Cuba~Welcome to Cuba
Cuba Reefs, Waterfalls, Sailing and Culture
An Educational Adventure Providing Support to the Cuban People
Email Kim Powell at bluewaterventuressc@gmail.com to learn more about our next Cuba Adventure
Photo credit by Roman Cahero
Welcome to Cuba!
We are extremely excited to offer another educational adventure to Cuba, an archipelago island country located in the northern region of the Caribbean Sea, just 103 miles south of Key West. Considered part of Latin America, the shores of Cuba are also bathed by The Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean. From the moment we arrive, we will begin learning about Cuba’s vast natural resources and rich cultural traditions. During our educational tour we will be joined by local guides who will share their intricate knowledge of Cuba’s rich history and ecological wonders. During our program, we maintain a group size of no more than 9 people plus crew to offer a unique and exclusive experience.
Our rich and varied Itinerary will include visiting several UNESCO World Heritage Sites where we will meet with local scientists and conservationist eager to educate us about these highly treasured areas. We will spend a day visiting markets, cobblestone streets, cafes, plazas and historic sights of Havana as we inhale the exotic aroma of this capital city frozen in time. Each day we will meet kind and welcoming Cuban people, including local farmers and fisherman who will educate us about their harvesting techniques.
During our land based tour, we will have conversations with our Cuban guides and hosts at private homes where we will spend our evenings. We will share, converse, laugh and dance on roof top terraces that offer stunning views. While sailing, we will visit several biological research stations meeting local scientists who will teach us about Cuba’s environmental issues. and ecology.
Our trip will provide adventurous outings as we hike through tropical forests, waterfalls and caves searching for some of Cuba’s endemic species including the world’s smallest bird, the bee hummingbird that weighs less than a dime! We will snorkel over vast coral gardens learning about the delicate balance of this fragile ecosystem and the challenges that coral reefs are facing on a global scale. We sail and explore the pristine clear waters surrounding the spectacular archipelago comprising Cuba.
Photo by Kim Powell
Now is indeed the time to explore Cuba as travel restrictions were redefined in 2017 and beyond. The ease that US citizens experienced traveling to Cuba became more restrictive.
Cruise ships and other forms of mass tourism have brought changes to a once sheltered and rarely visited corner of the Caribbean, at least by their neighbors to the north. We seek people who are open minded, flexible, adventurous and eager to learn about the fascinating culture of our neighbors and their extraordinary natural resources.
Our group travel experience falls into the “Providing Support to the Cuban People”, one of the 12 categories of legal travel to Cuba for US citizens.
The US Treasury Department allows US travel programs “intended to enhance contact with the Cuban people, support civil society in Cuba, or promote the Cuban people’s independence from Cuban authorities, and that will result in meaningful interaction between the traveler and individuals in Cuba.” We are extremely excited to connect with our Cuban hosts and learn in depth about daily life in Cuba. We will learn first hand about the joys, challenges and struggles the Cuban people are faced with living in one of the world’s last remaining socialist countries.
By November of 2017, Individual Travel to Cuba was no longer permitted.
Payment schedule, cancellation policy and travel insurance may be reviewed at Deposits . We strongly recommend trip insurance which is an affordable way to protect your investment. Please review our trip insurance recommendations before sending your deposit.
TRIP DATE: November 30th-December 9th, 2024
email Kim Powell at bluewaterventuressc@gmail.com to join our next adventure to Cuba.
TRIP COST: $4340
Trip Cost includes all in country transportation, all activities as described in the 10 day Itinerary , all meals, in country fees and permits, museum and cultural entrance fees, Salsa dance lessons, bilingual interpretation, naturalist guide services, 3 nights of land based lodging and 6 nights of sailing. The above trip cost also includes a generous tip to our Cuban Guides as well as tips for our Cuban hosts, drivers, donations to museums and speakers. In Cuba, we plan to collect an additional $100 per person for our Cuban guides. We do suggest that if you enjoy some local musicians, that you will consider a few dollars as tip to show your appreciation.
The price does not include airfare, $85-110 tourist card for travel to Cuba, $25-30 Cuban required accident insurance that is typically billed into your airline ticket, trip insurance purchased in the US, personal alcohol or activities not described in the itinerary.
FLIGHT INFORMATION can be reviewed at Getting to Cuba
A complete package of information, most of which can be found on the website, will be sent to you before our trip departure.
Please give me a call or send me an email if I can be of any other assistance.
Very Sincerely,
Kim Powell, MRPA
Owner, Operator & Naturalist
Blue Water Ventures
phone & fax: 831-459-8548
www.bluewaterventures.org
Facebook
email: bluewaterventuressc@gmail.com
127 Mason St., Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Swim Back to Cuba
Blue Water Ventures
Naturalist-led field trips and adventures. We specialize in sea kayaking field trips for schools and adventures for women in the Monterey Bay, Baja, Belize, Tonga and beyond.
