National park · Cuba
Jardines de la Reina National ParkParque Nacional Jardines de la Reina
Enter Jardines de la Reina for a day dive: book a live‑aboard or day‑boat from Jucaro, pay the park entry (≈CUP 30 000), dive in the reef, and return same day; avoid the rainy season (May–Oct) for best visibility.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify
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Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
2,170 km² (838 sq mi)838 sq mi (2,170 km²)
approximate
Established
2010
Best months
Nov–Apr
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 11Several islands (Turks and Caicos above all, also the Bah…US State DepartmentUS citizens and US residents (US persons) may not travel …No cards
- Caribbean ↗Several islands (Turks and Caicos above all, also the Bahamas and Jamaica) jail visitors for a single stray bullet or cartridge in their luggage; empty every bag and pocket before you pack.
- Caribbean ↗From August to October keep a free last day before your flight home and check the national hurricane centre daily; airports close when a named storm approaches.
- Caribbean ↗Wearing camouflage clothing is illegal for civilians in several islands, including Barbados, Antigua, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent, Grenada, Dominica, Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica; leave it at home, children's clothes included.
- Cuba ↗US State Department: Level 2, exercise increased caution (in place since 2025; the US Embassy reported another island-wide blackout on 18 September 2026). UK FCDO: against all but essential travel (updated 25 September 2026). Canada: avoid non-essential travel (updated 28 September 2026). Australia: reconsider your need to travel. Read your own government's advice and check your insurance still covers Cuba before booking (checked 2026-09).
- Cuba ↗Check entry rules for your passport with the Cuban embassy or official sources; most visitors need an e-visa (formerly the tourist card) and the online D'Viajeros form, and requirements change.
- Cuba ↗US citizens and US residents (US persons) may not travel to Cuba as tourists. The trip must fit one of 12 OFAC general-licence categories: family visits; official government business; journalism; professional research and meetings; educational activities; religious activities; public performances, clinics, workshops, competitions and exhibitions; support for the Cuban people; humanitarian projects; private foundations and research institutes; information and informational materials; and certain export transactions. Most independent travellers use 'support for the Cuban people', which needs a full-time schedule of activities with Cuban people and private businesses (casas, paladares, private guides), and records kept for 5 years. US persons may not stay at properties on the State Department's Cuba Prohibited Accommodations List (11 more Havana hotels added 14 July 2025) or deal directly with entities on the Cuba Restricted List (GAESA and other military-linked businesses). Rules tightened in 2025–26; check OFAC before booking (checked 2026-09).
- Cuba ↗Medical insurance is compulsory for entry: carry proof of a policy valid in Cuba, or buy a Cuban (Asistur) policy on arrival. US-based insurers are generally not accepted in Cuba; flights from the US include a Cuban medical policy in the fare — keep the boarding pass as proof (check with your airline). Hospital bills are payable in cash only, so buy cover with medical evacuation as well (checked 2026-09).
- Cuba ↗No cards: US-issued debit and credit cards have never worked in Cuba because of the embargo, and since 6 June 2026 Visa and Mastercard cards from any country are no longer accepted (Cuban Central Bank, after a foreign processor dropped FINCIMEX under US Executive Order 14404). Bring enough US dollars or euros in cash for the whole stay plus an emergency reserve (checked 2026-09).
- Central Cuba ↗Bring cash: euros or dollars, small notes. Cards issued by US banks do not work; ATMs are unreliable outside Havana.
- Central Cuba ↗Viazul and shared taxis are the practical intercity options; book seats a day ahead in high season and confirm the departure point the night before.
- Central Cuba ↗Power cuts are routine. Carry a power bank and a torch; hotels with generators fill first.
At a glance
- Country
- Cuba
- Area
- 2,170 km² (838 sq mi)838 sq mi (2,170 km²)
- 217,000 ha = 2,170 km² (official park size).
- Established
- 2010
- Best months
- Nov–Apr
- Permits
- For some areas
- Base
- Cienfuegos
Jardines de la Reina is a remote marine park of over 600 cays, offering world‑class coral reefs for diving, snorkeling and catch‑and‑release fly fishing; access is via Jucaro port, with a mandatory entry permit (≈CUP 30 000) and guided boat trips; the dry season (Nov–Apr) gives the best visibility and sea conditions.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- Special national sitePart of Cuba's national park system.
