Club Habana – Havana Cuba
Club Habana - Havana Cuba
Club Habana – To find this amazing Club simply use the above directions or visit there while visiting the Club Nautico as they are very close together.
Yet another of the Popular Places for Americans in Cuba, the Club Habana is a place where you will rub shoulders with the big hitters in Cuba, those foreigners from all nations who reside and work on the island and also own the largest businesses. A perfect place for “people spotting” but also a great place to relax, this “entrance fee only” Club (30 CUC one day – weekly/monthly passes also available) offers excellent facilities such as: Gym, Saunas, two large Jacuzzis, showers, sports shop, cigar lounge, outdoor/indoor (overlooking the beach) restaurant, bar, gourmet restaurant, business center with 8 PC´s with fast(ish) internet, changing rooms, tennis (x4), racketball (x2) courts, private beach, Jet ski hire, sunbeds, free beach towels, etc. Truly a chic place and somewhere to go and spend the day or several days while relaxing in Havana. Also, the Club Habana has the ONLY beach in Havana unless you go all the way out to Playas del Este. Evenings there offer little entertainment though but a good meal (little expensive) can be had at the either of the two restaurants. The Hotel Palco is the cloest Hotel to this Club and also offers the benefit of being located right next to the Havana Convention center which almost always has one event or another on. Contact Club Habana cenneg2@clubhaba.clubhabana.get.cu
Tip: Club Habana
Well worth the entrance fee and your precious time but go early as there is lots to do there.
Visit Club Habana on weekends an ask for the weekend pass
Sailing to Cuba from USA
Sailing to Cuba from USA
We´ve already covered Sailing to Cuba from USA in our previous post but what about when you arrive with your boat in Cuba?
Getting around after Sailing to Cuba from USA
Car Rental Cuba - Your berth will come specified with free parking close to your vessel therefore; if you rent a car in Cuba you will have secure parking. Furthermore, as ports in Cuba are semi restricted areas, if you prebook the car then this will be added to your entry permit before prior to arrival, meaning easy access and fewer formalities entering and exiting the port on a day to day basis.
Flights - For greater distances, the best option is to book national flights in Cuba and these can also be pre-confirmed prior to your arrival.
Buses – Often overlooked are the ViaAzul buses which regularly and efficiently move large groups of tourists around Cuba with scheduled service and using new, air-conditioned buses. As an example, a ticket from Havana to Santiago de Cuba can be as little as 16 CUC or 16 USD.
Money issues
The Cuban government still levies a 10% tax on the green back when exchanging to the local CUC currency. However, this is only limited to the exchange of bank notes but, NOT travelers checks nor Western Union advances. Therefore, to save money it would be better to organize either of these two non cash methods prior to your departure. Probably the best route is to organize the prepayment of all major expensive items before you arrive. These can be paid using your American credit/debit card and can cover; berth, accommodation (off vessel), immigration costs, car rental, national flights and even fuel. To prearrange and pay these services visit Cuba Yachts and either discus with an agent via chat, call or send your request via email.
So, after Sailing to Cuba from USA its not all plain sailing but navigating the bureaucracy is rather simple
Sailing to Cuba from USA 101
El Floridita Havana Cuba
El Floridita
El Floridita Havana Cuba – Well what can we say? This place needs very little introduction as one of the Popular Places for Americans in Cuba. Probably the nerve center of Cuban Culture El Floridita was made famous by Ernest Hemingway and a plethora of other personality’s who´s photos decorate the dimly lit walls. Sit in awe in the very same place these people sat several decades ago while drinking (be careful with the ice headache here) the notorious El Floridita Daiquiris and, very potent ones at that as this writer later discovered…
El Floridita - Venue frequented by the stars, poets and celebrities
Seldom mentioned in any revues is the excellent Cuban Restaurant in the El Floridita. Particularly good and varied selection of seafood’s and meats along with some interesting appetizers, the restaurant is well worth a shot should time permit between the Daiquiri onslaughts you will, almost certainly, indulge.
El Floridita is open all day until late (around 2am) 24/7
Hotels near the El Floridita are Hotel Inglaterra, Hotel Parque Central, Hotel Saratoga, Hotel Santa Isabel, Hotel Plaza, Hotel Telegrafo
TIP: Several bars close by mean that El Floridita can be part of a Pub crawl very easily
Travel to Cuba from USA by boat
Travel to Cuba from USA by boat
Many Americans, especially those who live in Florida, often say “why don´t I just Travel to Cuba from USA by boat ?” After all, it’s only 90 miles, right? Well, theoretically, Travel to Cuba from USA by boat is entirely possible. In fact, more and more yachts and power cruises are showing up in Cuba´s ports. However, an American should be aware that having a berth prearranged and accounting for local paperwork is essential.
