All Star Avalon Fleet Liveaboard Overview

Smiling woman with blonde hair standing at a railing above a coastline with houses and the seaDIVEIN contributor Rebecca Strauss taking a selfie near a city canal
By Ashley MearaRebecca Strauss
All Star Avalon liveaboard yacht cruising calm open water
Onboard the All Star Avalon fleet, consisting of the Jardines Avalon II, Jardines Avalon III, and Jardines Avalon IV, guests are guaranteed a luxurious liveaboard experience.
The Avalon fleet liveaboard cruising open water under a clear sky
All three vessels have identical amenities, differing only in size and maximum occupancy, ranging from 20 to 40 guests.
The Avalon fleet liveaboard viewed from the water with life rings on deck
The shaded dive decks all feature warm-water showers.
The Jardines Avalon III liveaboard anchored against a cloudy sky
The Avalon fleet, comprising the Jardines Avalon II, Jardines Avalon III and Jardines Avalon IV, partners with All Star Liveaboards to offer guests unparalleled access to one of the most ecologically abundant dive areas in the Caribbean.
Sun loungers and a shade canopy on the Avalon fleet's top deck
Each of the three boats offers a comfortable, spacious experience onboard.
A silky shark swimming near the surface with sunlight streaming through the water
Catch a bit of sun on any of the top decks.
Twin cabin beds with fish-motif headboards aboard the All Star Avalon
All cabins come standard with air conditioning and en suite bathrooms.
Dining area with wooden bar and table seating aboard the All Star Avalon
Meals are frequent, food is abundant, and snacks are available all day.
Shaded lounge seating on the upper deck with fruit on a table
Choose a shady spot for your surface interval.
A diver observing a goliath grouper resting on a seagrass bed
Because of its protected status, seeing sharks in the Jardines de la Reina is almost a given.
A school of silver jack fish swimming over a reef
Limited to fewer than 3,000 divers annually, Jardines de la Reina is a pristine and exclusive year-round dive destination with ideal conditions.
A saltwater crocodile swimming just beneath the surface with sunlight above
Expect excellent visibility, and minimal current.
A dive boat with divers boarding, twin outboard motors visible at the stern
Now's your chance to come face to face with a crocodile underwater.
A dense school of yellow and silver snapper over a reef
Unique dive sites are only accessible through Blue Sanctuary-approved All Star Avalon liveaboards.
A group of hammerhead sharks and red fish swimming over a rocky seabed
With more than 80 dive sites in Jardines de la Reina, divers will have plenty of beautiful reefs to explore.

Where to book

Lying 60 miles off the southern Cuban coast, the Jardines de la Reina, or Gardens of the Queen, unfolds as an extensive archipelago, extending 124 miles (200 km) and showcasing numerous unspoiled beaches, islands, and reefs. This secluded locale stands out as a premier year-round diving destination in the Caribbean, offering encounters with reef, hammerhead, silky, lemon, and nurse sharks, as well as abundant macro critters.

The best way to visit this safeguarded national park is on a liveaboard. The Avalon fleet, comprising the Jardines Avalon II, Jardines Avalon III and Jardines Avalon IV, partners with All Star Liveaboards to offer guests unparalleled access to one of the most ecologically abundant dive areas in the Caribbean.

With more than 80 dive sites in Jardines de la Reina, divers will have plenty of beautiful reefs to explore. Eco adventures are an exciting addition to this cruise, offering the opportunity to snorkel with endangered crocodiles, feed furry native hutías and iguanas, go birdwatching, and assist with conservation efforts.

Let’s dive into our review of the All Star Avalon fleet.

About this overview

To help you decide whether this liveaboard fits your dive style, budget, and comfort needs, we’ve researched the boat, itinerary, onboard experience, diving setup, and overall value.
We review liveaboards based on the details that matter most during a multi-day dive trip, including cabins, food, crew support, dive operations, safety, route quality, and how the boat compares with similar options in the destination.

Recommended in: Liveaboards in Maldives

Disclosure: We are reader supported, and may earn affiliate commissions when you buy through us.

