Cuba Diving JA4

Cuba is the Caribbean’s largest island and one of its most layered — where Indigenous roots, Spanish colonialism, African heritage, and 20th-century revolutions meet in everyday life. Beyond the headlines, it’s a country defined by artistry and resilience: son and salsa spilling into streets, Afro-Cuban rhythms in neighborhood casas de la música, and a culinary scene evolving from home kitchens and paladares to creative takes on classic flavors.

Geographically, Cuba stretches from limestone mogotes and tobacco valleys in the west to rainforest-cloaked mountains and remote coasts in the east. UNESCO sites thread the map: Old Havana’s fortifications and plazas; the cultural landscape of Viñales; the pastel lanes of Trinidad and the Valley of the Sugar Mills; the urban cores of Cienfuegos and Camagüey; and wild reserves like the Zapata Wetlands and Alejandro de Humboldt National Park. Along the shore, coral reefs and cays—Gardens of the King and Gardens of the Queen among them — harbor exceptional marine life, while broad sand beaches offer classic Caribbean horizons.

Historic depth runs close to the surface: sugar and tobacco legacies, Afro-Cuban religions, and mid-century architecture sit beside contemporary galleries and community projects. From Havana’s architectural palimpsest to the karst-studded fields of Viñales and the colorful streets of Trinidad, Cuba rewards travelers who look beyond the postcard to its living culture, ecological richness, and unmistakable sense of place.

Requirements for Travel to Cuba for US Citizens and Residents

Due to the sanctions outlined by terms of the U.S. embargo against Cuba, (Helms- Burton Act) The U.S. government restricts travel to Cuba for all US citizens and residents. Legal travel to Cuba must meet one of the twelve authorized categories set by the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).

Your Conservancy Travel Cuba journey meets these requirements, by planning a fully scheduled itinerary of activities and services that are compliant with OFAC regulations. By enrolling on a Conservancy Travel tour to Cuba, you agree to participate in the OFAC approved program of activities. Conservancy Travel retains your travel records for the required five years. You should also keep a copy of your itinerary and travel documents on file for five years.

These requirements are specific to U.S. Citizens and residents of the U.S. holding a U.S. passport or U.S. Residency. Residents of other countries do not have any restriction on travel to Cuba, but if traveling as part of a Conservancy Travel group, must participate in the scheduled itinerary. If you are a US-Cuban dual citizen, or were born in Cuba and departed Cuba prior to January 1, 1971, please contact Conservancy Travel for special instructions prior to finalizing your trip registration.

When making your airline reservation and again at flight check-in, the airline will require you to choose from a list of US approved travel reasons to Cuba: Choose Support for the Cuban People.

Cuba Entry Requirements for US Citizens

A passport valid for 6 months beyond your departure date from Cuba.

An electronic QR Code for the e-visa and D'Viajeros Advanced Travel Information Form, included in all Conservancy Travel trips and processed by Conservancy Travel.

The QR code is a document will be emailed to you from Conservancy Travel Guest Services, a few days prior to your departure. Please print out two copies and bring them with you. Please do not fold across the QR code as creasing it makes it difficult to scan.

Passport:

Upon registering with Conservancy Travel for your trip to Cuba, you must send a clear scan of the photo page of your passport within 2 days to: passport@conservancytravel.org . Your trip is not confirmed until your passport scan is received.  

Need to Renew Your Passport?

Contact the National Passport Information Center (NPIC) at 1-877-487-2778, or visit their website at www.travel.state.gov for information on obtaining a new passport or renewing your existing passport.

If your passport will expire less than 6 months from your departure date from Cuba, you should immediately apply for an expedited renewal. Please advise us at the time of registration if you are in the renewal process as it may impact our trip operations.

Traveling on a Non-U.S. Passport?

If you are not a U.S. citizen, or if your passport is from any country other than the U.S., it is your responsibility to check with your local consulate and the Cuban embassy for requirements.

Cuban e-Visa (Tourist Card)

An electronic Cuba Visa / Tourist Card is required for all visitors to Cuba. The e-visa and processing is included with all Conservancy Travel Cuba trips.

