Think of Cuba and many people conjure up images of the cigar-scented streets of old Havana, with Latin music filling the air, and classic 60s cars chugging past. The Cuban culture is diverse and strongly influenced by both Africans and Europeans. This has led to vibrant and unique architecture, music and food. Havana is a great place to listen to local musicians, see displays of local artists, visit some interesting museums, or simply stroll along the Malecon or Paseo del Prado to mix with locals and visit some of the beaches to the east. The varied tourist attractions of Cuba contribute 10% to the national GDP.

Located 6 hours away, off the south coast, is the Jardines de la Reina National Park – the number one diving spot in Cuba. This underwater treasure is strictly protected and the reefs are vibrant and healthy. Sharks are the main drawcard and you can encounter up to 6 distinct species on any dive. Silky, tawny nurse, and Caribbean reef sharks are all frequently seen. Lemon, great hammerheads and bull shark are also sometimes spotted. Whale sharks visit from July through November. The mangroves are home to caimans, and lots of large groupers lurk on the reefs.

The first confirmed case of COVID in Cuba was on 11 March 2020 and by 24 March the government had already restricted entry to the country to residents only. The government’s swift response meant that the first wave was dealt with minimal losses up to July 2020, to such an extent that Cuba was able to re-open its borders to tourists in a staged process. Indeed, Cuba was so proficient in handling the pandemic that it sent medical staff to Italy, Angola, Suriname and a dozen Caribbean states to assist them in handling their crises. Visitors are currently required to provide a negative test result upon arrival and submit to another test in Cuba. They also need to have health insurance that covers COVID-19. Further information on entry requirements can be found here: Cuba entry requirements.

Up until the end of June 2021 Cuba had experienced only 190,000 confirmed cases and 1,300 deaths. Since then cases have surged 620,000 and deaths to 4,900 due to the Delta variant. Excess death rates indicate that these death numbers may be under reported by up to 45%. It has affected the entire country. This, together with the consequent economic crisis that the lockdown has entailed, prompted wide scale demonstrations and riots. For the 29th year in a row, the United Nations voted almost unanimously to denounce the USA economic blockade of Cuba. Cuba has developed its own vaccine and it is reported to be 93% effective. Currently 27% of the population are fully vaccinated.

Weekly Cuban liveaboard cruises are operating at the Jardines de la Reina, the top dive destination in Cuba.

USA citizens and residents can also enjoy the cruises – most of the liveaboard operator’s clients are from the USA. The cruise falls under the category “sustainable marine conservation humanitarian projects”. Applications are almost never rejected. The operator will send you a copy of the travel affidavit and Humanitarian and Environmental Project Certificate shortly before the trip which will act as your general license for legal travel to Cuba.