Liveaboard
⚓ Diving cruise
Destinations: Cuba – Jardines de la Reina
Departure port(s): Jucaro, Cuba
Center: All Star Liveaboards
🌏 Itineraries / Diving areas:
• Jardines de la Reina
🌊 Activities: Recreational courses, recreational dives, environmental awareness programs
🤿 Instructor languages: English, Spanish
📞 Booking languages: English
🟢 Nitrox available: Available for an extra charge
🧑🧑🧒🧒 Groups accepted: Yes
🔒 Charters accepted: Yes
All Star Avalon offers up to 4 dives per day in the Marine Park National of the Gardens of the Queen (Gardens of the Queen).
The park features over 80 dive sites including healthy reefs, drop-offs, tunnels, coral caves and caverns, vast overhangs, macro creatures, 6 species of sharks and a great abundance of fish.
All Star Liveaboards offers a 7-night experience highlighting the unique ecosystem of the park: coral reefs, mangrove nurseries, immense wetlands serving as a migratory stopover for 68 species of birds, as well as snorkeling with crocodiles.
All Star Liveaboards has partnered with Avalon Diving to offer a luxury liveaboard diving experience, thanks to a fleet of boats operating to the Gardens of the Queen.
All cabins feature individual air conditioning, private bathroom and TV.
Cuban and international cuisine is on display.
Dives are conducted from fast 30 ft (9 m) boats that also serve for eco-tourist excursions.
Livin Right
★★★★★
We spent a week on Cat Ppalu as a family vacation along with a couple other families with some diving as well as an explore scuba trial for our older children! I could not be happier with this trip! The crew was incredibly nice, accommodating, and worked hard to make everything appeal to both the adults and the children for both entertainment and really great food options. I was very impressed at how they were able to impart safety, fun and confidence in the water all at the same time to our children. We also got a lot of beach time and visited some unique places in the Exumas. It was an incredible core memory to create with these kids and they topped it off by taking their ships log notes and making it into a kids adventure story! All Star Liveaboards was also incredible in helping us get our flights and hotels arranged and re-arranged. Their customer service in setting up a stress-free trip was blissful.
Cindy Vinette
★★★★★
Our week aboard the Cat Ppalu in the Exuma Cays was honestly unforgettable. My husband and I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. From the moment we stepped on board, it was clear this crew was exceptional. Captain Bill was incredible, always putting safety first while expertly navigating the waters, currents, and weather to make sure everyone was comfortable and having the best possible trip. Right alongside him was Chris, who was just as knowledgeable and hands-on, an amazing support and clearly a huge part of what made everything run so smoothly. Dive Chris (a different Chris!) was absolutely fantastic. His dive briefings were thorough, easy to follow, and full of great insight on what to look out for. He made sure everyone felt safe, confident, and excited for every single dive. And the diving itself—wow. We saw so many sharks, which was such a highlight and made the experience even more unforgettable. Mel, our chef, completely blew us away. Every meal felt like fine dining at sea, boeuf bourguignon, potatoes dauphinoise, steak with chimichurri, and so much more. It was truly next level and something we looked forward to every day. The experience went far beyond just diving. Between dives, we stopped at beautiful islands for beach time, and there were kayaks, paddleboards, and plenty of ways to enjoy the water and surroundings. The sails were up often, which added such a special touch to the whole trip. The boat itself quickly felt like home. The cabins were private, air-conditioned, and the beds were super comfortable. There was always something available, beer on tap, unlimited drinks, and snacks, so you were never wanting for anything. This trip was the perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and incredible hospitality. Everything was seamless, safe, and so thoughtfully done. We would go back in a heartbeat.
Arek Cetes
★★★★★
Our trip on Cat Ppalu was exceptionally well organized and truly adventurous from start to finish. From boarding in Nassau to the final dive in the Exuma Cays, everything ran smoothly. The itinerary was clearly built around conditions and experience, not just a fixed schedule. That flexibility allowed us to dive some of the most beautiful sites on the planet. Healthy reefs, sharks, walls, blue water, and that classic Bahamas light that makes everything look surreal. What makes this trip stand out is the balance between structure and adventure. The operation is tight and professional, yet relaxed and welcoming. You can do up to 5 dives per day, and the crew keeps it efficient without ever making it feel rushed. Dive briefings are clear, safety standards are high, and logistics just work. Running a liveaboard is not simple. The boat is your hotel, restaurant, and dive platform all at once. The crew navigates, cooks, manages gear, supports divers, and still maintains a warm, family-like atmosphere onboard. That combination of competence and genuine hospitality makes a big difference. It felt like a real expedition rather than just a vacation. If you are looking for a properly organized, adventure-driven liveaboard in the Bahamas, Cat Ppalu absolutely delivers. I would return again without hesitation.
Sharla Rocha
★★★★★
AMAZING experience!!! We just got certified and this was our first experience for diving. We walked on board the boat knowing very little and no confidence and left the boat feeling like we are divers! The crew was amazing - helpful, knowledgeable, we always felt safe and the food was outstanding!!! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Lee Williams
★★★★★
Wonderful diving the Exumas on Cat Ppalu last week. Captain Martyna, Divemaster Kristen, Chef Melani and Engineer Kelton made sure we had a great experience despite windy conditions. The informal setting, with buffet meals enjoyed at a long bench table made for a very friendly and cohesive group setting. Despite the ornery weather we saw lots of critters and dove reefs, walls, swimthroughs and a plane wreck.