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If you have been to Cuba before, please share your experiences, ideas and feedback (Hotel, Excursions, General Feeling,…) in the comments section below, by doing so you will help fellow travellers to plan their next trip
Havana Cuba Photograph by Pedro Szekely
Going to Cuba, is taking a step back in time. Relaxed, laid back and full of culture, Cuba charms any visitor coming to the island. Unlike many of its Caribbean neighbors, it is not an over crowded destination. This is partially because of the embargo, which was in effect for a long while, restraining American tourists to travel to Cuba. It’s still unclear how the Americans can travel to Cuba now (under Trump’s presidency), as they have certain restrictions to respect. Anyways, this leaves Cuba as a great country with an authentic culture, and a better playground for the rest of the world!
In this page you will find practical information to plan a scuba diving trip to Cuba:
Table of contents
Where to stay?
Hotel Inglatera Havana Cuba Photograph by Stephen Colebourne
There are many different cities within Cuba that deserve your time. The coastal cities have different offerings then those inland. Hotels and resorts are where most visitors stay. Most of the hotels are owned by the government, primarily by the military.
Furthermore, private homes are also an option throughout the country. Indeed, you must have heard of Casa Particular (Spanish for “private house”)? If not, is a term meaning private accommodation or private homestays. These are very similar to a bed and breakfast although it can also take the form of vacation rental. You may also see it shortened to simply casa. These casa have been inspected and approved to accept tourist.
For those interested in scuba diving, you have a number of liveaboards you can select from. You also have some floating hotels. These are located near the dive sites. Guest take a speed boat out to the floating hotel. the floating hotel stays in the same location, however, the guest take small boats to the different dive sites for their dives.
Activities and excursions in Cuba
Cuba is a destination for those who love the outdoors, and will definitely please travelers who love history and culture. Also, both of these groups will generally appreciate the fine foods and great nightlife found on the island.
Each city and destination within the country have their own offerings. Many of the coastal cities are near great beaches and scuba diving. Interior cities often are gateways to outstanding hiking. Havana is known for its Spanish era architecture and mixture of classic US cars. Old Spanish villages and towns are scattered around the island. As for the nightlife, it’s exciting everywhere.
Best time to visit Cuba
Cuba has two seasons, the dry season from November to late April, followed by a wet season that last until November.
The best time to go would be February and March for the weather, while January is the best combination of weather and prices. The months of September and October have the heaviest rains and the highest risk of hurricane influenced weather.
Health and Safety
There are many viewpoints around the health care system in Cuba. You will hear that it is some of the best in the world and you will also hear that it is worst than many 3rd world countries. The truth is likely a bit of both.
Most importantly, from the tourist viewpoint, the health care system will more than meet your needs in an emergency. Plus, Cuba does have a well established medical tourism program which brings thousands each year for surgical procedures. An entry requirement to visit Cuba is that each guest present a medical insurance certificate that covers the stay in the country. This opens the best hospitals in the country to visitors if the need should arise.
Also, as scuba diving in Cuba is a popular pastime for tourists, it’s worth mentioning that this small country has an effective network of chambers.
The country has a low crime rate and is considered safe for tourist.
If you are planning an upcoming dive trip or travelling to Cuba, it is a really good idea to invest in travel insurance for scuba diving, because you never know what could happen and when you might need it (because accidents do happen!). I recommend this diving insurance as they offer worldwide coverage and focus on providing scuba divers a quality insurance and medical assistance service.
Where is Cuba located in the world?
Cuba, officially the Republic of Cuba, is a country comprising the island of Cuba as well as “Isla de la Juventud” and several minor archipelagos. Cuba is the western most island of the Greater Antilles which includes the larger islands of Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Hispaniola (Haiti and the Dominican Republic) and the Cayman Islands.
Together with the Lesser Antilles, they form the separation between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. The point between Cuba and Yucatan peninsula of Mexico forms the edge of the Gulf of Mexico from the Caribbean Sea and a point between Cuba and Florida defines the eastern edge of the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean.
How to get to Cuba?
Over 30 airline companies fly into Cuba, which is served by 10 international airports, and a few domestic airports. A few of these airlines are regional, however, the major international long haul carriers are also well represented.