The crossing
The Florida Straits can be as smooth as a lake or as treacherous as the Baring seas, depending on the time of year. If the weather and conditions are good you can expect a swift and agreeable crossing. If the weather or swells are bad then it can take much longer.
Travel to Cuba from USA by boat : Arrival in Cuba
Advising of your arrival is very important so as not to create confusion with the Cuban Coast guard if you Travel to Cuba from USA by boat . Unlike most countries in the region, Cuba´s waters are heavily monitored due to the political tension between the US and the Cuban Government.
As you approach Cuba you can contact the port authorities on HF (SSB) 2760 National Coastal Network, and 2twork, and/or 2790 Tourist Network VHF Channel 68 Port Authorities, or Channel 19 Tourism
A complete list of Cuban Ports and advice can be found at Cuba-Yachts.com and for a minimal fee this website can make arrangements for your arrival, prearrange your berth at one of the ports and advise the authorities of your pending arrival to make the process simpler.
Travel to Cuba from USA by boat : Formalities
Upon arrival in a Cuban Port you will be required to register with the port authorities and complete immigration. Although this sounds daunting, actually it’s quite a laid back affair and rather simple. You will need to buy the tourist card (25 CUC) and register all crew of your vessel. All must have a valid passport. Cuban immigration DO NOT stamp passports, rather they stamp the separate tourist card which is two copies. One you retain in your passport until departure and the other remains with the immigration staff.
How long can I stay in Cuba with my Vessel if I Travel to Cuba from USA by boat ?
Unlike “normal” air bound passengers, those of boats can stay longer in Cuba. The basic stay being 1 month but this can be extended up to six months by port immigration. Each extension costs 50 CUC per month and must be paid by every crew member.
Port services
All ports in Cuba provide standard port side electricity hook ups, fresh water and sanitary services. In fact, you´ll be hard pressed to recognize any difference in the services available from those you are accustomed to.
Cuban nationals and boarding your vessel
There are restrictions concerning allowing Cuban nationals to board your vessel. These restrictions, like many rules in Cuba, are made to be broken. The official line is NO CUBANS are allowed onboard. However, the reality is much different. Staying under the radar and complying with the port authorities will reward you with a more flexible attitude toward this rule. However, large groups of males and females, parties and other group visits to your vessel will be prohibited and, should you try, will make the rest of your stay a “Cubanless” experience. However, “one or two” friends is often tolerated. The general consensus between numerous crews we have spoken to is, if you want to enjoy time with numerous Cuban´s then, the best route is to book a Hotel in Cuba or Private house for those times.
Travel to Cuba from USA by boat 101
Flights to Cuba from USA
Flights for Travel to Cuba from USA
American Flights to Cuba
Previously (before 2010) just a handful of airports including Los Angeles, Miami and New York been approved for Flights for Travel to Cuba from USA.
However, recently various routes were approved, meaning that those who are traveling with permission from the United States government can travel much easier than before. The current airports approved for direct Flights for Travel to Cuba from USA for those with a license (permission) to travel are:
Direct Flights for Travel to Cuba from USA
Chicago's O'Hare
Baltimore
Dallas Fort Worth
New Orleans
Pittsburgh
Tampa
Atlanta
San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Los Angeles
Miami
New York
Oakland
However, due to recent modifications in the permitted “motives” for travel to Cuba, many other Americans qualify to simply travel to the island without a license which opens the door to several popular routes used by Americans for Flights for Travel to Cuba from USA both past and present.
Probably the two most popular Flights for Travel to Cuba from USA are Cancun - Havana or Nassau - Havana.
However, direct flights are also available from Mexico City, Merida, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Panama, Jamaica, Cayman Islands, Dominican Republic and many other locations. This simply means buying a return ticket to your “gateway” country then a separate onward return flight to Cuba. Timing can be tricky though and, many have found they need to overnight in the third country they hop from. NON of these flights to/from Cuba will be available from standard online bookings sites domiciled in the US or, even those websites for markets outside of the US if the website is owned by a US company. So, the likes of Travelocity or Expedia, even on European versions of their websites, will not allow bookings of Cuba bound flights. Some companies offer fully synchronized flights and work out the itinerary with you to save long stopovers and wasted time.
In these cases Flights to Cuba from USA are, of course, not direct.