Every passenger must check-in with the airline gate agent to show possession of a Cuba e-Visa before boarding the flight. Retain all documentation for your air, entry and land arrangements throughout your journey. When you return home, file all your documents together and store for five years.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

Emergency medical, trip interruption and cancellation travel insurance is highly recommended to protect your investment in your trip. Most policies have a COFAR (cancel for any reason) option that must be purchased within a limited time of your trip deposit payment. Ensure that your policy covers both your trip and your air travel, even if purchased separately.

Basic Cuban National Medical Insurance is a requirement for all visitors to Cuba, and is automatically included in your airline ticket from all major airlines. The charge will be listed under the taxes and fees section of your statement. This covers basic emergency medical care, at the same level of service that a Cuban would receive. Should you require medical care, you will need to show your airline ticket at the hospital, so be sure to print a copy and carry it with you.

Although emergency medical service is available in Cuba, basic first aid, medications, pain relief medications, hygiene and sanitary supplies are not readily available. Bring everything you might need, and plan to leave anything left over at the end of your trip, in Cuba. Someone will greatly appreciate it. 

NOTE: The possession of any form of medical marijuana, cannabis or any other illicit drugs in Cuba is not tolerated and subject to imprisonment. 

At this time, the Cuba departure tax is included with your international airline ticket.

Cuba isn’t a cheap destination for Americans because we, as visitors, use services that are privileged access – such as private transportation, high quality food and bottled water that Cubans don’t use, or can’t purchase without foreign currency.

Cuban Currency

Cuba’s official currency is the Cuban peso, abbreviated CUP, also called Moneda Nacional.

Cuba used two official currencies until December 31st, 2020: the CUP (Cuban Peso) and the CUC (Cuban Convertible Peso). As of January 1,2021, the Cuban Peso (CUP) is the only official currency in Cuba.

US Dollars, Canadian dollars and Euros are widely accepted however small denominations are recommended as change will be given in CUP. We don’t recommend taking Cuban pesos home, except as souvenirs, as they have no value outside Cuba. Your Cuban Guide will assist you with currency exchange should it be needed. It is convenient to have small denominations of CUP for public toilets, bottled water etc.

A MLC card is a prepaid debit card that you purchase in Cuba with U.S. dollars, Euros or other foreign currency. It is the only way to make purchases and pay fees at most Cuban government-run stores, hotels and institutions, for items such as CIGARS and RUM. In Cuba, there is an extensive network of government-run stores that sell products in MLC not otherwise available to Cubans using CUP, such as imported food and toiletries, alcohol, export-quality rum and cigars. If you encounter a situation where you need or want to purchase an item at a location that does not accept US dollars, Euros or CUP cash, connect with your guide. They will have cards and you can give them the equivalent value of your purchases in U.S. dollars or Euros cash. MLC cards are sold at limited locations and regulations on their use and purchase frequently change. Note any funds deposited on the MLC card cannot be retrieved upon departure.

U.S. Dollars - BRING ALL THE MONEY YOU WILL NEED FOR EVERY PERSONAL EXPENSE IN CUBA

You will need enough cash to cover private meals, tips, evening entertainment, private services or transportation, shopping and some emergency funds. We recommend $200 per person per day in small denominations ($5, $10 and $20) all in very good condition (clean, no wear, tear, torn or writing), otherwise Cubans will not accept them and cannot exchange them. While this is not an issue in the U.S., remember that this is a real concern for Cubans.

Your ATM and U.S. credit cards will NOT work in Cuba so it is best to over-budget the amount of cash you bring. Conservancy Travel is unable to advance funds to individual travelers. Although you may be unaccustomed to carrying large amounts of cash, Cuba is very safe, and it is safe to store what you don’t need for the day in your room safe, locked in your suitcase, or in your hand luggage while in transit from one city to the next in your private tour vehicle. A money belt or a travel vest with inside pockets is a convenient, secure way to carry cash and your passport while traveling.

Miami Airport is your last opportunity to access US dollars cash. Once you arrive in Cuba, you will not be able to pay with any form of card, nor withdraw any additional cash.

Most paladars and souvenir vendors will post prices in dollars, euros and Cuban Pesos (CUP). Each place may use a slightly different exchange rate, so if a price is quoted in CUP, ask what the dollar exchange /price is.

Privately owned restaurants (paladars), souvenir vendors and taxi drivers will gladly accept U.S. dollars cash.

