Location
Cuba is just under 10 hours direct flying time from the UK.
Covid Travel Information
Cuba is exempt from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advice against all non-essential international travel. This is based on the current assessment of COVID-19 risks.
It is an approved travel corridor. You do not need to self-isolate on your return to England from one of the travel corridor countries, territories or regions
Jose Marti International Airport (Havana Airport) re-opened to commercial and charter flights on 15 November 2020. All other airports in Cuba are open for commercial and charter flights.
From 1 January 2021, everyone travelling to Cuba must have a certified proof of a negative result of a PCR test taken within 72 hours before travel at an accredited testing centre in the UK or the country you are travelling from. Children are not exempt. You should not use the NHS testing services to get a test in order to facilitate your travel to another country. You should arrange to take a private test. You will still be given a PCR test on arrival in Cuba.
Tourists arriving on holiday charter flights will have a PCR test on arrival and will be transferred to their holiday resort..
You have to complete this form online before you arrive in the UK from any country:
Form to provide your journey and contact details before you travel to the UK
Last Updated:23 DEC 2020
Weather and Climate
Cuba's air temps don't really change too much over the year, staying in the mid to high 20s. November to April is the dry season. Over the summer months, expect short sharp rain showers. The water remains between 25-27C year round. Sites to the south of the island are a degree or two warmer than the northern coast.
Travel
Flight options
Depending on your travel dates, it may be possible to take a direct flight to Havana from the UK with Virgin. If not, there are various stopping services.
If you wish to make your own flight arrangements to South Africa, let us know and we can remove the cost of the international flights from your quote. We are unfortunately not able to redeem airmiles on your behalf. Please do not confirm any flight arrangements yourself before your holiday is confirmed by us.
Stopovers
If you are on a stopping flight schedule, you can have a stop over in Amsterdam.
Arrange before you go
Visa requirements
UK passport holders must have a Cuba Tourist card prior to departure. You can obtain this from the Cuban embassy in London (167 High Holborn WC1V 6PA - 020 7240 2488). Alternatively you can use a 3rd party visa specialist. Scuba Travel is not able to arrange the Tourist Card on your behalf. Do ensure your passport has 6 months validity from your return date to prevent any issues with immigration. It is your responsibility to ensure your passport is valid and you fulfil entry requirements. Regulations can change: please review current FCO advice: click here
Insurance
Scuba Travel requires all of our customers to have diving insurance. Please make sure that you have appropriate cover for your diving activities.
We also strongly recommend you have travel insurance. It's worth taking out travel insurance once you have paid your deposit to ensure you are covered for unforeseen events and cancellation.
Find out more about our combined dive and travel policy click here
Immunisations
Please speak to your local GP or check out the latest NHS advice on travel immunisations: click here
Preparing to fly
Seating
You will be able to manage your booking online once you have been ticketed (after you have paid your holiday balance). Most airlines will now enable you to select your seating at this point. There may be a small charge for prebookable seating before online check in opens. Please speak to the airline for more information about charges.
Check in
As you are flying with a scheduled airline, you will be able to check in online with your airline. Please visit their website for more information about when online check in opens.
Lounge
An airport lounge is a great way to start your holiday or to while away flight connections in comfort. Scuba Travel works with Lounge Pass to offer a huge range of affordable airport lounges around the world.
click here
Parking
Prebook your airport parking to save money! If you have a long way to travel, why not also look at booking an airport hotel. These aren't as expensive as you might think.
click here
What happens when I arrive?
On arrival please make your way through baggage claim and immigration. There will be a rep to meet you - please ensure you have advised us of your travel plans prior to travel if making your own flight arrangements.
If you have any issues on arrival, please contact us. We have an emergency contact, manned by a member of the team here in the UK. Please call 0044 7747 488 002. We will be able to help your rep locate you in the airport.
Transfers
Transfers are included in your holiday. You be advised in your travel documentation of how to find your transfer.
Departures
At the end of your holiday, your return transfer details will be advised locally. There is no departure tax.
Info
Tipping
Crew gratuities are not included in the charter. Aggressor believe gratuities should be voluntary and based upon the quality of service the crew has provided. When settling your account Friday morning, the Captain will have an envelope for gratuities that will be divided equally among the crew. Payment can be made by cash, traveller’s cheques or credit card.
Currency
Payment can be made by cash only in Cuba. USD can be freely exchanged for Cuban pesos locally. The best rate will be at banks. The next best exchange rate is at any Cadeca
Phone coverage
There is no email or internet available onboard the yacht.
Plugs and electricity
US 2 pin plugs on board
Extras
Hire equipment
A full line of Aqualung rental gear is available aboard including regulators, BCs, dive computers, and night- lights but must be pre-paid.
Extras
Courses are not available on board.
Souvenirs
Guests may purchase boutique items by going to: http://www.liveaboardboutique.com.
Nitrox/Gas
Nitrox Unlimited: $100
Payments
Deposits and Balances
Normally £1000 deposit with full balance paid 90 days before departure. Your deposit may be higher if we are adding international flights to your holiday package.
Ways to pay
We accept mastercard and visa debit or credit cards. Alternatively, you are welcome to pay via bank transfer. All non sterling card payments and UK business debit cards will be subject to the 2% surcharge. Overseas bank transfers must add £6 to the sterling total to cover international handling fees. We are not able to accept PayPal transactions.
Group Payments
If you have booked as part of a group, you can still call and pay directly without needing to go via your group leader. Please have your trip reference number to hand to help us locate your holiday as quickly as possible. You will receive a transaction receipt - your group leader will forward your ATOL certificate and booking confirmation
Discounts
Repeat Guests
Are you one of Scuba Travel's repeat customers? Over 60% of our customers trust Scuba Travel to book their next diving holiday, time after time.
And we believe you deserve a huge thanks for your ongoing support over the years, which is what our repeater discount is all about! Travel with us again in either 12 months or 24 months and you will qualify for a discount. That's all you have to do. No forms, no numbers to remember, no fuss, just a good honest price reduction.
5% off for repeat customers travelling with Scuba Travel within 24 months
5% off plus £100 bonus for repeat customers travelling within 12 months
Plus travel on a second trip in 12mths for an extra $100 discount or $200 on your third trip in 12 mths. Dive the World travellers get an extra 10% discount all yachts for rental gear, nitrox, boutique, photography equipment rentals, videos and courses and a special birthday discount to spend at the online boutique.
Included
This is a boat only holiday with 2 nights in Havana and 7 nights on board JA1. In Havana you stay at the 5 star Iberostar Parque Central & tours: ocean conservation research talks, El Morro Fortress, Habana Vieja, local Cuban restaurant meals. You have 7 nights on board JA1 in a deluxe cabin, with all meals, snacks, fruit juice, soft drinks, tea, coffee. A limited selection of local beer and wine are complimentary. All diving is included on 12lt INTERNATIONAL air tank and weights. Havana airport transfers, port fees $190 and $100 marine conservation fee are all included.
Soft drinks, water, tea, coffee and a limited selection of local beer and wine
All diving, 12lt international tanks, air fills and weights are included
Excluded
Excluded from your holiday are international flights to Havana. Please ask for a competitive quote to add these to your booking. You must have a Cuban visa prior to landing in Havana. These can be obtained directly from the Cuban embassy. Any meals, kit hire and souvenirs not included in your package, are paid for on board.