Paradise…with a history.
Cuba. The name conjures up a unique tropical wonderland
with a rich historical past.
True to its reputation, Cuba offers white beaches and
azure waters. Quaint pastel coloured homes and grand
colonial cathedrals.
Where else can you find fleets of mint-condition, 50’s
Chevies, roaring down archaic cobbled streets? Or
genuine, hand-rolled Cuban cigars that set the global
smoke standard?
The island’s greatest allure, is its people, with their
welcome smiles and winning manners.
You will find Cubans in the bustling open markets and
restaurants, performing street musicians outside dazzling
cafés and cabarets, and gyrating in colourfully-plumed
dance costumes inside inky nightclubs.
Needless to say, Havana is an absolute must-see with its
multi-faceted art, culture and architecture that dates
back to the early 1500’s.
Whatever you do, you’ll discover that Cuba dazzles the
senses with its endless offerings.
Cuban destinations
Camaguey/Santa Lucia Santa Lucia Beach, on the northern coast is protected by a
coral reef, making the waters calm and ideal for swimming,
snorkeling and other water activities. It is a diver’s
paradise with 35 dive sites.
Cayo Coco Cayo Coco is an island, 17 km in length. It’s all
environmentally protected -
home to the largest colony
of pink flamingos in the world. A coral reef offers wonderful
opportunities for snorkelers and scuba divers in its
exceptionally clear waters.
Cienfuegos Known as “The Pearl of the South” on the southern coast
of central Cuba, this city boasts a history largely different
from the rest of the country. It’s popular with Canadians
because of its beautiful beaches and excellent scuba diving.
Havana The largest city and capital of Cuba, Havana offers a glimpse into the past. Many of the Colonial Spanish buildings in Havana have undergone restoration, and in Old Havana the cobbled squares and colonnades reflect the city's ancient heritage.
Holguin Wide, soft beaches and azure waters line the coast of
Guardalavaca; a stunning resort area in the province of
Holguin. Guardalavaca is the 2nd largest tourist area
in Cuba.
Santiago de Cuba One of the island’s oldest cities, it is a captivating mixture
of colonial architecture, live music, colourful markets and
open-air cafés. All bounded by the shimmering Caribbean
and the majestic cliffs of the Sierra Maestra and Sierra del
Cristal mountains.
Varadero Varadero is located on 20 km of white powdery sand that
makes up the Peninsula de Hicacos; a beach so large that
it’s still uncrowded despite the number of large resorts and
variety of water sports. For a refreshing afternoon, stop at an
open-air café with live music and sip a "mojito" a drink made famous by Hemingway.
Cuba travel tips
Language spoken in Cuba
Spanish. English widely spoken in most areas. Currency and exchange used in Cuba
The Cuban Convertible Peso is the local currency, although Canadian dollars are recommended. Most hotels have a money exchange office on site, although not all will exchange Canadian travel cheques. Visa and Mastercard cheques and credit cards are widely accepted. Regrettably, American Express cheques and credit cards are not commonly accepted. ATM's are not available in Cuba. Voltage in Cuba
110V or 220V (Adapters may be required at select hotels and are available on a very limited basis. We suggest you bring your own.)
Vacation packing checklist Click here for a vacation packing checklists
While on vacation in Cuba
Sunwing suggests the recommendations below while traveling on vacation to Cuba to ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable holiday.
Resort Check-in Information
Please have your Sunwing hotel voucher ready for check-in at the hotel's reception. Based upon your arrival and check-in time, it is possible that your room may not be ready. Pack your bathing suit, shorts and sunscreen in your carry-on so that you can enjoy the facilities until your room is available.
Welcome Briefing
Our welcome briefing provides valuable information on Cuba, your hotel services, money exchange, shopping, and excursions. We will also inform you about the departure procedure and answer any questions you may have. Make sure to attend yours.
Help in Destination
Your friendly Sunwing destination representative is available in Cuba should you require assistance. Please check the Sunwing Vacations information boards or binders located in your hotel for a schedule of when your Sunwing destination representative is available.
Drinking Water
It is recommended that you drink bottled water while in Cuba. Most hotels offer bottled water in your hotel room and can also be purchased in the hotel's shop and in grocery stores. The ice and drinking water served in the hotels are generally made from purified water.
Long Distance Calls
Long distance telephone charges in Cuba can be quite expensive. It is recommended to make a collect call or use your calling card. Service charges may apply when calling from your hotel room.
Safety Deposit Boxes
Please use your safety deposit box for all your valuables, cash and travel documents. Some hotels in Cuba provide safety deposit boxes free of charge while others may require a nominal fee. You will be required to pay a penalty fee if you lose the key.
Resort Safety
Traveling to foreign destinations can be very exhilarating. Tourists must be aware that potential problems and risks to your personal safety could exist anywhere. Please use the same personal safety precautions and common sense on your vacation that you would at home e.g. apply sunscreen frequently, do not swim alone and do not display cash. Avoid venturing out alone and beware of dark or isolated areas.
Taxes and Tipping
Generally, taxes are automatically added to purchases. The tipping percentage is similar to that at home. If you receive good service, please express your gratitude and offer a tip.
Your Flight Home
Please check the Sunwing Vacations information boards or binders located in your hotel to reconfirm your flight from Cuba and its departure time. As a friendly reminder, make sure that you have packed your flight documents, medication, or any articles that you must have with you at all times in your carry-on luggage. Seat selection is on a first come, first serve basis at the airport, unless previously booked and paid for prior to your departure.
Documentation needed to visit Cuba Canadian Citizens please click here Non-Canadian citizens please contact the Cuba consulate or embassy for information.
Fun facts
The national anthem…is “Bayamesa” - known as
“The Lone Star Banner”.
Sailing the ocean…Christopher Columbus stumbled
upon Cuba in 1492, declaring it Spanish.
By the mid-1800’s, Cuba was producing over 1/3
of all the world’s sugar.
Interestingly, the island of Cuba is slightly larger in
size than England!
