Cuba

The isolated peninsula of Maria La Gorda lies at the South West tip of Cuba.  There are 32 named dive sites, all of which are accessible by boat.  The furthest site is just 30 minutes away.

Most of Maria La Gorda's diving is set against a fantastic wall that drops vertically from a lip at 12 meters down in to the blue.  Beautiful canyons in the wall lead divers down further to around 30 meters before exiting on to the reefs outer edge.  Spectacular sponges rise up to 5 feet off the wall and hard corals grow on top of one another, jostling for space.

This region is known for its black coral and nutrient rich sea bed, feeding  a wide variety of gorgonian fans which can grow to an impressive size.

On the shallow reefs above the wall you can find many juvenile reef fish in their crèches.  Maria La Gorda is ideal for keen photographers looking for that rare combination of light, dramatic walls and bright colourful corals.  Off the reef there is a rich mix of species representing the very best of Caribbean diving.

MARIA LA GORDA

The International Scuba-Diving Centre, SSI and CMAS accredited, is based on the most western tip of Cuba in the Pinar del Rio province.  The area has been declared a UNESCO reserve and has beautiful scenery both above and below water.  Some boats go from the jetty located on the beach close to the hotel; the marina is situated at Corrientes Cove close by.

The dive guides are very friendly and helpful but sometimes there can be a language barrier, so please ensure you and your buddy understand the dive plan.  For this reason, it is recommended that only relatively experienced divers, happy to dive in independant buddy teams with the guide for navigation purposes only, stay at Maria La Gorda.

Dive Packs

Included in price, unless non-diver reduction requested.

Incl. 2 - 3 boat dives per day schedule dependant, air tanks and weights

Dive Courses

Courses are not pre-bookable.

Extras in Resort

Equipment hire is possible and payable locally but it is recommended you take your own equipment, including a dive computer.  Due to importation and customs restrictions, it can be hard for the dive centre to ensure maintenance and spare parts arrive when required.

Centuries as a Spanish colony have contributed greatly to the cultural wealth of this island, the largest in the Caribbean and the same size as England.  Havana is the capital and in 1972 was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.  Many of the cities have beautiful architecture, museums, theatres and market squares, and the best salsa music in the Latin world and of course the ageing but unique American cars.

Getting Around

Your transfers from Havana to Maria La Gorda with Regaldive are included as part of the package.  These are transfers in private vehicles, as opposed to 'shared' organised transfers and is reflected in the higher price of the package.  To and from Havana's airport you organise your own taxi, which is quicker and less expensive.  It is highly recommended that you only take licensed taxis and organised excursions.

Climate

The dry season is from November to April.  Average temperatures are 22-26°C and the sky is often cloudless.  Cold wet snaps can come in from North America especially in December and January, when the temperatures can drop to as low as 5°C at night.

From May to October there are normally fine mornings and clear evenings, afternoon rains tend to be short & heavy.  Temperatures are hot and humid.

Time

Cuba is -5 hours behind GMT

Currency

Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC). £1 = 1.5CUC (approx.)

The US dollar: Please note that US dollars are no longer accepted in shops and other businesses - tourists and Cubans exchanging dollars pay a hefty commission.

Travellers cheques should not be in US$.  Note that American Express travellers cheques are generally not accepted in any currency.  Credit cards drawn on American Banks are not accepted.

It is best to take Euros or Sterling whihc you can exchange for Cuban Pesos in hotels and at the airport. Local charge may apply.

There are no reliable ATMs in Cuba and please do not rely on using your credit card.

You should bring the original receipt from your Travellers’ Cheques and note that commission charges can be high.

Activities

The cultural attractions are innumerable and the people charming and friendly.  In Havana you can stroll the Malecon, or seaside drive, and shop in the old town with its cobbled market squares, quaint cafes and elaborate streets.

You will be entertained by musicians and dancers in the street and can visit the famous Tropicana cabaret.  Ernest Hemingway was a regular in Havana and you can visit many of his old haunts.  There are numerous exhibits and museums associated with the Revolution such as the mural of Che Guevara and the Revolution Museum.

In the provinces there is much colonial history and architecture as well as the cigar factories and botanical gardens.  The countryside is varied and dramatic with high mountains, cascading waterfalls, mangrove swamp nature reserves and white, coral sand beaches.

Cuba Factbox

Flight Information

Flights are available with Air France via Paris, with some good UK regional departure options and with Virgin.  Package price may differe according to airline booked and chosen date of travel.

Flight Duration: Aprrox. 9 hours plus changeover if flying with Air France.

Airline: Air France and Virgin.

Havana departure tax: c. $20

Visas

Tourist visas are required by all nationalities for Cuba, prior to travel.  Regaldive issue tourist visas for British Citizens and is included in the package cost.  Non-British citizens should contact the Cuban consulate for their own visa requirements.

Vaccinations

Vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure.  For the most up to date advice please consult your travel clinic.  Further information regarding vaccinations for travel to this country can be found at www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk and from your local practitioner.

There are no compulsory vaccinations for travel to Cuba, but we recommend protection against typhoid, tetanus, hepatitis A and polio.  Please consult your doctor for the latest advice regarding malaria.  Hygiene is not up to European standards, especially in public areas.  We advise you use bottled water during your stay.

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