15 independent reviews for Scuba diving and tour in Cuba
Reviews for Scuba diving and tour in Cuba
Ken Akers review 19 Sep 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The diving amongst the beautiful coral gardens has to be one of the best memories but we also enjoyed the warm tropical experience, which is so different from the UK. Trinidad was breath taking for its unexpected vibrancy and its old world charm and with fabulous music. We also had some good food here, where different sauces had been concocted to make the expected pork and rice more interesting.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Take water purification tablets as bottled water is hard to find and the Cuban water can give you serious sickness which can spoil your vacation (avoid ice cubes if you can). We would also suggest keeping your Cuban Pesos topped up so that you can make use of Government facilities which are actually very nice (Service Stations and Art Museum cafes – they don’t take Euros/Dollars so you really need the local currency but you have to make sure that you use it up at the end (or donate to local people). Be prepared for shortages that are quite severe. We stopped at a service station for a coffee and sandwich but we were offered only orange juice and 2-litre ice cream tubs - that was literally all they had! We did take these and accepted that this was all that we were going to get.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Our money cascaded from the homestay hosts down to all other people that worked in their environment which we felt was much better than spending money in large and impersonal hotels. We found it amazing that in Cuba there is not very much waste anyway since there is no processed food (no crisp packets etc). It was a special experience that was unique and very far away from an ‘all inclusive’ experience: Take on the challenges and you will get rewarded with wonderful and multilayered experiences. We had amazing support from Ellie (Vinales), Jo (Trinidad) and Dora (Havana) as well as Lilliana who helped us with our car trouble.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Quite unique although challenging in some ways. Some really special moments but with some frustrations (we learned patience from the Cubans and we respect them for the way they manage these difficulties).Charlotte Perry review 2 Dec 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Scuba diving on a liveaboard with Avalon in the Gardens of the Queen, a joint venture with an Italian company and Cuba. Also, the spectacular music and dance show at the iconic Tropicana in Havana.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be prepared for very third-world conditions in the streets and country side. Always have plenty of tissue and toilet paper with you when traveling on land. Carry a lot of small CUC for tips that are regularly occurring throughout the day. Everyone wants to be tipped, even for a short conversation or a photograph. For our particular itinerary, it would’ve been good to have lace up walking shoes, rather than just sandals and Crocs. If you plan on doing any jungle walks, be sure to take this kind of shoe. Not necessarily hiking boots, but just a closed, lace up shoe.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Our trip benefitted the tour guides and homestay owners. We chose to eat mostly at the homestays for healthy, home cooked meals. A portion of the high cost of the live aboard went to coral reef research and preservation.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
We are really glad we got to experience a week of living in Cuba with the people in every day life. For us, one visit was enough, though. The life is hard there. The people are kind, but it was definitely NOT luxury travel!Read the operator's response here:
We are very happy to read that our travelers had excellent diving experiences at Queens Gardens during their week stay and enjoyed the travel over land as well. In Cuba you come across polite, cheerful, very well educated and professional people allover the society. It is true that some tourists are approached for tipping and presents on the street, however the more Spanish you speak, the more you mingle with the Cuban, joyful Caribbean culture, the more you know how to move around and the less this street approach will bother you. You can even turn it around, have a chat or joke and make it into a trueful meeting than feeling upset and seen as only a tourist.
Cuba can be seen as a third world country economically but on the other hand when you look to high level of education allover the society it is not exactly what it seems like and it is clear that Cuba has an enormous potential. One part of the story is that Cuba has been restrained by the yearlong economic restrictions of their big brother. Cuba could be as wealthy as any other nation when we would all share and help each other.
Visiting Cuba and meeting its people is entering in another Universe leading to very interesting experiences and insights. At last a luxury authentic travel is possible on Cuba with top 5 star hotels and resorts, sailing excursions with your own catamaran and a crew and cook onboard, traveling with your own private driver onland in a Vintage car or a bandnew luxury car, it is all possible and we can arrange it all, it depends on how much budget there is and each one's travel wishes.
