| October/November 2002
This is an article from WaveLength Magazine, available in print in North America and globally on the web.
WaveLength is printed on gloss, recycled, ancient rainforest-free paper
Cuba is a paddler's dream. It's a country of islands set in subtropical Caribbean waters (the mean temperature of both air and ocean is 26ºC (78ºF). Over 900 different fish, 50 types of coral and 1,500 shipwrecks populate the waters around Cuba. The beaches vary from white, gold, and black sand to pebbles, boulders and various rock formations including lava. In certain areas the coastline is made up of huge mangrove swamps that are home to a vast amount of different wildlife, including 35 endemic birds. The main island is the 15th largest island in the world, with a coastline of 7,000 km. The underwater shelf that surrounds it is one-half the size of the main island. The main island has sharp contrasts that are immediate and very striking. Within 200meters you leave an Arizona-type desert for tropical jungle rainforest. The western end of Cuba has conical limestone hills called mogotes. These mounds are honeycombed with long caves and underground rivers. There are two distinct seasons in Cuba. The May to October season has short but very heavy rainstorms. November to April is dry and in some areas the flora turns from lush green to grey/brown.
Cuba has a population of 12 million people who are very friendly and well-educated. All Cubans employed in the tourism industry speak English. The ethnic mix in Cuba is 65% European of Spanish background and the remaining 35% are a racial mixture of European, African and Chinese. There are no native Indians in Cuba. In order to enter Cuba, you must have a valid passport and a return or onward ticket. Most visitors are restricted to stays of 60 days. A tourist entry/exit card is normally included in your ticket price or you can purchase one upon your arrival in Cuba for US$20. The US dollar is used everywhere in Cuba, and the Euro is accepted in major tourist areas. The government also issues a convertible peso that is equal to the US dollar only in Cuba. There is little to buy with this currency, but it does come in handy at farmers' markets and local bars. Credit cards from non-US banks are accepted. Debit card machines are scarce. There is very little tourist-related crime in Cuba. This is a law and order country and Cuba is a full member of Interpol. If a Cuban steals from a tourist, he can receive six years in jail. However, in large cities, one should always take care after dark and never take jewellery on vacation. Dealing drugs can result in a 30-year prison sentence or worse! Sex with an underage Cuban can put you in jail for 18 years.
ACCOMMODATIONS HOTELS: Cuba has a very good selection of new and older hotels. Some of the older properties are classics of years gone by and have recently been totally restored. The National Hotel in Havana is a fine example of bygone elegance. The Melia Cohiba Hotel in Havana is a five-star property that's world class. However, most of Cuba's hotels are in cities and not on the beach. Car rentals and tours can be arranged for those wanting an out of the city adventure. RESORTS: Over the past 10 years, offshore companies have built many new resorts in partnership with the government. These new resorts are on the best beaches and designed for the "sun and sea" tourist. Most of them are all-inclusive, including transportation to Cuba, your room, food, liquor and entertainment. Most of these resorts will offer free use of sit-on- top plastic kayaks. They will also have HobieCats and windsurfing boards. A retail outlet, car rental desk and a tour agent will be on site. The Sol Melia Corporation, a Spanish company, is the largest hotel resort chain operating in Cuba. This chain has 23 properties in Cuba and over 300 worldwide. Their brand names are: Sol Melia, Sol Club, Tryp and Paradisos. Superclubs are a Jamaican company and are the second largest resort chain in Cuba. Over 20 international companies own and/or manage properties on the islands (such as Club Med, Sandals, etc). B&B'S: Cuba now has over 15,000 B&B's called Casa Particulars. These casas are, for the most part, located in the larger cities. For vacationers who want a city adventure or desire the experience of living the Cuban way, these rental rooms are the perfect answer. Tourists are not allowed to stay overnight at private homes that are not licensed. (For more info, try Raul at raul@ip.etecsa.cu). 
CAMPSITES: Cuba has 87 campsites that have rental cabins. Most of these sites are located on the ocean and range from basic to very nice. The cabins have four bunk beds and are ideal for the budget traveller. For a kayaker with a folding kayak these sites are the solution for low-cost vacations. Most of these campsites have a restaurant and during peak seasons the locals set up markets nearby. TOURS: Global Adventures of Bowen Island, BC offers tours which start in Old Havana for a fascinating two days in one of the oldest cities in the Americas. The next move takes you to Pinar del Rio in western Cuba. Famous for its dramatic karst landscape and tobacco,this areas blends the old and the new of Cuba. It is ideal for trekking, cave exploration, mountain-biking, horseback riding, birdwatching and the opportunity to meet the people. Upon the completion of your big island adventure, you fly to the tiny island called Cayo Largo, a sandy island in a turquoise sea. Here you board a large sailboat to start your marine adventure. This live aboard vessel is your home as you sail the Caribbean. The many islands and reefs of this area are excellent for exploring by kayak and snorkel, with clear days for birdwatching, fishing, scuba diving and photography. Take lots of film or a digital camera! Cuba 1 Tours of Courtenay, BC designs custom tours which can include kayaking or any other interest. Tom Robertson has 10 years experience with group travel to Cuba. www.cuba1tours.com GIFTS: When one visits a developing country, it's nice to take along lightweight gifts to give away. There are many daily items needed in Cuba. You should also take along everything you require, including mosquito repellent. Remember that much of Cuba is still back in the 1950s! CUBA WEB PAGES CUBA TRAVEL: www.lonelyplanet.com/thorn/ REPUBLIC OF CUBA: www.aduana.islagrande.cu
MAPS: www.cubamapa.com MAJOR HOTELS/RESORTS: www.solmeliacuba.com
CUSTOM ADVENTURE TOUR OPERATORS: www.globaladventures.ca
CASA PARTICULARS (B&BS): raul@ip.etecsa.cu © Gordon Robinson has visited Cuba 30 times since 1993 and he is currently completing a book on the country. In his opinion, the US may lift travel restrictions to Cuba as early as this winter. He can be reached at abuc12@yahoo.ca. |
Cuba 101 
Pacific Edge Publishing Ltd. - PacificEdgePublishing.com |
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