Flights for Travel to Cuba from USA 101
Cuba travel for us citizens
Cuba travel for us citizens
Cuba travel for us citizens has long been an elusive prospect. On one hand there´s the embargo and the trading with the enemy act and its provisions but, did you know that Cuba travel for us citizens is not actually illegal? US law prohibits spending money in Cuba but does not erode constitutional rights of Cuba travel for us citizens
So, how is Cuba travel for US citizens possible?
Cuba travel for us citizens "GENERAL LICENSE" Requires no application, no permission, and no prior approval from Washington to travel to Cuba. The individual, academic or religious institution simply complies with the spirit and intent of the regulations. The general license is a do it yourself license.
US Citizens not traveling under the auspices of an academic or religious institution prepare simple research documentation demonstrating compliance.
If a school or religious institution sponsors an individual traveler, the institution provides a letter of authorization for travel. It is quick and easy. There are no costs or fees involved.
Cuba travel for us citizens "SPECIFIC LICENSE" An individual or institution submits a detailed application to the US Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). Response from Washington may be as fast as four weeks or may take much longer. There is no guarantee that the license will be approved. There are no fees involved.
Cuba travel for us citizens PURCHASING CUBA TRAVEL SERVICES Americans cannot purchase travel services directly from Cuba. They must do so from a licensed US-based Travel Service Provider (TSP), or they can purchase travel services from a third country agent. In either case, Americans should use caution before committing precious travel dollars. An institution or individual traveler should verify the tour company has a long history of providing travel services, has legal standing in Cuba but has NO representation or address there. Professional references and a long track record are also essential.
General License categories under which Cuba travel for us citizens is possible is to join a Cuba Education Tour.
Educational travel for schools, including faculty, staff and students (general license).
Professional research travel (general license). Very good for individual travelers.
Religious travel hosted by a church, synagogue, mosque, temple or other religious organization (general license). Great for group and individual travelers.
As explained above Cuba travel for us citizens is easier now than it has ever been.
Cuba travel for us citizens 101
Viazul Cuba Buses
Viazul Cuba Buses
Viazul Cuba Buses are a hard currency bus line and is by far the best choice of public transportation to tour the island. They run comfortable air-conditioned long-distance coaches with washrooms and televisions to most places of interest to tourists. The Viazul Cuba Buses are getting a bit grubby, but they are reliable and punctual. Complete schedules can be found on the Viazul Cuba Buses website (the Varadero - Santa Clara - Cienfuegos - Trinidad and return service is missing from the website but runs daily). The Viazul Cuba Buses can be used theoretically by anyone, including Cubans, but in reality, few Cubans can afford the convertible peso fares. Viazul Cuba Buses reservations can be made in advance, but are usually unnecessary except at peak travel times. Do not waste your time making an on-line reservation on the website -- that features rarely works. Refreshments are not served, despite what the website says, but the Viazul Cuba Buses stop for meal breaks at highway restaurants with bad food. (Bring your own food!) The buses are often over air conditioned, so bring along something warm to wear. Note that most westbound buses from Santiago de Cuba run overnight.
Viazul Cuba Buses the cheapest way to travel around Cuba!
Astro is the bus line that most Cubans use as opposed to Viazul Cuba Buses. Astro recently renewed their fleet with 300 new Chinese coaches that are as comfortable as Viazul Cuba Buses (without the washroom). Although the new buses have proven to be unreliable and often break down, they are still better than the old buses that Astro used to run. Astro has a much more extensive network than Viazul Cuba Buses, and contrary to popular belief depending upon the vendor and your ability to speak Spanish, especially if your destination is not covered by Viazul Cuba Buses, it is possible to purchase tickets.
In La Habana routes are covered by newer YuTong Chinese buses throughout the city, and are a welcome respite from the extortionate taxi fares. Each fare costs 0.40 CUP however far one travels. This is particularly useful in getting to the airport, where the official rate is 20-25 CUC from Centro or Vieja via taxi (although patient bargaining can lower this to 15 CUC); any bus to Santiago de Las Vegas such as P-2, P-12 and P-16, which run from Parque Fraternidad next to the Capitolio and anywhere along Avendida de la Indepencia, can take you near the airport to Boyeros (again for 0.40 CUP or 0.02 CUC, a thousandth of what you'd pay for a taxi). From Boyeros outside the Psychiatric Hospital, or a few stops before, or one after, one can walk, flag a taxi down, or if going to Terminal 3 take the 'Connexions' bus. People will be helpful when asking for advice about this whilst on the bus, even without Spanish skills. To reiterate at the time of writing this option will cost you from 0.02GBP as opposed to 20GBP.