Amber Ricci review 15 Dec 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The great guide, the cave La Batata, the friendliness of the people!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Havana can be loud, bring earplugs. Beds are often hard.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
YES, and we personally brought 30 pairs of sunglasses to give away!4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Superb, beyond expectations!!Read the operator's response here:
We are very happy to read that this vacation in Cuba passed the expectations and that the tour guide on the trip was great. This was a party traveling with their own bus and Cuban national guide along the whole itinerary. All trip details were prepared very well with our team in Havana and all involved homestay coordinators. It is very rewarding to hear that all the work and dedication of the teams in office and all involved guides and coordinators on the ground worked out very well as planned.
Thomas Holthus review 1 May 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Definitely the friendly hosts at the casa particulars, so happy & helpful, given my limited Spanish, that made it even better in a way, so we both had to 'work' at communicating. The historical areas w/ good guides, helped to bring history alive. The scuba diving at the Bay of Pigs was ok, but the divemasters were very good, so good for father-son vacation.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Definitely go with private taxi from destination to destination, ie do NOT try to drive yourself, as more complicated in cities, needing someone to watch your car overnight/day if touring. Bring your own travel shampoo. The hike to Batata in Topes de Collentes has it's climbing sections, that much sure you have hiking legs/endurance I used Lonely Planet Cuba guidebook...it was helpful, as there's always time built in the trip for 'free time' as we always 'wandered around' and that made it more special...3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We used local guide, local taxi drivers, ate at local restaurants (ie used non-government as much as possible). With my limited Spanish I was still able to learn tons about their lives and hopes.... It also allowed me to tell other Americans about the Cuban peoples, that anyone does not get, wherever they are, if they only stay in all-inclusive, So in a Big Way, having the embargo of having Americans Not stay in government hotels is a Big Bonus to the Cuban people and vice-versa, where we can really learn about them. And any American not willing to go out like that can just go to wherever/Florida/DR/PR etc etc to get their all-inclusive fix.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Great, April after 2 weeks Easter (but scholl kids were out this week, but more fun to have the Parque/Plazas with probably more & happy people out later than usual mid-week during school times), so it was the end of the high season, so rainy season was just starting, but only brief rain storms, that really did not affect us. But more importantly the Cubans we were staying at, or interacted on the streets (for the most part) were all genuine, friendly, happy people.Roger Phillips review 26 Nov 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Meeting the Cuban people.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Don't fear self-drive...great experience. Be confident in your Spanish but don't expect this to be like a beach vacation at an "all-inclusive" resort in The Med.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Some of the monies flowed to the locals.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Great trip.Wilson Wing review 7 Mar 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
50 miles offshore Scuba Diving in the Garden of the Queens...this is a healthy reef with sharks to nudibranchs. The soft corals where beautiful waving in the current with the reef fish.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Cuba is a place with friendly people and a different rhythm. So find it and flow with it and you will have a great adventure..3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We had discussion with the conservation officials regarding the Diving and the struggles in protecting the reef.....the attention that having divers in the Garden of the Queens from all over the world is the highest benefit...Divers are funding the protection by going and diving!4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
We had a wonderful trip and will be returning to Cuba and diving the Gardens.Ian Matthews review 31 Oct 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
There were many highlights from this unique destination, but the most memorable part would definitely be having to change two tyres after hitting a deep pothole and struggling in Spanish to find out how to get it repaired (hint: "hay ponchera acqui?"). Oh, how we laugh about it. Now. First time I have seen condoms used for tyre repairs! All part of the experience and ranks up there along with the beatiful diving at the Bay of Pigs, the stunning scenery at Viñales and the extraordinary hospitality everywhere.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Defnitely brush up on your Spanish and beyond that, just go with the flow!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
To a degree my vacation benefited local people. Staying in casas particulares supports the non-government sector economy (and was a better experience), but I am undecided as to whether this creates the necessary trickle-down effect to all the local people. In terms of conservation, there is clearly a national drive to environmental sustainability and the guided walks were deeply informative but one wonders how much this will be prioritised as the country changes.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent, enjoyable, thought-provoking. So glad we went, but should have stayed longer!Kelvin Eaton review 21 Feb 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Few days spent in Trinidad. Truly beautiful city, lots of restaurants, good nightlife, and great location for day trips to beaches or mountains. Would loved to have spent more time there.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Always carry your passport. We had to produce it every time we stopped for fuel or use a 50 CUC note.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Staying with families definitely benefited local community.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
