Sharks

Jardines de la Reina is a premier shark diving destination. Sharks can be spotted on almost every dive site, but there are specific spots where dozens of them can be seen. Sightings of large Caribbean reef sharks and silky sharks are a guarantee here. In addition, there are other species inhabiting or just passing by the area such as lemon, nurse, hammerhead, and blacktip sharks. The notorious whale sharks can also be observed here during the summer and in November and December.

Healthy Coral Reef

The coral reefs of the Caribbean Sea face significant stress, with most of the reefs classified as threatened. But this is not the case for the reef at Jardines de la Reina. Here, healthy coral reef ecosystems can still be seen. This is largely due to the archipelago’s geography, being located far from land. The Gardens do not get that much pollution from the terrestrial sources and thanks to the many mangroves, the pollution that does get close to the reef is filtered. Jardines de la Reina host pristine soft corals, sea sponges, and sea fans.

Other Marine Animals

Besides sharks, divers can encounter plenty of other marine species such as hawksbill turtles, green turtles, loggerhead turtles, snappers, groupers, and jewfish, among many others. Visitors can also take a break from diving and put on some snorkeling gear to get up close with crocodiles. These feared beasts are found in the mangroves, but they’re not as dangerous as you’d think. In fact, not one single visitor got hurt while diving with these creatures.