Cuba Adventure Vacations
Cuba was a popular destination for Americans until the 1959 Revolution changed it all. Since then a fascinating history has unfolded and the door has opened again for Americans to visit!
Cuba is a marvelous mix of landscapes, cultures, rhythms, and traditions. Its varied geography includes rolling farmland, rugged mountains, urban metropolises, quaint Colonial villages, and white-sand beaches. Cuba seems to be lost in time with all the brightly-colored colonial architecture of Havana and the sea of vintage 1950s automobiles. The music of Cuba has influenced artists from all over the world, and its contagious pulse continues to emanate from nearly every corner on the island.
No matter what you see or where you go, it’s hard to feel like a foreigner here. Cubans are gracious hosts by nature, sharing what they have and always welcoming you with warmth. The door is open; it’s up to you to walk through and experience this vibrant land and people.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO TRAVEL TO CUBA FOR YOU?
The climate is tropical, which means the temperature is fairly uniform from one area to the other. Compared to most countries, Cuba experiences little variation. In theory, you can visit Cuba all year round, but there are a few differences that are worth considering. The climate is divided into two seasons: a dry and relatively cool season, and a rainy and muggy season.
Dry Season (November – April)
Cuba’s dry season is November through April. This is also the cooler of the two seasons when the days drop down to a more pleasant temperature. If you want to visit cities and to go on excursions, the dry season is a good time to go, preferable in the coolest period from December-February.
Rainy Season (May – October)
Nearly two-thirds of all rainfall occurs during the wet season, from May through October. If you want to fill your summers with adventure, the plus side of traveling to Cuba during the rainy season is not having to deal with very big crowds! The hottest months are July and August, which are also the muggiest months of the year. But the sea will be plenty warm and delightful for swimming.
WONDERING WHAT TO PACK FOR YOUR CUBA ADVENTURE VACATION?
Any trip to any locale begs the question: what should I wear? For Cuba, be ready for sunshine, warmth, and rain — and keep it fun and casual. Cuba is a tropical destination with temperatures that range between 65-90 degrees year-round. Dry season runs November to April, and wet season runs May-October, but rain is possible any time of year.
For dinners out, no need for formal wear. Casual mix and match shirts and shorts or a sundress will do. Feel free to bring flats or dressier sandals, but your active sandals or flip-flips will work just fine, too. Please remember it is never tactful to dress with ostentatious expense.
For seeing the sights, keep in mind we’ll be active, so pack accordingly. T-Shirts, tank tops, shorts, and lightweight, quick dry, pants are best. Good walking shoes are a must, as are active, walking sandals with heel straps like Tevas or Keens. For cooler evenings, pack a couple lightweight long-sleeve shirts, a light sweater or jacket, and don’t forget a breathable rain jacket for those always-be-prepared moments.
And don’t forget the sunshine! Sun hats are in-style in Cuba and always a good addition to the packing list for a tropical destination. A visor or ball cap are also great. Definitely bring sunglasses and sunscreen, too.
1. What to bring for your inland activities
In Cuba, we will hike, walk, ride bikes, and ride horses. Good walking shoes and active sandals are a must. You will want pants for the horseback ride, and shorts or pants for any bike rides. It is considerate to keep shorts an appropriate length in foreign cultures that value modesty.
2. What to bring for your beach activities
Plan for sun, but be ready for rain. Bring along a swimsuit, sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and flip-flops or active sandals. A lightweight microfiber towel is nice. And don’t forget to tuck in that rain jacket and perhaps a cover-up for lounging on the sand. Also, a light shirt and shorts to pull over your swimwear can make kayaking more comfortable.
3. Whether it’s the dry or wet season, bring a rain jacket!
On an adventure vacation, it’s always a good idea to bring along a backpack or day bag; a personal hydration system such as a Camelback (or a water bottle, at the minimum); your camera with charger and extra memory cards and batteries; reading materials; cash (for personal shopping and some meals and activities); your travel itinerary; personal identification including your passport and visa (and a copy of your passport and travel itinerary stored separately); and cell phone. A few things to note: Your cell phone won’t work in Cuba, but you may want it in Miami. American debit and credit cards will not work in Cuba; you must have cash that can be exchanged for Cuban currency.
TRAVEL TIPS FOR VISITING CUBA
Cuba has allure for a reason: it is exotic, vibrant, full of energy, rich in culture. Austin Adventures was one of the first tour companies to offer tours when it re-opened to U.S. tourism, and we remain excited for all this neighboring island has to offer. We’ll ensure you experience this land in the most in-depth and memorable ways possible, but we offer these travel tips to help you best prepare to dive in deep.
1. Remain flexible and go with the flow!
Even though Cuba is just 70 miles away from the U.S. coast, it’s important to keep in mind that it’s an entirely separate country and operates differently.
2. Cuba is home to nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
From lush landscapes and stunning scenery to the beautiful architecture of historic Old Havana, you have to check out at least a couple of the must-see UNESCO World Heritage Sites while you’re in Cuba.
3. Sustainability is very important to Cuba.
Cuba is a world leader in sustainable ecological practices and is making the attempt to transition from importing agricultural goods to low-footprint, sustainable farming. It’s also one of the first countries to ban the sale of incandescent lighting and replace all bulbs with energy-saving compact fluorescents.
Cuba Seasons & Climate
Influenced by persistent northeasterly trade winds, Cuba’s tropical climate is moderated year-round by temperate climes to the north. There is no single month to avoid travel to Cuba as each season has some advantages.
Winter – Spring
December through April is high season in Cuba with the least rainfall and comfortable temperatures typically in the 70s F with an occasional cool front extending down from the north. December, January, and February can get cool at night when you will need a light jacket or sweater. This is also peak tourist season when popular locations are more crowded and prices tend to be higher.
Summer
Although humidity and temperatures are slightly higher in summer, typically around 80F, weather in Cuba in summer is similar to that of the Eastern Seaboard of the US, but tempered by the trade winds.
Fall
Temperatures are moderated from summer and peak tourist season has not begun so this is a great time to travel to Cuba.
Hurricane Season
Hurricane season in the Caribbean runs from June through early November with peak months in September and October. However, according to historic data from NOAA, Cuba trends out of the path of most hurricanes. Instead, this time of year inclement weather is more a matter of tropical storms that pass over the island from time to time.