Budget a minimum of $30-$50 + tip per person, per meal on your own. Beer prices range from $3-$5 depending on the type. Cocktails range from $5-$9 on average. Taxis in Havana will vary based on service but a good rule of thumb is $20-$30 per trip around central Havana. Tickets to evening entertainment are optional and cost between $75 and $150 per person plus your transportation to and from the venue.

Tipping In Cuba

Tipping is customary in Cuba. Even locals who are typically considered wealthy and white-collar, such as lawyers and doctors, become tour guides and waiters on the side to supplement their state salaries. Tips are expected not just by waiters and bar staff, but also hotel cleaners ($1-2 per person/day), porters, laundry service, parking attendants, toilet attendants, and taxi drivers. It’s useful to have a supply of $1 bills on hand. Taxis without a meter are usually privately owned so their drivers do not expect a tip, but confirm the rate in advance. Similarly, hosts/owners at casa particulares (privately owned B&B or inns) don’t expect tips, however the people who clean the rooms or serve food, do greatly appreciate them.

Gratuities are included for meals included in your trip fee. For extra drinks, cocktails or meals on your own, the standard gratuity is 10%.

Live music is everywhere in Cuba – in the streets, in the hotels, in every restaurant at every meal, in every bar and even some shops. Musicians play for tips; we suggest $2-3 for the band. Often, they sell CDs. We recommend you do not buy them, unless they come from a reputable production source. They will often not play when you attempt to play them at home on a sound system as they are simply recorded MP3 files, not audio CD files.

Guidelines For Guide and Driver Gratuities

Many of our guests ask for guidelines when trying to determine an end-of-tour gratuity. Keeping in mind that tipping is entirely voluntary and at your discretion, we suggest the following guidelines for a job well done:

- Cuban Guide: U.S. $20 per person, per day

- Driver: U.S. $5 - 10 per person, per day

- Accommodation Service/Housekeeping Staff: $2-3 USD per room, per night

Note: If you prefer to put your end-of-tour gratuities to your guide and driver in envelopes, be sure to bring them with you as they are not available in Cuba.

NOTE: For specialists guides such as birding, where you may have more than one Cuban guide, the per person, per day amount is shared between all guides, not per guide.

SHOPPING

Purchasing locally-made products such as artisan handcrafts, art, photography, jewelry, clothing, hats - even musical instruments and shoes - supports individuals, their families and community projects. Beware of mass-produced, imported items made in China that are passed off as handcrafts. Bargaining is common, although not at the cut-throat levels as in some other areas of the world. Payment is always cash for U.S. visitors. Art is by far the most popular purchase, and is found in street markets, cooperative guilds, privately owned galleries and very high-end galleries in Havana and ranges from a few dollars to thousands. Any printed art by a nationally-known artist or sold in a cooperative or gallery requires an export stamp for Cuban Customs, so always enquire when purchasing. Books and music are also allowed to be brought from Cuba to the U.S.

Since November 2020, you are not legally allowed to bring back to the U.S. any Cuban rum, beer, or tobacco products. However, you may freely purchase and enjoy them as much as you like while in Cuba.

This information is provided as a service. Individuals are responsible for knowing current U.S. Customs regulations for their purchases and U.S. Customs Declaration when arriving back in the USA. Please review regulations on the U.S. Customs website www.cbp.gov/travel/clearing-customs

AIRLINE INFORMATION

IMPORTANT:  IF airfare to Cuba is NOT included in your trip fee, it is imperative that Conservancy Travel receive a copy of your complete travel / air schedule (from hometown) including your Record Locator number.

IF it IS included in your trip fee, we only need your air details to/from Miami.

Please forward a copy of your travel / flight schedule to passport@conservancytravel.org at least 60 days prior to departure or as soon as you have booked your air travel.

All baggage rules, weight limits and fees are completely at the airline’s discretion and subject to change without prior notice. Consult your airline carrier and the TSA for all limitations. Always use TSA-approved luggage locks on checked baggage. Do not pack electronics, prescription medicine, jewelry or any other items of sentimental or high monetary value in your checked baggage.

AIR TRANSPORTATION

From the USA to Cuba: American Airlines is the main US carrier to Cuba, with flights from around the US, via Miami to Havana, Camaguey, Santa Clara and other cities.

Internal Flights Around Cuba: Not Available.

TRANSPORTATION AROUND  CUBA

Public transportation does exist in Cuba but for non-residents, is highly impractical due to inconsistent availability, payment requirements, and language barriers.