Havana Jose Marti International Airport is the main international airport in the country, having about 65 flights each day. Located near the Cuban capital city of Havana, this airport has most of the international flights.
Cuba has long been a favorite tourist destination for Canadians and numerous daily flights fly between Canadian and Cuban airports. As for the citizens of a European country, you will sometimes find direct flights to Cuba. Otherwise, make your route goes through Canada or Mexico and not the United-States. Again, the embargo may have been lifted under Obama, but the way is not totally clear to travel between the USA and Cuba.
!!! // For example, see what the UK’s government website says: “Travelling for tourism reasons directly from the USA to Cuba isn’t allowed under US law. The law applies to US nationals and all foreign nationals who are either resident in the USA, or travelling through the USA en route to Cuba. Everybody travelling on these routes (both US citizens and foreign nationals) will need to comply with US law and travel for one of 12 permitted reasons/categories of travel. Tourism isn’t one of these 12 permitted reasons/categories.”
See more information under visa requirements
Do I need a visa for Cuba?
As a general rule, travelers going to Cuba will need a visa. It’s best and advised to look directly with your government and embassy the requirements that apply to you in order to obtain that visa and travel to Cuba.
Now, citizens of a restricted number of countries can enter Cuba with a tourist card instead of a normal visa. This card is for tourism purpose and usually lasts for 30 days. There are exceptions, such as Canada; Canadians can stay in Cuba up to 90 days under the tourist card.
Citizens of the following 20 countries are not eligible to obtain a tourist card and must obtain a Cuban visa: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cameroon, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea, India, Iran, Iraq, Kenya, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Syria, Yemen. Also note that citizens of any nationality flying directly from India must obtain a visa.
Now, as most of us know, the United States law prohibits tourism to Cuba. This applies to all US citizens and for any individual traveling from the United States direct to Cuba. This applies for tourism purposes. Indeed, if a traveler fits in one of the 12 categories of authorized travel to Cuba, travel should be allowed. Please note that this information may change any time, and fluctuate along with US presidency changes. Refer to the link above, to the US Government, for accurate information.
Getting Around
It is very easy to get around Cuba, both in the cities and between cities. Of course, don’t be surprised as you notice that most tourist transportation will be more expensive then what the locals are paying.
Among other means of local transport, the most fun, and still inexpensive, is probably the Coco taxi. Foreigners will ride in the yellow little cars, reminding us of Thailand‘s tuk-tuk. These little vehicles will zip you around the city in no time. Furthermore, many Cubans use the “collectivo” to get around. These are shared taxi that follow a basic route. They also have a fix rate. Ask at the place you are staying for the local rate. These are also called Almendrones (slang for old car) as most of them are from the 1950’s.
You will find a few different taxi services, including those mentioned above. Cubataxi is the general taxi service. The cities also have public bus routes which could cover most of your needs.
Now, between cities you have the option to fly, take a train or express bus service. If you have the time, the bus will likely be your best value and give you time to see the country side.
CocoTaxi By Emmanuel Huybrechts from Laval, Canada
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Additional information: the Cuban Pesos
There are two official national currencies in Cuba:
CUC: Official name Cuban Convertible Peso
CUP: Official name Cuban Peso (a.k.a Peso nacional or Moneda Nacional).
1 CUC = 1 USD (fixed) and 1 CUC = 25 CUP
The CUP is generally used by the locals and items priced in the Moneda Nacional are items for daily use, street foods, groceries and personal items. The CUC was soley for foreign visitors but that restriction has been lifted.
Many foreign currencies may be exchanged for CUC (such as: EUR, CAD, USD, GBP, CHF, MXP, DKK, NOK, SEK, and JPY) at the daily exchange rate. Banks give the best exchange rates with Cadecas (government controlled money exchanges) having slight lower rates. Most hotels are also allowed to exchange currencies however, they can charge a larger commission.
Using foreign currency or exchanging money with an unauthorized exchange is illegal. It is interesting to note that while the CUC is tied to the US dollar, there is a 10% tax applied to US dollar exchanges. You should also note that most US issued credit cards are not accepted in Cuba.
Cuba Photos
Scuba diving
You will find all information about sea life, best time to visit, top dive spots, etc. in our review: Cuba Diving
Diving Reviews for this region
Cuba
The marine protection programs in Cuba has resulted in pristine coral reefs.
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