There are times in your life when you get a remarkable opportunity to do something you only dreamed of doing. Some call these events "bucket list" items and traveling to Cuba and diving at Jardines de la Reina (Gardens of the Queen) was one of these opportunities. I went in 2014 before the trade and travel sanctions were lifted. I was invited to go to Cuba as part of a cultural exchange program with a not-for-profit, The Ocean Doctor. It was remarkable! The waters were crystal clear and there was no sign of any damage to the reefs as a result of chemical bleaching or warming of the waters. The marine life is so unaccustomed to divers (only 1,000 divers a year were allowed at the time) that they did not shy away from you but instead came close to investigate. It was a great trip and I hope that the opening of relations with Cuba and the increase in divers does not destroy the beautiful diving opportunity.