Private transportation is the recommended means of travel for US Travelers. It is the most expensive aspect of any trip to Cuba, due to fuel shortages and rationing. Rates for travel outside of Havana are approximately 150% higher than in and around Havana.

TRANSPORTATION IN HAVANA 

TAXIS: Yes - Cash only. Confirm the flat rate prior with the driver before getting into the car. It is prudent to schedule the return transfer with the same driver, or pay for him to wait for you. English is not widely spoken so be prepared with written addresses and requirements in Spanish.

UBER: No

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY EXPECTATIONS 

• All trips to Cuba are designed around fully-scheduled days with activities consistent with OFAC regulations. Days typically begin by 8 or 8:30 AM and are fully-scheduled both before and after lunch. There is time to freshen up before dinner. Most days end around 9 PM. After dinner, there may be options for live music, especially on a Friday or Saturday night in Havana. 
• You must be able to walk up to 2 miles unassisted, over the course of a half-day walking tour, and participate in 4-6 hours of physical activities each day. Expect to walk and stand up to an hour at a time during visits.
• You must be able to embark and disembark a van or motorcoach multiple times each day.
• If you require a mobility aid such as a walker or cane, or folding seat/cane, be sure to bring it with you.
• The walking tour of Old Havana is only possible on foot as many streets are pedestrian-only.
• Visiting Trinidad is on foot and requires walking on uneven cobblestone streets with high curbs.
• Should you need to cut short a scheduled walking tour, pedicabs are available in some areas and are at an additional cost, payable in cash only. Bring small denomination bills.
• Some B&Bs and private restaurants are housed in historic buildings with several floors, no elevator; stairs are unavoidable. You should be able to climb 2 - 4 flights of stairs at a time.
• Travel in a tropical climate with extended sun exposure.
• Private vans, motorcoaches, deluxe private cars, hotel bedrooms, B&B bedrooms and enclosed dining areas in certain paladars are air-conditioned. Most other places are not air-conditioned.
• Power outages are common in Cuba. Most hotels have their own generators, however it is best to be prepared with a flashlight and a power bank charger.
• Guest who use a CPAP machine are advised to bring one that runs on rechargeable batteries.

TERRAIN & TRANSPORTATION

• Your private transportation vehicles are scheduled based on group size, visits in and around Havana, and your itinerary’s travel to other cities and towns around Cuba. Motorcoaches are air-conditioned and not equipped with toilets.
• Roads in Cuba are often poorly maintained, two-lane and shared by cars, bicycles, trucks, public buses and vans, carts and horses.
• Driving between cities and towns on your itinerary ranges from two to six hours per day; please refer to the drive time list in the RESOURCES document. Rest stops are made every 1.5 - 2 hours on drives over 2.5 hours.

STAYING HEALTHY ON YOUR JOURNEY

• Drink plenty of purified water to avoid dehydration
• Use hand sanitizer and wash hands often

Vaccinations & Medications

• Routine vaccines up to date (MMR, Tdap, influenza, COVID-19).
• Recommended: Hepatitis A and typhoid for most travelers; Hepatitis B based on exposure risk. Consider rabies only with anticipated animal contact or remote travel. 
• Yellow fever: Not required when arriving from the U.S.
• Malaria: No transmission in Cuba

Water

In Cuba, tap water is not safe to drink. Only use bottled water for drinking and brushing your teeth throughout your trip.

• Bottled water is provided in the tour vehicle and is one of your two beverage choices with each included lunch and dinner.
• Bottled drinks, bottled juices, and hot drinks that have been boiled are safe to drink.
• Drink only water that is purified or bottled and sealed.
• Brush your teeth only with water that is purified or bottled and sealed.
• Avoid getting untreated water in your mouth when showering.
• Ice in drinks made at facilities catering to tourists is safe to consume.

You may need to purchase additional water as needed. In shops, the price for a small bottle of water is approximately 120 CUP; 1.5-liter bottle is 200 CUP. In some B&Bs you’ll find boiled and cooled water in pitchers for your use.