Size and age
2,170 km² (838 sq mi)838 sq mi (2,170 km²) · national park since 2010
217,000 ha = 2,170 km² (official park size).
This page covers the park itself. Nearest base: Cienfuegos.
Why go
- World‑class coral reefs with abundant marine life, including sharks and turtles.
- Remote archipelago offers pristine snorkeling and diving.
- Fishing (catch‑and‑release) in a historic spot.
When to go
- JanBest
- FebBest
- MarBest
- AprBest
- MayCaution
- JunAvoid
- JulAvoid
- AugAvoid
- SepAvoid
- OctCaution
- NovBest
- DecBest
- JanDry, calm seas, excellent visibility.
- FebDry, calm seas.
- MarDry, warm, good visibility.
- AprEnd of dry season, still good.
- MayStart of rainy season, occasional showers.
- JunRainy, reduced visibility.
- JulRainy, possible storms.
- AugRainy, high humidity.
- SepRainy, risk of tropical storms.
- OctTransition to dry, variable.
- NovDry season returns, clear water.
- DecDry, calm seas.
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sharks (e.g., Caribbean reef shark, bull shark)All year | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Sea turtles (nesting on some cays)May–Sep | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
| Tropical fish (parrotfish, angelfish)All year | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| IguanasAll year | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Jucaro launch point | Main access port; ticket office and boat docks. | Open to visitors with a permit. |
| Outer reef zone | Coral reefs and dive sites up to 10 km (6.2 mi) offshore.Coral reefs and dive sites up to 6.2 mi (10 km) offshore. | Boat access only; guided dives required. |
| Back‑country cays | Uninhabited islands for day‑visits, snorkeling, and camping (permits needed). | Restricted; permission from park authority. |
Sketch map
Take the points offline
3 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Coordinates approximate; main access point at Jucaro.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park entry (per person, adult) | CUP 30,000 | person | Paid at Jucaro port or on board the boat. |
| Live‑aboard dive package (incl. park fee, boat, meals) | CUP 1,500,000–2,500,000 | person | Typical 5‑day package; price varies by operator (check). |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Park entry permit permit or guide
Fishing permit (catch‑and‑release only) permit or guide
What would our group pay?
People
Nights or days
- CUP 30,000
- CUP 1,500,000–2,500,000
Tick the fees that apply to your trip to see a total.
A guide, not a quote: the ranges are estimates (checked 2026-09) and each fee may have rules on who pays it. Check with the park or your operator before you go.
Park rules
- Drones
- Not allowed without explicit park permission.
- Guides
- Required for back‑country cay visits and fishing trips.
- Camping
- Only in designated areas with a permit; no open‑fire camping.
- Catch‑and‑release
- All fishing must be catch‑and‑release; keep fish alive until release.
- Litter
- Carry out all waste; no disposal on islands.
Where to stay
In the park
Live‑aboard cruise ships
Cabins on board the dive boat; meals included.
Near the park
Jucaro town
Basic guesthouses and small hotels; good base for day trips.
Safety
Sun exposure medium
Strong currents high
Storms (June‑Oct) high
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- Port facilities at Jucaro have ramps; boat boarding may be challenging for limited mobility.
Visiting lightly
- Choose operators with reef‑friendly practices and no‑take zones.
- Do not collect shells or coral.
- Support local guesthouses in Jucaro.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Jardines de la Reina National Park?
The basic park entry fee is CUP 30 000 per adult; dive packages typically include the fee and range from CUP 1.5 million to 2.5 million per person.
What are the best hikes in Jardines de la Reina National Park?
The park is marine‑focused; the main land activity is short walks on the few cays. For land‑based trekking, the back‑country cay trail on Cayo Largo (≈3 km) is the most developed, but a guide and permit are required.
When is the best time to visit Jardines de la Reina National Park?
The dry season (November – April) offers calm seas and excellent underwater visibility; avoid the rainy season (May – October) when storms reduce visibility and increase risk.
Do I need a guide for diving?
Yes. All dives must be conducted with a licensed dive operator who holds a park permit.
Can I camp on the islands?
Camping is allowed only in designated areas with a permit; open‑fire camping is prohibited.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go
Show the detailsHide
Ask about Jardines de la Reina National Park
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