Trip Planning

Adventure essentials:

PERSONAL CLOTHING & EQUIPMENT

Non-adventure essentials:

• Money - We recommend approximately $300.00-400.00 USD or EU depending on your budget and spending habits. Banks are very sparse in Cuba and credit cards are pretty much useless where we travel. Cash is gold! We suggest small denominations because it’s difficult/impossible to get change. You can also exchange some foreign currency at the airport for Cuban pesos. This is helpful if you are buying things from state run retail shops. ie shampoo, soap, toothpaste, Beer/Wine/Alcohol. If you are continuing your trip outside our program extra pesos for private restaurants would be advisable. Canadian/EU credit cards work at some restaurants

• TP - Bring a roll of toilet paper with you. Trust me on this one!

• Snacks - Bring your favourite snacks. Gorp, granola bars etc

• Internet – You can order a tourist SIM card online at: https://cubaceltourist.com/. You can also buy an internet scratch card at most City squares. Please ask your guide for assistance

• Gratuities – Please see General Tipping Guidelines below.

• Power Plugs - To adapt or not to adapt that is the question. Electricity is 110- 220v AC, same as North America.

• First Aid Kit - Pain relief (ie Advil, Tylenol, Asprin), GI relief (ie imodium, ciprofloxacin), Skin relief ( Antibacterial Cream, Anti Itch creams, bug spray, sunscreen). Band-aids and Blister-aids.

INCLUDED IN TRIPS

• Round trip ground transfers to and from airport

• *Meals and Accommodations inside the program

• Water

• Professional guide(s)

• Professional bus driver or 4x4 Jeep driver(s) used in the Kayak program

• Equipment for activities included in the program

*There may be some meals not included due to flight arrival or departure times or special circumstances. A complimentary drink is typically included at meals. After that, you will be responsible for drinks.

Please note: some people will want to extend their trips. Any transfers, food or accommodations outside our program are not included. We will assist in any way we can to help support logistics beyond our tour.

NOT INCLUDED IN TRIPS

• Medical insurance

• Airfare

• Flight cancellation insurance

• Activities outside the program

• Transfers outside the program

IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT FLIGHTS

One of the most important goals is to have all our client’s flights arriving and departing around the same time. Before booking your flights for our trips please consult with the Cuba Adventure Company to help choose the right flight based on our tour schedule and other party’s flights. As you can imagine, this can get very complicated.  It is our goal to make this as smooth as possible and to use our bus as the main shuttle to and from the airport.

To help expeidite your entry in to Cuba, please fill out the advance information of travellers online 24hrs prior to departure at: https://dviajeros.mitrans.gob.cu. If you have online issues, not to worry, you can fill out standard forms on the plane.

General Tip'ing Guidelines

If you have a great adventure with TEAM CAC, approximately 5% pp of the cost of the trip is our suggestion. Our C.A.S.T (Cuba All Star Team) includes: Cuba Adventure Company representative, Interpretive Cuban guide, Specialized guides (kayak program), Bus driver, 4x4 Jeep drivers (kayak program) who will all be with us for the duration of the trip. If they exceed your expectations feel free to show your appreciation.

PLEASE NOTE: To avoid any confusion, you can approach your friendly neighbourhood CAC representative with regards to dispersing your tip amongst the Team.

For daily incidentals:

• 1 dollar per meal

• 1 dollar per night for house cleaning staff

• 1 dollar for porters

• 2-5 dollars for special meal (private restaurant)

• 2-5 dollars for special musical guest(s)

• 2-5 dollars for special interpretive guide(s) ie Pepe from UNESCO ZAPATA SWAMP Kayak Program

• 5-10% of fare for taxi rides outside the program

• Loose change for bar tender

If you have any questions about tip’ing, please ask the CAC representative or contact head office.

Thank you for supporting our C.A.S.T!

PLEASE REMEMBER

Cuba can be a challenge. Often things don’t go as planned. Flexible travelers with a sense of humour consider it part of their Cuban adventure. You’ll often hear Cuban’s say “it’s complicated!”. Our Cuban partners work very hard to make your tour unfold seamlessly, but sometimes itinerary changes happen in light of hardships on the island especially in the last couple of years. Try to keep an open mind and a warm heart.

Equipment for our sea kayak/sup and bike tours

SEA KAYAKS, STAND UP PADDLEBOARDS, BIKES & ACCESSORIES

We believe that quality equipment helps to enhance your experience which is why we use top of the line Kayaks, Stand Up PaddleBoards, Bikes and Accessories.

SEA KAYAKS

CURRENT DESIGNS VISION 150 (15’)
The Vision 150 Kevlar kayak delivers an excellent mix of on water efficiency and maneuverability. With a standard rudder the Vision 150 displays the highest level of tracking for a light touring kayak. Featuring enough storage capacity for long weekend trips and the efficiency to travel new distances, this is a perfect kayak for our Cuba kayak adventures.

The VAåG and Vital
The Vaag 174 is a 17’4” stylish sea kayak with flawless performance for the savvy paddler. With exceptional handling and performance you'll feel like pushing your limits in this boat. The Vital 16’6” is the little sister. These thoroughbreds are typically for the guides but you may persuade us to give them a try!
 

STAND UP PADDLEBOARDS

BIKES

ACCESSORIES