MV Halcón dive boat review
MV Halcón is one of the Avalon Liveaboard vessels, which are well-known in Cuban waters.
Offering wonderful voyages around the amazing Jardines de la Reina or “Gardens of the Queen”. MV Halcón is a great choice for a smaller group of divers looking for an more personal and intimate cruise. Jardines de la Reina is a marine park with a whole set of islands, keys, islets and reefs in the Gulf of Ana Maria. Many say it’s presently one of the best preserved marine eco-systems with the largest fish populations in the Caribbean. And the Avalon liveaboard fleet are the only diving operation in the area; catering to a maximum of 900 divers per year.
Originally built in 1964, MV Halcón has been recently refurbished in it’s traditional 1970s style. She is 70ft/21m in length and 5m in beam. This makes her comparable in size to her sister vessel MV La Reina. Halcón is powered by two powerful 450hp Detroit diesel motors allowing her to smoothly cruise at 10 knots. Despite her vintage, she is equipped with the latest safety and emergency equipment including GPS, radio, life vests, fire alarms and extinguishers, oxygen and first aid kits.
You can check the availability and prices for this Boat here.
Cabins and Boat Layout
Halcón is able to cater to a maximum of 12 guests. Her relatively low number of guests give her a more relaxed, family feel.
There are two cabin options available:
- Twin Cabin – there are 4 ‘Twin Cabins’ located on the lower deck, the twin cabin has twin bunks and has air-conditioning for comfort.
- Double Cabin – there are 2 ‘Double Cabins’, also on the lower deck. Also air-conditioned.
There are 3 bathrooms onboard shared between the 6 cabins and each as has hot water and showers.
Moving outside the cabins there is an air-conditioned salon/lounge area. Complete with comfortable couches, why not chill here before dinner with a cocktail or make use of the entertainment system with the TV/DVD entertainment system.
Dining onboard the Halcón is a tasty combination of local delicacies such as seafood, rice and beans, black bean soup and fried bananas combined with European dishes. All prepared by the amazing chef onboard and usually served on the fly deck where you can enjoy the meal while taking onboard the amazing Caribbean views in a sea breeze.
Sun-worshippers will be pleased to find that Halcón has a sun-deck for soaking up the Caribbean sunshine between dives.
Snacks are available all day on the boat and alcoholic drinks such as beer, wine and rum are available should you wish when the day’s diving is done.
Diving onboard Halcón
The diving around the Jardines de la Reina marine park is superb.
Diving begins at 08:00 each day of the voyage. Each voyage usually includes around 15 dives.
Fast dive boats are on standby, ready to take you to the optimum part of the dive site once you’ve had your comprehensive dive briefing from the instructor onboard.
Int/Yoke fitting tanks are onboard. However, DIN adaptors are available should you bring your own European fitting regulators.
Itineraries
Halcón operates a 7 day/6 night itinerary taking in the best site available in the area.
Expect to budget approximately EUR2,252 for the 7 day stay. This equates to EUR321/day. However, please note that this does not include some extras including dive equipment rental (if required), crew tips etc. Please contact us for further details.
Where does this liveaboard dive boat go?
Check out the fabulous places where this dive boat travels to.
Note: some destinations may not be listed below, please enquire for more details.
Cuba
The marine protection programs in Cuba has resulted in pristine coral reefs.
- If you have been diving on board this liveaboard dive boat in Cuba, please share your review and let us know what you thought. Please post your comments in the review section below, by doing so you will help fellow divers to plan their next diving trip
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