Please Note: The price of large or small bottled water bottles will vary based on availability. Where possible we try to provide 1.5-liter bottles or large container potable water, so it is helpful to bring your own refillable water bottle. It is especially helpful if your personal water bottle is insulated and can keep your water cold in a hot climate, longer than a single-use plastic bottle. Bottled water is difficult to source; please do not waste it. Always take your leftover bottled water from meals or the hotel with you for later use.

Gastrointestinal Health

Venues for included meals are carefully chosen based on the ability to provide safely prepared food and can accommodate a group. All food at the hotels and restaurants on your trip is prepared with potable water under sanitary conditions and is safe to eat.

To minimize gastrointestinal discomfort be sure to:

• Exercise caution in what you eat and drink apart from your group meals.
• Avoid food purchased from street vendors.
• Clean your hands frequently and always before eating.
• Avoid ice in your drinks except at hotels and restaurants that cater to tourists.
• Ask your guide’s advice when in doubt.

Even with these precautions it is still possible to experience stomach and GI discomfort while in Cuba.  Small changes in the mineral content of the water you are used to drinking or the culinary fare of the region can be enough for your system to react.  We recommend you carry the proper medications. 

• Pack loperamide and oral rehydration salts and a stand-by antibiotic prescribed by your physician in case of need.

Sun Exposure

Do not underestimate the effects of the sun near the equator. A hat with a brim is a must to protect you from the strong tropical sun. 

• Bring plenty of sunscreen and lip protection to last the entire safari.
• Pack good quality sunglasses with UV protection.

Mosquito Bite Prevention

• Dengue is present in the Caribbean.
• Oropouche virus has prompted a CDC Travel Health Notice that currently includes Cuba; pregnant travelers should review guidance and consider precautions.
• Zika: Countries with current or past transmission are considered at risk; follow mosquito-bite prevention, especially if pregnant or planning pregnancy.

To prevent mosquito bites, follow these preventive measures, particularly between dusk and dawn during the rainy season, and when near standing water or in wooded areas:

• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, especially at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active
• Use insect repellent. The most effective contain DEET, picaridin, IR3535. Applied lightly, but regularly is the best deterrent for insects. Bring enough to last your entire trip.
• Avoid using colognes, hairspray, and scented lotions and shampoos that may attract insects.

Travel Insurance & Medical Care

• Mandatory basic Cuban medical insurance is included with all international airline tickets. Keep your printed flight itinerary as proof. This covers only emergency medical services in Cuba.
• We recommend comprehensive coverage that includes medical evacuation.

Although medical service is available in Cuba, basic first aid, medications, pain relief medications, hygiene and sanitary supplies are not readily available. Bring everything you might need, and plan to leave anything left over at the end of your trip, in Cuba. Someone will greatly appreciate it. 

Before You Go
Consult your travel-medicine clinician 4–6 weeks before departure for personalized advice. For current guidance, start with the CDC Travelers’ Health pages: www.cdc.gov

(This overview is informational and not a substitute for medical advice.)

NOTE: The possession of any form of medical marijuana, cannabis or any other illicit drugs in Cuba is not tolerated and subject to imprisonment. 

SMOKING POLICY

Conservancy Travel group activities are completely non-smoking. Most accommodations have strict policies regarding smoking in rooms and on the property. Local customs may be different from at home. Conservancy Travel always requests non-smoking hotel rooms and group meal locations. Individuals who smoke should plan to do so away from the group activities.

SAFETY AND SECURITY IN CUBA

Cuba is one of the safest countries in the world, in terms of dangerous crimes. But petty theft such as purse snatching and scams can exist here as in any country, especially in tourism hotspots. One of the most common scams is on exchanging money. Only change money with reputable people you know, or at official exchange bureaus. Another scam is for someone to sit down to chat and share privileged information about a place, party or event, all the while racking up a bill that he or she will ask the tourist to pay. In other words, you should expect a request for money in exchange for insider information.

• Always keep handbags and daypacks secure.
• Do not put your bag down and walk away, or hang on it on a chair back in a public place.
• Nothing is free in Cuba. If someone offers to pose for a photo, carry your bag, give you a tour, provide information, assist you; they expect payment in return.
• Do not buy cigars in the street. Counterfeit cigars are common. Only buy from reputable sources.
• Understand that anytime you invite a new Cuban friend, driver or guide to join you for a meal outside of the scheduled tour inclusions, it is customary that you pay for their meal.

