Travel Information

Camaguey (CMW)

Camaguey offers non-stop daily flights through Miami, FL  with American Airlines and is approximately a 3 hour bus transfer from port. 

Arrive into Camaguey by Saturday 18th no later than 2pm. Depart from Camaguey on Saturday 25th NO earlier than 11am. 

Havana (HAV)

N.B. the transfer from Havana to the boat takes a minimum of 6 hours and costs $150 per person.

Arrival Flight: Must arrive into Havana the day before embarkation (17 Oct) or earlier. Overnight in Havana - we recommend booking hotel accommodation via AirBnB or a similar website. The transfer to Jucaro Port will depart early morning on Oct 18 from the Iberostar Parque Central Hotel (Old Havana) and Melia Habana Hotel (Miramar). 

Departure Flight: Saturday (25 Oct) no earlier than 8pm out of Havana. Though it is suggested to overnight in Havana and fly out on Sunday.

Guests Joining the Havana Tour

Arrival Flight: Must arrive into Havana no later than 11.30am on October 15 to catch the group transfer and the start of the tour. Guests arriving later in the day will need to arrange a private transfer.  If you arrive the day before, we recommend booking hotel accommodation via AirBnB or a similar website.  

Read about our previous trips to Cuba: Cuba Group Trip 2017 with Katie Yonker and Cuba Group Trip 2017 with Tim Yeo.

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Payment Schedule

• Deposit: $800 deposit
• Payment 1: $1,000 due October 1, 2024
• Payment 2: $1,000 due April 1, 2025
• Balance: due July 1, 2025

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Want To Extend Your Trip?

We can help with that! See more of Cuba before or after your trip with Bluewater Flying all that way merits a multi-destination vacation! Cuba is an amazing destination that offers a range of additional unique experiences. Here are some examples of packages we can add on to your trip reservation.

*Rates are subject to change at any time; please contact us for the most updated pricing.

3-NIGHT, 3-DAY DISCOVER HAVANA TOUR

Prices start at $1,899 per person, double occupancy and $2,299 per person, single occupancy

Take the opportunity to extend your trip and discover the vibrant Cuban capital, Havana. This 3-night, 4-day guided tour will give you a taste of Havana's unique culture, vibrant nightlife, and delicious cuisine. The tour starts with a group transfer pick-up from Havana Airport at 12pm noon on October 15th. Guests arriving later will need to pay for a private transfer to join the rest of the group. On October 18th you will rendevous with the Avalon transfer for the journey to Port Jucaro.

Itinerary

• Day 1:  Wednesday, 10/15/25 | ​​​​​​Private Lodging
• Flight Florida to Havana (ETA Havana by late-morning is recommended in group to avoid separate shuttle cost). (Note mandatory airport check-in for Cuba requires 1 hour as absolute minimum or boarding will be denied.  We recommend 2 hours).
• Airport greeting by Guide, group shuttle to Havana & opening meeting.
• Intro to Cuba lunch with University of Havana political science professor and former UN diplomat: a free-wheeling discussion on Cuba’s political system, economy, trade and travel restrictions, role of women in Cuban society, approach to LGBTQ, Fidel’s literacy project, health care, etc.  Q & A session – healthy dialog encouraged.
• Begin walking and photography tour of Old Havana, the UNESCO World Heritage city, with expert guide, focusing on its founding, development as a world tourism destination, its architecture, music and art, including visits to its main plazas: Plaza de las Armas / Palacio de los Capitanes Generales/ Palacio del Segundo Cabo, moving along through Plaza San Francisco de Asís, Plaza Catedral (stop at graphic artists workshop and stores nearby at Callejon Chorro); and Plaza Vieja 
• Check-in at lodging
• Private Cigar and Rum tasting experience with Abel Espósito, the first Habanos Man, appointed by Fidel Castro and Gabriel Garcia Marquez.
• Traditional evening of dinner & music at the Buena Vista Social Club, the group that brought the unique Cuban rhythms to an international audience
• Late night music options at one of these venues: La Zorra y el Cuervo (“The Fox & the Raven”, Cuba’s iconic jazz club); or at “Claxon”, or “23 & H”) 
• Day 2:  Thursday, 10/16/25 | ​Havana ​​​​Private Lodging
• Breakfast at lodging
• Salsa dance lesson (1 ½ hours) in a private dance salon –”two left feet” are welcome for this fun dance experience!
• Classic American vintage convertible car tour of greater Havana - 1 hour ending on the Malecon, Havana’s social gathering place, with a brief walk to the iconic Hotel Nacional, HQ of the Cuban Revolution, home to the Mob, Mafia, international movie stars and glitterati through Havana’s “Roaring ‘50’s”.  Optional:  enjoy drinks on the veranda overlooking Havana Harbor 
• Lunch at café
• Visit the colorful Jaimanitas neighborhood of “Fusterlandia,” the unique creation of ceramicist Jose Fuster (dubbed “The Picasso of Cuba”), that over the years has spawned dozens of small streetside businesses and drawn many thousands of tourists; opportunities to purchase works of the artists
• Dinner at Casa Lilliam paladar (“paladares, private family-run restaurants, that once permitted quickly became the main “engine” for rapid growth in Cuba’s private enterprise sector)
• Cabaret Parisien Show – located in the Hotel Nacional – “Habana de Fiesta” cabaret show with spectacular Latin-themed Las Vegas style music and dance 
• Day 3:  Friday, 10/17/25 | Havana​​​​​ Private Lodging
• Breakfast at lodging
• “Walk in the shoes of an average Cuban” visiting government rations store, coffee shop, local markets
• 11:00 a.m. Private cooking and mojito lessons with Cuba’s famous “TV Chef” followed by lunch of the lesson’s recipe “creations”
• Visit to Callejon de Hamel, the Havana home of Cuba’s predominant Santeria spiritual faith (akin to Haiti’s Voodoo; practiced by 63% of the population).  Visit artist galleries in neighborhood.
• Tour the Spanish Colonial architecture of Cemeteria de Colon, Cuba’s most visited site, or Continue walking tour of Old Havana visiting Parque Central, Museum of the Revolution and Havana Fine Arts Museum
• Dinner in the VIP Room of Tierra Restaurant  inside Fabrica de Arte Cubano (“FAC”), Time Magazine’s 2019 “Top-100 World Destinations”
• After dinner, enjoy the varied artistic media, music, the cafe and overall vibe of Fabrica de Arte Cubano.
• Late evening of music along Havana’s waterfront Malecon Habanero or strolling the Old City’s streets 
• Day 4:  Saturday 10/18 | departure to Avalon Dive trip at Jucaro Marina
• Early breakfast at lodging
• Bid farewell to guide & driver, group shuttle to hotel to meet up with the Avalon dive shuttle for Jucaro port

Inclusions

• Havana Airport arrival group transfer at 12pm on Oct 15th
• High-quality lodgings - all private, air-conditioned
• All meals, many at Cuba's best private restaurants
• Private English-fluent Cuban guide and specialty guides throughout your trip
• Private dedicated driver, air-conditioned vehicle throughout
• Admissions & fees
• Welcome drinks
• A full itinerary of local cultural experiences, visits, and tours
• Legal Itinerary for Cuba - as required by the U.S. Treasury Department

Exclusions

• Extra alcohol
• Tips (tipping guide provided)
• Additional pre-trip cultural days as requested
• Private airport shuttle(s) outside allotted time ($75USD per person)
• Transfer from Havana to Jucaro Port ($150USD per person)

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Photo Gallery 

Photos by Romona Robbins Reynolds

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