Cuba
 

Has anyone been to Havana. I will be heading to that area of cuba friday . Was wondering if anyone knew of some interesting things to see there ? I will be staying at Breezes Jibacoa which is located 1 hr from Veradera and somewhere between there and Havana. Definetly will head to Havana on of the days we are there.

Chris

last year was the first time in Cuba so just did one of the day tours from the hotel of Havana. Was guided in the different areas (old and new Havana), lunch then a couple of hours in old Havana. No real complaints.

That really might be our only thing we will go to see off the resort. Looking forward to not having any real comitments and no cell phone.:biggrin:

Dive if your able, snorkel if your not.

I was in Cuba last March. We spent the majority of one day in Havana. Some places worth checking out are the Hemmingway Cafe', the flea market on the north side of town, and the Havana Club Rum museum. We also toured the Revolution museum area, as well as the Romeo y Juliet cigar factory, but that was part of an organized tour. If you go to the northmost part of town, you can go fishing with the locals if you like as well.

We went on a snorkeling half day trip just west of Varadero and that was pretty awesome. Also got to do some snorkeling on a catamaran ride, but in both cases, they were organized tours and I didn't get to spend nearly enough time looking at the fish or corals. Next time I'd just take a cab to the reef area and spend a few hours there instead of 45 minutes.

Have a good trip.

Thanks for the info on Havana. I believe there is great snorkeling around the resort. I've heard that there is a good reef just past the breakers that is full with life and corals .I will also look into a guided trip to go snorkeling.

Chris

Snaz don't have a certificate for diving yet. Am planning and doing that sometime later this year.

Chris

Well I don't have one either but that did not stop me in Bahamas. My resort offered a half day training with the gear in swimming pool and then a half day on the reef. Depth was never greater than 30 ft. so we didn't have to learn decompression. We learned how to replace the mask if it comes off, how to check gear over etc. Do a couple of laps under water and viola. They never took anyone that was not 100 % comfortable with the gear. IT WAS FREAKING AWESOME!

I saw a lobster the size of a Labrador(slight exaggeration), countless barracuda and a couple of sharks. Coral and coral fish that put any reef tank in perspective, IE nothing but a goldfish bowl.

If you get a chance go for the 30 foot dive!

Keith

Chowder, I was at that Breezes last Sept. Enjoyed it very much. Lots of snorkling straight out, where the waves break. You can snorker around each reef. I would not go over as the waves will dash you and the coral will cut. I saw octopus, lobster and a lot of different schooling fish. Didn't know the names of any. Bring a guide of fishes.
They will take you sailing everyday in the catamarran. Sign up at the dive shop.
For 25 CUC they will take you out diving for the first time, without a ticket. With a diving ticket, you get one free dive [per week. They have snorkel gear but I always bring my own.
Wed is all you can eat lobster. The a la carte Italian restaurant is the best.

Snaz I will definetly try if I have the chance. I can't turn that down. Hillegom I have heard there is decent snorkeling there but will have to try and go out diving. I will be there with my bib on weds for sure. And most reports on the resort say the Italian restaurant is the best.

Hillegom how far is Havana from the resort?

Chris

The only complain i had for Varadero Breezes Del Caribe was ...moscuitos !
Corals are better then Cancun for sure.

Hello Chowder,
It's about a 2 hour cab ride from Veradero to Havana by a government taxi, your resort will be able to organize it.
We got bored of resort so we stayed with a family for 3 days in Havana, it was great. Felt totally safe in the older part of Havana just walking around,
Have good vacation and smoke a cigar for me.
Randall

I'm heading there on the Feb. 16th. We are staying somewhere in Veradaro. :mrgreen:

Thanks for the info. The resort is located somewhere between Veradero and Havana. I believe an hour from Veradero Airport.

Chris

Chowder, 2 hrs seems about right. We hired a taxi under the table and it was a lot cheaper than through the hotel. Of course you can't ask the hotel for the #. I have looked for the guys telephone #, but cannot find it. Maybe the wife will know tomorrow.
The caves in Mata something just south of the hotel, is worth seeing.

We stayed in Havana for three nights and really enjoyed it. From our hotel there was a shuttle bus into old Havana and back. We did a guided bus/walking tour one afternoon just to get our bearings, then just ventured out on our own after that. Lots to do and see depending on what you like. Lots of little museums and such. We toured the cigar factory which was very interesting. Also visited a rum distillery. Lots of little squares to sit in and people watch. Little cafes to enjoy as well. If (when) we go back, we plan to take some baseballs to give out to kids. Everywhere we walked they were playing baseball but hardly ever saw any with a proper ball or other equipment. There is also the aquarium in the Miramar district. It was OK, but not spectacular. Still worth a look for the price of admission. It was just a block from our hotel, so of course we went.