Valuables

Please bring only necessary valuables that you can always wear or carry with you. Leave others at home. Never leave your purse or camera bag unattended. You may want to insure your camera equipment or other valuables that you plan to bring. Conservancy Travel is not responsible for lost or stolen items, including jewelry, cash, cameras, etc.

Allergies and Dietary Requests

If you have any allergies or dietary restrictions, please notify us at least 60 days prior to your departure. Every effort will be made to accommodate you. Please note that some destinations may not be familiar with, or be able to accommodate all medically required dietary restrictions. Please call us to discuss any medical conditions that may impact your enjoyment of this destination.

Dining in Cuba

Breakfasts in hotels is buffet with many choices, including fresh fruit, pastries, eggs, coffee and tea. Breakfast in B&Bs is plated or family style and consists of fresh fruit, eggs cooked to order, bread, coffee and tea. Milk is rarely available in B&Bs; bring powdered milk if you want it with your morning coffee.

Lunches and dinners are in paladars - privately owned restaurants. Service is at a more leisurely pace than at home and all food is cooked to order. To save time, meal entrée orders are typically taken in advance and may be plated or served family style. Depending on availability, entrée choices typically include chicken, beef, pork, shrimp, catch of the day or lobster. Occasionally, pizza or pasta are on the menu. Typical accompaniments are soup, croqueta, salad (prepared with clean water and safe to eat), plantains, yucca, rice and black beans. Vegetarian options are typically pasta, or simply leaving out the meat and increasing the other side dishes.

- Please alert us to any special diets well in advance as they cannot always be guaranteed and are based on availability on the day.

Cuban Cuisine

Contrary to other Caribbean cuisines, Cuban food is not spicy at all and is heavily influenced by Spanish cuisine, blended with Caribbean spices and techniques from African, other European and indigenous flavors. Onions, garlic, cumin, oregano, bay leaf, salt, pepper, cilantro, tomato, and a small (not hot) pepper called “cachucha” form the basis of many dishes. The main preparations are grilling, sauteing, frying or stewing in a pressure cooker.

Some typical dishes:

Ropa Vieja - shredded beef stewed in a rich tomato sauce

Vaca Frita - stewed beef that has been shredded and re-fried

Picadillo - ground beef with spices served over rice

Al Ajillo - any protein sauteed with garlic sauce. Example: Camarones al ajillo; shrimp in garlic sauce

Enchilado - any protein cooked in the flavorful tomato sauce

Note: The Cuban sandwich is originally from Florida, not Cuba - be sure to have one while passing through Miami airport!

Note: Salt is readily available in Cuba, however ground black pepper is rarely available in restaurants. You may wish to bring a pre-filled pepper grinder to use throughout your journey, then leave the rest in Cuba.

A 10% tip on restaurant bills is customary.

WHEN TO VISIT CUBA

• The most popular time for travel to Cuba is during the dry season, which lasts from November to April / early May.  
• November and December are the start of high tourist season.
• Peak travel season is mid-January to the end of March.
• Ultra-high peak travel season is from the week before Christmas until the end of the first weekend in January.
• April and early May are less crowded and the weather is typically still dry and pleasant.

June through October is hurricane season in the Caribbean and it can be particularly rainy, buggy, hot and humid. August through early October is the hottest, most humid season. The majority of hurricanes typically occur September - October.

Havana, Cuba: North-coast tropical savanna climate—warm year-round, breezy winters, hot/humid summers; rain peaks late summer to autumn.

• Winter (Dec - Feb): Highs 75 - 80°F, lows 60 - 66°F.
• Spring (Mar - May): Highs 80 - 86°F, lows 65 - 72°F.
• Summer (Jun - Aug): Highs 87 - 90°F, lows 74 - 76°F.
• Autumn (Sep - Nov): Highs 82 - 88°F, lows 68 - 74°F.

Zapata & Bay of Pigs (Playa Larga/Playa Girón): Southern wetlands/coast—warm, humid; sea breezes common along Bahía de Cochinos.

• Winter (Dec - Feb): Highs 80 - 83°F, lows 63 - 67°F.
• Spring (Mar - May): Highs 82 - 87°F, lows 68 - 72°F.
• Summer (Jun - Aug): Highs 88 - 90°F, lows 72 - 75°F.
• Autumn (Sep - Nov): Highs 84 - 88°F, lows 70 - 74°F.