There are also local provincial buses, consisting of overcrowded old beat-up eastern European buses that may or may not be running but they are very very cheap. Each town will have a "terminal terrestre" where buses or trucks (large pre 1960s vehicles) serve local destinations and usually neighboring provinces (for example from Santiago you can get to Bayamo or Guantanamo). They are usually quite easy to find - in La Habana it is found in the Lido, in the Marianao (the P-9, P-5 or P-14 will get you close), whilst in Santiago it is found on Calle 4 (along from La Plaza de la Revolucion).
It is important to note that queues will be lengthy (it is best to arrive in the early hours of the morning, or alternatively give the chauffeur a tip to allow you to jump the queue) and you should always say that you are a student, as tourists are theoretically forbidden from using this transport. You may occasionally need to pay a little extra by virtue of being a tourist, but this should never be more than 1-2 CUC for long journeys (as opposed to 5-10 CUP for locals).
It is also possible to travel between some popular tourist destinations, such as Havana and Varadero, on special tourist minibuses carrying 4-5 people. The cost is a few dollars more but highly recommended if you are not planning to sleep the whole distance - plus you can ask the driver to stop along the way!
Viazul Cuba Buses from just 1 CUC per ride!
Alternatively there are some collectivos which might acutally be cheaper than the official bus. The advantages of these collectivos is that they bring you exactly where you want, they can be cheaper and they run and stop for a snack when you want them to. Example Santa Clara - La Habana: Viazul Cuba Buses costs 18 CUC and leave at 3:15AM and 5PM, the collectivo costs 40 - 50 CUC (if you fill it up with 4 people it is 10 to 12 CUC each or alternatively you can wait for the driver to look for other passengers). While this transport (like many things in Cuba!) is illegal in theory, remember that the money goes directly to the owner (as opposed to the Cuban government) and the chances of any problems are minimal.
Thanks to http://wikitravel.org for this excellent article
Viazul Cuba Buses 101
Casa Particular in Cuba | American
Casa Particular in Cuba or Hotel?
As an American we often wonder whether we should choose a Casa Particular in Cuba or Hotel for our stay. This will depend entirely on both your budget and the type of experience you wish to have. Below is some candid information to help you choose either Casa Particular or Hotel in Cuba.
Casa Particular in Cuba
Casa Particular in Cuba or in English Private House is an option of accommodation pretty much exclusive to Cuba. No American would ever even dream of going to the Cayman Islands, Cost Rica or Mexico to stay in the bedroom rented out by the home owner. Somehow, in Cuba, this has become more tolerable and almost acceptable. Why this is the case we have no idea but, there are certainly plenty of Casa Particulars to choose from in Cuba offering varied levels of comfort.
One Room offers – These are typically one bedroom in a Cuban Families home. You must access the bedroom through the normal house and thus have constant contact with the owners. Privacy is minimal while in your room and there´s always the feeling of being watched over. However, if you don´t care about this and are simply looking to get some sleep, then these are the cheapest offers around. Expect to pat between 15 and 30 CUC per night for this type of accommodation.
Multi-room Private house – Some Cubans have more than one house. For example, a couple marries and both had a property prior to the marriage. Often times they will rent one property out as a casa particular but, in these cases, it is a complete house or apartment rather than the previously mentioned sharing option. These properties can cost significantly more due to the enhanced privacy provided and usually more rooms available. Expect to pay a premium for this type of property, around 60 CUC for a one bed and a further 60-70 for each extra room. Usually these properties have a phone installed which can save you money on communication costs.
Villas Private Dwellings
Some entrepreneurial Cubans have built impressive properties or modified existing Villas for “foreign use”. The taxes payable to the Cuban state on these properties to be able to rent them to foreigners are quite high and can exceed the 800 CUC per month. Therefore, as the saying goes, you get what you pay for and a private villa in, say Miramar, Playas del Este or on any beach in Cuba will cost you around 400 CUC per night. Some of these properties are amazing however and would cost 1000´s if they were anywhere else but Cuba.
Treat yourself to a Casa Particular in Cuba with a pool at one of the aforementioned Villa properties
http://www.cuba-casas-particulares.com
Casa Particular in Cuba 101
Americans | Money in cuba
Money in Cuba
This topic is probably the most controversial subject concerning Americans Visiting Cuba. Many people have varied opinions, sometimes partly true and sometimes downright erroneous. We´ll attempt here to clarify:
Money in Cuba | American Debit/Credit cards in Cuba
It goes without saying that your cards WILL NOT work to get money in Cuba. It can be quite a culture shock for most Americans not having easy access to ATM withdrawals and some take the ease for which they have access to money for granted. This is why you should have enough money for your trip and a contingency plan in case something happens and you need extra cash quickly.