Things we like:

  • Eco-adventures offered throughout trip
  • Unique dive sites only accessible through Blue Sanctuary-approved All Star Avalon liveaboards
  • Diverse topography
  • Up to 22 dives, including two night dives
  • Warm and consistent water conditions year-round

Things we don't like:

  • Limited space in accommodation
  • Lack of updated gear

Where to book

All Star Avalon liveaboard yacht cruising calm open water
Liveaboard.comNo booking fees

Diving on the All Star Avalon

A large goliath grouper swimming past a diver near a coral reef
A spotted eagle ray gliding over a reef with a small fish swimming below it
A group of silky sharks circling just below the surface
Dive gear storage area aboard the All Star Avalon with wetsuits hanging and tanks lined up
A saltwater crocodile swimming just below the surface in shallow green water
Four reef sharks swimming together beneath the sunlit surface

Scuba diving with the All Star Avalon fleet in Cuba through the Blue Sanctuary program offers an exclusive liveaboard experience. Limited to fewer than 3,000 divers annually, Jardines de la Reina is a pristine and exclusive year-round dive destination with ideal conditions, excellent visibility, and minimal current. Sea temperatures peak in August and cool off from December to April. Cuba is rarely affected by serious tropical storms despite higher rainfall from June to November.

Divers can enjoy up to 22 dives, including two night dives, in Cuba’s pristine waters, encountering diverse marine life. There are 30-foot power boats associated with every vessel to ferry divers to sites, in groups of about 10. The diving and marine conservation team, led by a marine biologist, underwater naturalists, and experienced dive guides, offers a carefully curated experience unique to All Star liveaboards. 

The Gardens of the Queen serve as a sanctuary for six shark species, including Caribbean reef, silky, nurse, lemon, great hammerhead, and blacktip, with seasonal whale shark appearances.

Highlights:

  • Two night dives included in trip
  • Year-round shark diving
  • Remote and exclusive dive sites

Onboard the All Star Avalon Fleet

Blue sofa seating and coffee tables in the All Star Avalon's lower salon
Dining area with wooden bar and table seating aboard the All Star Avalon
Twin cabin beds with fish-motif headboards aboard the All Star Avalon
Shaded lounge seating on the upper deck with fruit on a table

Onboard the All Star Avalon fleet, consisting of the Jardines Avalon II, Jardines Avalon III, and Jardines Avalon IV, guests are guaranteed a luxurious liveaboard experience. All three vessels have identical amenities, differing only in size and maximum occupancy, ranging from 20 to 40 guests. 

Interior spaces offer well-designed areas for dive briefings, underwater camera setup, charging stations, and educational presentations.

The shaded dive decks all feature warm-water showers, and all cabins come standard with air conditioning and en suite bathrooms. Inside, there’s plenty of room at mealtime in the spacious dining room and bar area of each boat. Round that out with an upper sundeck featuring lounge chairs and a hot tub, and you’ve got a memorable week in the Jardines de la Reina.

Highlights:

  • Hot tubs with a perfect sunset view
  • Photo centers with charging stations
  • Large living areas for educational briefings or socialization

Dining onboard the All Star Avalon fleet

Buffet counter with stacked plates in the All Star Avalon's dining room
Long communal dining tables and chairs in a bright galley aboard the Avalon fleet
Buffet trays of rice, vegetables and meats set out on deck aboard the Avalon fleet
Dining room with yellow place settings and a drinks fridge aboard the Avalon fleet
Drinks and wine set out on a bar counter aboard the Avalon fleet

Your diving package includes three daily meals and daily snacks. Breakfasts are tailored to your preferences, and the culinary team prepares family-style lunches and dinners. Meals are a blend of Cuban and international flavors with local ingredients. The menu offers vegetarian options and a variety of fresh seafood, including lobster.

Snacks are always available throughout the day. Guests with dietary needs should make them clear at the time of booking. Note that severe allergies, gluten sensitivities, or vegan preferences may be a challenge due to sourcing constraints and food labeling complexities. Included beverages are coffee, soft drinks, bottled water, and select wines, beers, and rum cocktails.

Highlights:

  • Complimentary wine, beer, and select drinks
  • Local flavors of Cuba emphasized in menus
Key facts
Year built:2018
Rental equip:Yes ($)
Camera station:Yes
Internet:No
Min logged dives:No minimum
Nitrox:Yes ($)
Aircon:Yes
Trip length:5-7 Nights
Price range:Mid-range

Where to book

All Star Avalon liveaboard yacht cruising calm open water
Liveaboard.comNo booking fees
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