Cuba Photo Workshop October 2025

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.

Add our optional 4 Day / 3 Night Discover Havana Tour and journey into the heart of Havana’s vibrant culture. Explore UNESCO-listed Old Havana through guided walking tours, enjoy private cigar and rum tastings, and immerse yourself in the city’s rhythms at the Buena Vista Social Club. Highlights include salsa lessons, a ride in a classic vintage car, visits to iconic landmarks like the Hotel Nacional, and the colorful artistry of Fusterlandia. Savor Cuban cuisine with a cooking class led by a famous chef and discover the dynamic energy of the Fabrica de Arte Cubano.

[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

Discover Havana Tour - 4 Days / 3 Nights  - Optional Land Extension

Additional $1,899 per person, double occupancy / $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. 

Discover Havana Tour 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

Discover Havana Tour 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

Discover Havana Tour 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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Trip Type

This trip is a PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP. It will be led by one of our photo instructors who will provide daily instructional tutorials, in-water photography support (when appropriate), and one-to-one advice and guidance, as required. Each workshop offers a bespoke syllabus, crafted by the trip leader and detailed on the trip webpage. While our Photography Workshops are aimed at divers with an interest in underwater photography, anyone is welcome to join.

Learn more about what's included in this trip type.

Trip Syllabus

Bluewater's Cuba photo workshop with Dan Bishop is all about learning how to create captivating images in one of the most pristine habitats in the Caribbean: Cuba!

This workshop will include 7 days of formal instruction plus 1:1 help as needed. Each day, there will be a one-hour class which will include PowerPoint presentations, group discussions, image reviews, 1-on-1 training, and live demonstrations (e.g., Adobe Lightroom Classic, Premiere Pro, Topaz).

Foundational Topics will Include: 

• 1. Successful Wide Angle Photography Fundamentals 
• 2. One-Time Camera Setup (DSLR/Mirrorless and Compact Cameras) 
• 3. Focusing Fundamentals: Understanding Depth of Field, Autofocus Types, Focus Tracking, Back Button Focusing, Focus Pipper, and Underwater Focus Techniques 
• 4. Exposure Basics: Understanding the Exposure Triangle and how to effectively use Shutter Speed, Aperture, and ISO for underwater images. Also includes an in-depth review of Strobe Techniques 
• 5. Composition: Understanding how to Compose captivating images that 'tell a story' 
• 6. Putting It All Together: Understanding how to incorporate Shutter Speed, Aperture, ISO, Strobes, and Composition Techniques into a simple underwater workflow
• Each topic will include definitions, techniques, tips, and example images to illustrate the points.

Intermediate Topics will Include: 

• 1. Additional Wide Angle Techniques: Understanding how to shoot Sun Balls, Subjects on Sand, Close Focus Wide Angle, Sea Lions, Diver Models, Silhouettes, and Ambient Light Shots 
• 2. Introduction to Lightroom Classic: PowerPoint and Live Demo to Cover: 
• a) Lightroom Key Concepts 
• b) Library Module Overview 
• c) Develop Module Overview 
• d) Basic Editing Workflow: In-depth walkthrough of Image Import, Best Image Selection techniques, Global Edits for general exposure and color correction, Image Export and Collections

Advanced Topics will Include: 

• 1. Advanced Lightroom Editing: In-depth walkthrough of Local Edits (masking types and techniques, local color corrections, local exposure adjustment, etc), Backscatter Removal, and Imaging Sharpening and Denoising techniques using Lightroom and Topaz
• 2. Time permitting, there will be a video editing overview using Premiere Pro
• There will be an evening sign-up sheet for additional 1:1 help on any topic (photo or editing), schedule permitting. In addition, Dan will provide basic help underwater as conditions permit.

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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.

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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Flight 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.

Flight Package 

Our group trips attract guests from all over the globe and many of our customers prefer to book their own flights to take advantage of mileage points or credit card discounts. For these reasons, flights are not included in our group trip packages.

However, we are more than happy to work with you to find the best travel itinerary for your trip and will gladly give suggestions and advice, even if you make the final booking. We will check through your travel reservations at any time to ensure they fit with the trip schedule and can give recommendations on transit hotels and day tours where needed. 

If you would like us to book flights, hotels, and transfers for your domestic and/or international travel on your behalf, we are also happy to arrange this. Please be advised that there is a 10% fee for this service to cover our booking and administration costs. 

Contact Us for more information.

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About the Trip Leader

Dan is a passionate underwater photographer based in northern Virginia.  He did his first dive at age 14 and has been an avid photographer for more than 25 years.  Dan started out as a skydiving photographer and videographer, and then took that passion underwater.  Since then, he has spent as much time underwater as possible, often with one or both of his daughters.  Dan loves sharing his photography knowledge with others and is experienced with both wide angle and macro photography.

Read more about Dan Bishop

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Recommended Gear

• 3mm wetsuit. Browse Wetsuits at Bluewater Photo
• SMB. The Mares Dive Marker Buoy is our choice!
• Skins. Check out these sharkskins. 
• Snorkel gear. We recommend the Cressi ZS1 & Corsica Snorkeling Package
• Travel BCD. Read our Best Travel BCD Article
• Travel regulator. We suggest Mares Ultra 62X Dive Regulator
• Anti-fog. Check out JAWS Quick Spit Antifod Spray
• Dive light/torch. We suggest Kraken NR-2000 Dive Light
• Pointer. OrcaTorch is our recommended
• Dive computer. Take your pick of dive computers at Bluewater Photo. 

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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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Photo Gallery 

Photos by Romona Robbins Reynolds

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