Cuba Packing List

On our way to the home of Ernest Hemingway, photo by Kim Powell

SUGGESTED PACKING LIST: CUBA

___ Passport and Visa keep in a safe place and make copies of each
___ COVID-19 vaccination Card or a Digital  Record , even if not current
___ COVID-19 Test Kit, 2 are recommended
___ Copy of your airlines ticket with ticket numbers stored in your luggage
___ Blue Water Ventures folder and forms including the Certificate of Compliance form
___ Extra US cash Credit and debit cards do not work in Cuba, see the More Info page for details
___ Rain gear durable, not a flimsy thin plastic style–bring a top and bottom
___ 1 Bathing suit
___ 2–4 T-Shirts a few that are quick dry are nice to have
___ 2 Long-sleeved shirts quick dry and light weight or cotton for sun protection
___ 2-4 Pairs of shorts quick dry and light weight
___ 2 Pairs of lightweight long pants for causal wear while dining out and/or sun protection, surgical scrubs work well while hiking
___ 1 lightweight sweatshirt, sweater or capilene/fleece longsleeve shirt
___ 1 Pair of Hiking   shoes with good tread, either a sturdy tennis shoe or a lightweight hiking  shoe
___ 1 Pair of sandals with a back strap for support — any style is fine but they may get wet as we explore rivers, beaches  and coastal areas;  we don’t recommend Crocs as they offer little support;
We do recommend Keens (such as the Newport H2) or surf/dive booties that provide toe protection
____ 2-3 Pairs of socks for hiking, neoprene socks may be used with dive fins as an option
___ 1 Sarong or lightweight beach towel sarongs are a nice alternative to bulky beach towels
___ Toiletries toothbrush, paste, lotions, aloe, hand sanitizer, etc,
___ Sunscreen ( 20 strength or stronger) & lip balm with sunscreen, while snorkeling, consider coral safe sunscreens reviewed here: Corals and Hawaii Bans Harmful Sunscreens
___ Sunglasses with leash
___ Hat with visor or wide rim
___ Insect repellent–we like Lemon Eucalyptus by Repelan effective non toxic alternative to DEET, others prefer the use of DEET.
___ Avon Skin So Soft bath oil, small amount (6 oz) which can be diluted with 1/2 water….a gentle but effective defense against sand gnats (no see ems), your BWV guides will have some to share but we recommend a small amount of your own
___ Personal medicines ( anti diarrhea,bandaids,neosporine, pain reliever)
___ Joy dishwashing soap, small travel size for laundry or you may drop your laundry off with our various hosts for a small fee
___ Personal snacks Cuba has very limited western style snacks such as power bars, nut mixes, candy, etc. Chocolate will melt in Cuba more details at More Info page
___ Electrolyte Tablets or powder
___  European 220 plug convertor  for use on the sailboat. Most Casa Particulares will have the standard US 110 voltage that we can use for our electronics.   Review at: More Info
___ Journal and several pens/pencils
___ 1 Quart size water bottles ( non disposable such as Nalgene, Sig or equivalent)
___ Duffel bag– One large soft duffel bag works well.  A soft duffel with a stiff back side and rollers is acceptable. See  more details on luggage at: More Info
___ Day Pack — lined on the inside with a compactor bag to waterproof
___ Mask fins & snorkel – check with a local dive shop for proper fit, please bring your own gear as equipment to rent in Cuba is limited.
Full Face masks are not permitted on our  programs.  See the More Info page
___ 2 compactor or garbage bags & a few gallon size ziplocs for organizing stuff
___ Flashlight or head lamp and extra batteries
___ Roll of toilet paper stored in a ziploc bag
___Face masks and 2 small (3-4oz)  personal gel hand sanitizer

OPTIONAL GEAR

___ Camera/film– we like the Olympus Tough Underwater Camera
___ Gifts and Donations for the Cuban People we meet along the way see Gifts at More Info page
___ Cell phones— be sure to put on airplane mode to avoid roaming charges which are extremely high, US cell phones will not work in Cuba
___ Extra Camera Battery and memory card; camera battery charger
___ Each home will have the standard US 110 voltage that we can use for our electronics as well as the European 220 plugs Review at More Info page
___ Small Dry Bag to protect personal gear such as cameras and binoculars
___ Binoculars –highly recommended for bird watching
___ Personal  Coffee or Drink Mug
___ Favorite adult beverage– rather than bringing from the states, we will re-supply along the way
___ Favorite Tea or instant Starbuck Coffee packages to add additional strength to coffee provided on trip, tea choices may be limited in Cuba
___ Baby powder--great during travel in the tropics for removing sand and treating heat rash, small amount
___ One small camp towel purchased at outdoor store
___ Mesh dive bag
___ Ear plugs
___ Motion sickness prevention medicine – if you are prone to motion sickness for several long van rides.
___ Waterproof flashlight or dive light
___ Waterproof watch
___ Buffs headwear–great for sun protection and flare! We are providing everyone with one of our Blue Water versions of a buff, our “blue rag”
___ Paperback book — we carry a library of field guides, but any books you bring can be left in Cuba
___1 Pair of flip flops
___ Dive booties to wear with your fins if using those that require booties such as the style that has a heel strap
___1 Rash Guard –can be purchased at surf shops, Kayak Connection or REI; provides sun protection and warmth in water; we like Mysterioso rash guard tops that are lightweight and provide extra warmth
___ Wetsuit Shorty or lightweight wetsuit top — this is a personal choice as water temperatures will be comfortable around 78-80 degrees. For comparison, Oahu’s Wakiki Beaches averages 76 degrees from January to April and 80-81 degrees mid summer.
___ Leggings If using a wetsuit shorty to the knees or just a bathing suit, we recommend wearing a pair of leggings  for sunburn and reef protection. For fun ocean designs where 10%  of proceeds are donated to ocean conservation or  research go to:   Waterlust
___ Light weight synthetic jacket such as the Patagonia Nano Puff packs light and offers lightweight but breathable layering

LOST LUGGAGE: Just in case your luggage is misplaced during airplane transfers, pack the following in a carry on bag: mask & snorkel, 1 pair of shorts, 1 t-shirt, bathing suit, 1 long sleeve shirt, 1 pair of pants, camera, sunscreen, essential toiletries and personal medications.

LUGGAGE: One large soft duffel bag works well.  A medium to large duffel bag is recommended.  Duffels  that have a rolling option are fine. Gifts such as school supplies and medical supplies can be removed from your luggage. Roman has arranged a contact in Cuba to receive these greatly needed items.  Please keep in mind that most liquids, lotions, shampoos and gels are scarce in Cuba.  For anyone who plans to bring carry on only, one option is to purchase additional  toiletries at  your departure airport after you pass through security. TSA size restrictions for liquids and gels apply as usual when traveling to Cuba.

Swim Back to Cuba