Western Union – recently re-crowned the king of transfers to Cuba for Money in Cuba after several years’ hiatus during the Bush years. Fresh accords between the Obama administration and Cuba mean that Western Union have regained much of their clout and now offer Americans an easy and above all cheap(er) way of getting money to Cuba. Western Union is the only company which will allow Americans (and friends in Cuba) to receive Money in Cuba without the 10% penalty imposed upon the exchange of cash on the island. This in itself is a big saving and offsets the cost of the WU service fees for larger amounts. The system is extremely simple. Somebody takes money to Western Union and they are given a 10 digit number. You or a friend shows up at one of a plethora of offices in Cuba and collect the Money in Cuba (cash) in CUC directly. Simple.
Money in Cuba | Cuba Approved Remittance Cards
Another way to have Money in Cuba available to you is to get one of the several remittance cards available and approved for use in Cuba. While a little more expensive than the aforementioned Western union these can prove invaluable for emergency cash requirements. The other advantage of such cards is that they can be used like a regular credit card in Cuba so items like Fuel, Food and Restaurants etc can be paid directly with the card without resorting to a cash withdrawal.
A couple of well respected companies are:
www.duales.com
www.caribbeantransfers.com
https://www.smart-transfer.com
Advice to Americans Visiting Cuba
It goes without saying that the most logical path for any American is to book as many of the services they will need for their time in Cuba in advance, leaving cash for day to day living expenses. Paying in advance before you leave the US for your Cuba Hotels, Flights to Cuba, National Flights in Cuba, Accommodations, Car Rental in Cuba, Compulsory insurance, etc. will mean that you can budget your cash needs more effectively and, above all, carry less cash. It is however important that you do not violate US law when making these payments because, if you are simply traveling to Cuba without a specific license, separate fines can be levied for paying Cuban based agencies for services. It is rather simple to establish if an agency is based in Cuba and mitigating the risk is rather simple. Check on the “About US” page of the website or “Contact” and see if the agency is one of many foreign agencies with representation in Cuba. Many will claim to be Canadian, UK, Spanish, Italian, etc. and tell you that it’s OK to use them. Nevertheless, the use of these agencies with addresses in Cuba is an extra violation over and above simply traveling to Cuba. OFAC and the Treasury Department are rather clear about this. The wording is “travel may be organized and paid via a TSP approved by the Treasury Department or a third country agency NOT LOCATED in Cuba”. This opens the door to agencies anywhere in the world so long as they do not have offices or are promoting a presence in Cuba. For some of us, the comfort of dealing with an agency based in Cuba will outweigh the risk but, few are aware that NO foreign agencies based in Cuba are permitted to sell to Americans under Cuban law. The above links are third country agencies NOT based in Cuba and as such legal for bookings services. So, if a foreign agency based on the island is selling you services they have been specifically prohibited from doing so by the Cuban Government. This means that your bookings could become invalidated and worse, you end up stranded. Why take the risk with so many reputable online agencies in third countries that are not in Cuba?
Getting and having Money in Cuba need not be complicated if you use the above advice well
Money in Cuba 101
Electrical sockets and power in Cuba
Electrical sockets and power in Cuba
For any American the Electrical sockets and power in Cuba will be very common. The flat plane type sockets we use in the United States being those used nationwide. A few exceptions exist but these are only at certain European hotels in Cuba on the island where European round pin plugs and sockets are used and the current is 220V. These are quite rare though so no reason to worry.
Electrical sockets and power in Cuba - 110V
The power supply for Electrical sockets and power in Cuba across Cuba is 110V in excepting of the few previously mentioned handfuls of hotels.
Electrical sockets and power in Cuba | stability and power spikes
Many of us in the US take electricity for granted. We leave appliances and sensitive electrical equipment permanently connected to the power sockets at our homes and thinks nothing of it. However, in Cuba, the Cubans know better and whenever there´s bad weather, thunder, lightning or any adverse conditions they quickly disconnect ALL appliances. Therefore, you should always disconnect everything when not in use. This also includes modems which have a strange tendency to burn out at the first sign of bad weather. You´ve been warned!
Electrical sockets and power in Cuba 101