Trinidad (Central South Coast): Warm all year; late-summer wet peak, moderated by coastal exposure and Escambray foothills.

• Winter (Dec - Feb): Highs 77 - 80°F, lows 64 - 68°F.
• Spring (Mar - May): Highs 82 - 86°F, lows 68 - 72°F.
• Summer (Jun - Aug): Highs 87 - 89°F, lows 74 - 76°F.
• Autumn (Sep - Nov): Highs 82 - 88°F, lows 70 - 74°F.

Camagüey (Central Interior): Tropical interior—hot, humid summers; warm, drier winters; distinct wet (May - Oct) / dry (Nov - Apr) seasons.

• Winter (Dec - Feb): Highs 80 - 82°F, lows 64 - 67°F.
• Spring (Mar - May): Highs 86 - 88°F, lows 70 - 73°F.
• Summer (Jun - Aug): Highs 88 - 90°F, lows 73 - 75°F.
• Autumn (Sep - Nov): Highs 83 - 89°F, lows 69 - 72°F.

Snorkeling/Diving/Sea Conditions - Jardines de la Reina marine reserve—generally calm, low current, warm water year-round; clearest water tends to be in the dry season (Nov-Apr).

• Winter (Dec - Feb): Water 77 - 79°F (25 - 26°C); visibility often 100+ ft / 30 m; seas usually calm.
• Spring (Mar - May): Water 79 - 82°F (26 - 28°C); visibility 80 - 100+ ft / 25 - 30+ m.
• Summer (Jun - Aug): Water 83 - 86°F (28 - 30°C); visibility 50 - 100 ft / 15 - 30 m with more rain/swell episodes.
• Autumn (Sep - Nov): Water 82 - 84°F (28 - 29°C); visibility variable early, improving by Nov as the dry season begins.

Time Zone — Cuba

Cuba operates on Cuba Standard Time (CST, UTC −5) and observes Cuba Daylight Time (CDT, UTC −4) during summer months. The national time zone identifier is America/Havana.

Daylight Saving Time (DST): Cuba typically advances clocks by one hour in March and returns to standard time in November. Dates can vary slightly year to year, so confirm close to travel.

Planning tip: Cuba’s clock time generally matches U.S. Eastern Time (EST/EDT) because the UTC offsets are the same, but transition dates may not always align exactly—there can be brief 1-hour differences around the switchovers.

Clothing Choices for Cuba

Bring comfortable, casual clothing made from breathable, easy-care fabrics that can be washed in your hotel room sink or by hotel laundry service and will quickly air dry (hotel laundry service is also air-dried).

Daytime dress is very casual (shorts, t-shirts). For dinners in restaurants and evening outings, Cubans dress up. Smart-casual dress may be required for entry to some Cuban venues. Cuban men wear long pants and collared shirts and women wear dresses or smart pants/outfits. If you plan on experiencing Havana nightlife, a reasonably smart-casual outfit will keep you looking less out of place among the locals. Shorts or short skirts are not acceptable in churches.

January – March can have cold fronts that pass across Cuba, where you’ll want to layer your fleece and rain jacket and have long pants, socks and closed shoes.

Footwear

Remember that many streets in historic areas are pedestrian only and are made of uneven cobblestones, so you’ll want good support and rubber soles.

Walking sandals or light shoes for evening, and flip flops for around the hotel or casa are useful.

Wi-Fi & Telecommunications 

Hotel Wi-Fi
Most hotels provide on-site Wi-Fi, which can either be free, or for a fee. Some provide a hotel-specific username/password, or provide you with instructions to log in via Cuba’s NAUTA portal (WIFI_ETECSA). Expect variable speeds and occasional outages. Plan to be able to only send messages or basic email, and save social media and large photo uploads for after the trip.

Messaging and Calls
WhatsApp is the easiest way to stay in touch over hotel Wi-Fi. Some U.S. services (for example, Zoom) block access from Cuba for regulatory reasons.

U.S. Carrier Roaming
The availability of network roaming from U.S. carriers changes frequently. When available, it is often expensive and slow. Unless you specifically need it, keep your phone in Airplane Mode and use Wi-Fi (or a SIM/eSIM you’ve arranged) to avoid surprise charges.

