As a paddler, Cuba is a dream for many reasons not the least of which is being part of an exclusive club, for few outsiders have ever paddled Cuban waters. We are the first commercial company to be given permission to paddle these heavily restricted waters.
“The Adventure of putting an adventure paddling program together in Cuba was of herculean proportions but worth every minute. From intra mountainous Lakes to the crystalline waters of the salt flats and the dynamic waters of the Caribbean Sea Cuba is truly paradise for the adventurous paddler.
Today, more than half of Cuba’s plants and animals are found nowhere else on the planet. From leaping crocodiles, bat-eating boas and millions of bright orange crabs marching through the forest each year, to miniature frogs, the world’s smallest hummingbird and the Caribbean’s largest flock of flamingos, Cuba surprises at every turn. The island is also home to arguably the healthiest coral reef ecosystems in the Caribbean, if not the world.
Come join us and become a member of The Club!
KEEP IN MIND! THIS TRIP HAS AN OPTIONAL 2 DAY EXTENSION!
This extension is for groups of 6 or more. Please contact us if interested.
Cuba Tour
Ultimate Kayaking Adventure
8 Days / 7 Nights
per person starting from:
$2,695 USD
“This paddle will forever be engraved in my memories as a super adventure! Thanks to Peter, Jorge and Yanera for taking us on memorable adventures and for all their help!”
— Dianne and Gerard, QC Canada Feb. 2016
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
Paddle Lake Hanabanilla in the lush tropical Escambray Mountains
Swim at El Nicho waterfall park
Glamping under the thatched roofed huts of Rio Negro
4X4 mountain truck tour
Paddle Salt flats and visit flamingos of Zapata National Park
Paddle Guama Islands
Stay in traditional Taino stilted huts
Paddle turquoise waters of the Caribbean sea
Hike ancient coral cliffs & visit magnificent caves of Guajimico
Cienfuegos city cultural experience
Private restaurants
Snorkelling
Horseback riding
& much, much more…
Ready To Book?
Trip Dates
2024/2025:
Dec 6 - Dec 13
Jan 3 - Jan 10
Jan 24 - Jan 31
Feb 7 - Feb 14
Feb 21 - Feb 28
Mar 7 - Mar 14
Mar 21 - March 28
Custom dates available for groups of 4 or more
Contact us for further information
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DAY 1: ARRIVAL / ESCAMBRAY MOUNTAINS
Arrival at Santa Clara International airport. You will be welcomed at the airport lobby by your bilingual Cuban guide and professional bus driver. Exchange your money into the local Cuban currency (C.U.C.). Lunch on the first day is the only meal not included. **If your flight arrives in time for lunch, we will arrange a meal at a private restaurant. 2 hr bus ride to the Escambray mountains of southern Cuba. 7:30 Dinner at the Hotel Hanabanilla
ACCOMMODATION: Hotel Hanabanilla -
DAY 2: EL NICHO / RIO NEGRO
7:30am breakfast. Check out of the hotel and load your personal belongings on to the bus. **Be sure to pack some warm clothes for the overnight. 10km paddle to the small mountain village of El Nicho. 1.5 km walk through the mountain community. Lunch at a private restaurant. Walk to El Nicho National waterfall park. Spectacular pools, falls and scenery will excite the senses. **This is a great place to go for a swim in the cool mountain pools. **Hike back to river. 8km paddle to Rio Negro. 7:30pm Dinner. Accommodations will be under the thatched roof structures above the lake and nestled in the lush tropical jungle. **Fresh linen, blanket and foam mattresses for sleeping are supplied. If you need more than that please feel free to bring your own light weight sleeping bag and a camp pillow. **Note: Stand-up paddle boarders will take a slightly different route on this day that isn’t as long. Lunch will be at Rio Negro.
ACCOMMODATION: RIO NEGRO GLAMPING -
DAY 3: LAKE HANABANILLA / CIENFUEGOS CITY
7:30am breakfast. Hike to a panoramic view of lake Hanabanilla and the Escambray Mountains. 8km paddle to Jibacoa Dam. 4 X 4 Guayanara National Park and lunch. Bus ride to Ceinfuegos. City tour. Check in to Casa. Dinner at Caminos private restaurant
ACCOMMODATION: CASA PARTICULARS -
DAY 4: ZAPATA NATIONAL PARK / PLAY LARGA
7:30am Breakfast. 2.5hr drive to the “Bay of Pigs”. 2 hrs paddling the salt flats and Mangroves of the Zapata National Park. Bagged lunch. Bus to Enrique's Casa in Playa Larga. 7:30pm Dinner at private family restaurant Enriques
ACCOMMODATION: ENRIQUE'S CASA -
DAY 5: CALETA BUENA / GUAJIMICO
7:30am breakfast at Enriques. Optional - Morning paddle by the beach at Enriques (practice rescues/paddling techniques etc.). Visit private Humming Bird House and Breeding Centre of the unique Cuban Crocodiles. Caleta Buena for Snorkeling and lunch. Bus to Villa Guajimico and check in. 7:30pm dinner at Villa Guajimico
ACCOMMODATION: VILLA GUAJIMICO -
DAY 6: GUAJIMICO / PARADISE COVES
7:30am breakfast. Ocean paddle to two Coves. Snorkelling around some of the healthiest coral reefs in the Caribbean. Lunch at Guajimico. Hike to hidden cave systems. 7:30pm dinner at Villa Guajimico
ACCOMMODATION: Villa Guajimico -
DAY 7: GUAJIMICO / LA VAGA RANCH
7:30am breakfast the group has the option to: **Paddle to an isolated beach to swim and horseback ride to La Vaga ranch for lunch. **If this paddle is a little too ambitious, you can choose to paddle the waters close to Guajimico and then catch the bus to La Vaga for lunch and horseback ride if interested. Horseback ride back to the beach and paddle back to the Villa Guajimico. 7:30pm Dinner. Dance under the stars **Note: Stand-up paddle boarders will take a slightly different route on this day that isn’t as long.
ACCOMMODATION: Villa Guajimico -
DAY 8: OFF TO THE AIRPORT
After breakfast, enjoy free time until you head to Santa Clara International Airport via a private shuttle. Have a safe flight home and we hope to see you again on another Earth Travellers get-a-way.
ACCOMMODATION: Your Own Bed! -
OPTIONAL 2 DAY EXTENSION
Extend your Cuban adventure to include 2 days in Old Havana! Experience the Cultural dichotomy that makes Havana one of the most unique cities in the world. A fusion of Food, Music and Art that will leave you wanting more. We will explore this eclectic city by foot, on bikes or of course classic cars. A MUST DO! IMPORTANT: This extension is for groups of 6 or more.
Please contact Earth Travellers if interested.
Our Route
PLANNING & EQUIPMENT
TERMS & CONDITIONS
RELEASE WAIVER
Included
Accommodation
Meals
Airport transfers within the program
All transport and listed activities within the program
Experienced Guides - English speaking qualified/certified/approved
Remember
Cuba can be a challenge. Often things don’t go as planned. Flexible travelers with a sense of humor consider it part of their Cuban adventure. Our Cuban partners work super hard to make your tour unfold seamlessly, but sometimes itinerary changes happen in light of hardships on the island.
Not Included
Activities and accommodation outside the program
Lunch on the arrival day
Airfare to and from the country where your trip takes place
Issuing Country Departure Taxes
Cuban Tourist Card (provided by most airlines on route to Cuba) and / or OFAC
Health and accident insurance valid for length of your chosen trip in the country where your trip takes place
Personal incidentals and tipping
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