Liveaboard Diving in Farallon
What To Expect On a Farallon Liveaboard
Liveaboards in Farallon will normally be part of a wider diving tour, visiting the best of what Jardines De La Reina offers underwater. Farallon is located in the wonderfully unspoiled marine reserve of Jardines De La Reina, or 'Gardens of the Queen' as it is locally known, to the south of the Cuban mainland. The area is considered one of the best scuba diving spots in the Caribbean. Considering this famous body of water includes the likes of Honduras, Belize, and parts of Mexico, that is certainly saying something. Liveaboard cruises tend to last for around a week, during which guests undertake several dives per day across various dive sites varying in topography and marine life. Liveaboard.com features several different Cuban liveaboard dive boats equipped with all the amenities expected these days of a modern vessel. Most include air conditioning, hot water, charging stations, and an enthusiastic, helpful crew ready to ensure guests' comfort, enjoyment, and safety. Anyone visiting Farallon as part of a dive safari will have the perfect mix of diving and relaxation.
Farallon Underwater
The water here is glass-like, with visibility in excess of 40 meters and a pleasant temperature of 25 degrees Celsius (the yearly average). Farallon consists of a huge coral mountain rising to around 17m below the surface and falling to a sandy bottom at about 29m. Occasionally, Stingrays can be seen on the sandy bottom - if you look closely! The coral mountain is divided into different sections through various tunnels through which groups of divers can swim, giving a unique aquarium-like experience. Due to the crystal clear conditions, sunlight pours into the tunnels, affording the corals present to showcase their various colors and shapes. Fans sway in the current whilst hard corals glisten in the brightness. Amongst these swim huge numbers of every tropical fish species, reminding divers how healthy the ecosystem is here. The elusive Caribbean Reef Shark is often seen by divers reporting back from Farallon liveaboards - they are normally found close to the bottom, so keep your eyes peeled and ensure your camera is ready! Farallon is also a feeding area for many Silky Sharks, which are also seen in large numbers.
Getting To Farallon
The best way to dive at Farallon is on a Cuban liveaboard dive boat heading to all of the sites at Jardines De la Reina. Dive trips normally last for a week, giving guests ample time to explore the region's stunning underwater landscape. Diving is great all year round, and conditions are rarely unfavorable. Liveaboard vessels commonly set sail from the port of Jucaro, which is a 5-hour drive south of Havana. the easiest way to get to the departure point is simply by contacting your liveaboard operator, who will likely arrange a transfer from the capital, where you will likely have arrived by plane. The airport at Havana is a major international hub, serving much of the world directly, including North America, Asia, Europe, and South America. The notable exception is the United States, although a few charter flights do arrive here from the US. If possible, try and exchange foreign currency into the Cuban Convertible Peso at the airport, or withdraw from Havana, as ATMs outside the capital can be scarce and unreliable.