Smartphone Apps

Smartphone apps such as WhatsApp or FaceTime are the best way to text, video-chat and call home from abroad. These services are usually less expensive than making a phone call, but will use roaming network data or a WI-FI connection. Ensure that you have downloaded whichever apps you plan to use, connect with your friends and family through the app, and understand basic usage before you depart on your trip.

We recommend using WhatsApp to communicate with your Trip Leader, and the other members of your group while in transit to, as well as during your trip. Should you need to reach Conservancy Travel while in transit to the start of your trip, or in case of any emergency, WhatsApp is the easiest way to connect.

E-Sim

The newest technology for communications while traveling internationally is an eSIM. The e-SIM, or embedded SIM, is a digital counterpart to physical SIM cards. It allows users to activate a mobile data plan without the need for a physical SIM, providing a streamlined and cost-effective experience. Many newer smartphones support eSIM technology, such as Apple: iPhone 14 and above; Google: Pixel 4 and later; Samsung: Various models, including the Galaxy S and Z series.  Contact your mobile network provider for your phone’s capability.

For Cuba, GigSky, Kolet, Yesim provide data-only eSIM plans. You must purchase and install it before you leave the USA, and it will activate on arrival.

Etiquette
Please silence ringtones, alerts, and keyboard sounds while with the group.

It is normal to find both 110- & 220-volts electrical currents in use throughout Cuba. Your accommodations may have one without the other, or both. You may also find either or both U.S. and two-round prong European outlets and plugs in use.

Verify your appliances’ voltage in advance. To ensure that you can always use them, if they are not dual voltage, both an international power converter kit that includes a current converter and a set of adapter plugs are needed. These kits are available from many retailers such as Wal-Mart and Amazon. If traveling with a C-Pap machine, make sure that you check with the maker and that you bring any proper converters, adaptors or surge protectors for all devices.  

• Black-outs are common in Cuba especially at night.
• Travelers in need of a CPAP machine are advised to bring one that runs on rechargeable batteries.

Conservancy Travel and the associated accommodations used will not be responsible for power surges, power outages or damage to any electronics or devices used. 

In every case, bring a multi-country adaptor plug, and an adaptor for U.S. three-prong grounded plugs to two- prong plugs if you have any grounded plugs (such as a laptop).

Due to power cuts and the possibility of outages, if you use your phone for photography or plan on using a lot of WIFI, bring a back-up battery charger pack sufficient to charge your devices for a couple of days.

FLEXIBILITY IS THE MOST IMPORTANT ITEM TO BRING WITH YOU TO CUBA!

Cuba is unlike any other travel destination in the world. We are certain that you will return home transformed by the experience, especially the connections that you will make with individual Cuban people from all walks of life.

While the “time capsule” image of Cuba is iconic, it is important to bear in mind that the slow modernization that provides the much-publicized images of old cars, crumbling colonial architecture and non-mechanization are due to both the U.S. Embargo sanctions and equally to local policies.

Cuba and its people face unique challenges that impact daily life, that may be unlike anything that you may have encountered on any vacation to any other destination in the world. You may experience electricity cuts. Constantly evolving supply-chain challenges result in items or food products being unavailable on any given day. Many necessities are imported, and are only available to those who have access to foreign currency.

Tourism brings much-needed income both to individual Cubans and to the Cuban government. The format of your journey is based on providing meaningful support to the Cuban people whom you will meet and get to know, firsthand. This is called Support for the Cuban People Travel and is one of the twelve approved reasons allowed by OFAC (US Department of Treasury).

Remember that visitors -- you -- are getting the best of everything that is available in the country at that given moment, even above its residents. Patience, flexibility, a sense of humor and a spirit of adventure will serve you well during your Cuban adventure.

Cuban is rated one of the safest countries in the world. Cuban people are well educated, hard-working and extremely proud of their professions, homes, and country. Every person you meet will share the best they have with every guest to their country. However, many things are out of the individual Cuban’s control.

Be prepared to remain flexible throughout your Cuba journey, as the planned itinerary will be modified and the order of the included activities adjusted to the specific conditions at the time of operation. In some circumstances, substitutions may be made. Your expert Cuban guide is amazingly adept at managing whatever conditions might impact the scheduled itinerary.

We trust that the beauty of the country and the warmth and hospitality of the Cuban people will make up for any shortfalls in service. Cuba is unlike any other country in the world. We know that you will return home transformed by your journey.