8/10ROBERT marcus review 31 Aug 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Forest walk in Vinales ...the guide had a natural affinity withe local environment and was a charming and gentle man2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Travel light and be prepared for wide variety of weather...3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Tourist revenue is vital for local people. Minimal effect on environmental impact and conservation except insofar as the natural parks need to be visited to become more sustainable4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
A stimulating adventure rather than a relaxing vacationCatherine Shaw review 26 Apr 2015
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
So many things... diving in the Bay of Pigs (wrecks, rays, turtles, amazing coral)... by chance being in Vinales during its local festival with street stalls, funfair, live music and dancing...2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Don't be afraid to hire a car. We nearly didn't do it as we'd heard 'horror stories' about the state of the roads, lack of signs, people trying to puncture tyres etc, but in the end we decided to risk it - it turned out fine, and we were really glad we did it, as it gave us so much more independence and flexibility. OK, so the road surface is very variable (including thousands of crabs in places), there aren't that many signs and people do try to hitch lifts, but if you are prepared for all those things it's fine, you just need to take it easy and keep your wits about you. The fact that there is so little other traffic makes it all much less stressful - you can easily do a u-turn if you go the wrong way! We would also recommend staying in casa particulares rather than hotels. We did stay in one hotel in Maria La Gorda, as there was no alternative, and we wanted to dive there. It was OK, but quite impersonal (and more expensive). By contrast, the casas were all lovely and totally individual. Our Spanish was pretty limited, and some of our hosts spoke very little English, but we always had such a friendly welcome, great food and a very comfortable stay.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Staying in casas definitely benefited the people we stayed with, as we paid them directly. But maybe we were just contributing to the growing inequalities between private entrepreneurs and those working for the state??4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
It really was the vacation of a lifetime. We were only there 2 weeks, but managed to pack in so much, but without feeling rushed - diving, driving, culture, nature, music and (of course!) mojitos...Read the operator's response here:
We are very pleased that this diving vacation has been so great for our clients. We would like to inform travelers to Cuba that we always explain about all the details of a self drive program and driving over Cuba, what to expect and what to avoid. This we do during a briefing by phone or by Skype before departure and via our Cuba manual. Besides that travelers do have a last briefing with our partner in Havana in their hotel or casa particular / homestay on the second day before starting on their round tour.
Nicolas Raynaud review 14 Sep 2015
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Vinales - fantastic homestay; great walks/ bike rides/ horse ride, and visits (beaches, caves, and the village of course).2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be clear about the balance between 'active' and 'passive' time.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Probably; homestay families were very friendly.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Great time for all, with a balanced programme that was enjoyed by everyone in our family. The vacation providers were extremely helpful.Wenche Drevland review 28 Feb 2015
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Very difficult to pick out one part, so many exciting experiences.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Book it know ! Read the Cuba Manual/ info on Cuba carefully!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, by living / eating in private houses our vacation benefited local people4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Wonderful memories, felt like you were participating in a movie from the fifties.judge alison review 3 Feb 2015
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The opportunity to meet the Cubans at the casa partiular, in the streets and with local guides. Baracoa area was the most memorable in term of nature and landscape.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
I would not hesitate for a Cuba trip to have it organized by the operator becouse it simplifies everything for us. We had much more time to enjoy our vacation and not loosing time to book buses or accomodation. The travel agenda they prepared was very informative and we just had to follow it.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Casa Particular owners will certainly benefiting from our 6 weeks visit (one bedroom renting for a day is more than one month salary of a doctor). National Parks visits will help conservation.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Very good on all points.Merly Khouw review 4 Aug 2014
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Diving Jardines de la Reine Visiting Playa Giron museum Walking Sierra Escambray Classic car tour Drinking rum, smoking cigars and listening to music at Buena Vista Social Club2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Do the city tours in the morning if going in the summer. Too hot to enjoy in the afternoon.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes to the extent we could.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent.Joris Ondreka review 22 Apr 2014
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
There have been several. The diving and the beach at Punta Frances on Isla de la Juventud, the beach and sea at Maria la Gorda, the old part of Havana as well as the views of the valley of Vinales.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Try to get the seaview rooms at Maria la Gorda, visit the Cava Santo Tomas at Vinales and go looking for a Flamenco performance in Havana.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
It is not always easy to get it right but I think so. The accommodation at homestays (the money goes directly to the owners) as well as the many tips we gave supported at least some people.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Very nice with a good organization upfront and on location. I can recommend it without any constraints.Holiday Reviews
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