Explore Cuba from a kayak for an exceptional perspective of this tropical island nation. Kayaking can provide beginners with an easy introduction to paddling while offering fresh perspectives of its beaches and reefs.
Discover Cuba’s vibrant pulse from UNESCO World Heritage sites to some of the Caribbean’s healthiest coral reefs on a kayaking tour of national parks.
Havana
Cuba’s capital city, Havana, is a living museum filled with stunning classical architecture. After an evening spent sipping on authentic mojitos, enjoy a hearty breakfast to start your day right. After lunch take a stroll through Jaimanitas– a seaside neighborhood famous for Fusterlandia– a kind of open art museum full of mosaics and murals designed by Cuban artist Jose Fuster himself.
Havana’s longstanding role as a center of trade remains evident today, with visitors being treated to views of colonial-era buildings in Habana Vieja or strolling along its iconic Malecon promenade, once serving as the last stop for Spanish treasure fleets before heading across the Atlantic.
Chances are your visit will coincide with a street fair or festival where sounds of timbales, jazz and salsa fill the air and people dance on the streets. Cuba’s music draws its inspiration from its diverse heritage of indigenous people, European immigrants and slaves, continuing to have a significant effect on global culture today.
Kayaking in Cuba is an excellent way to explore Cuba from an alternative perspective and experience this vibrant island from a unique viewpoint. Kayaking is easy to pick up quickly; in just hours you could be paddling swiftly along. Plus you can combine kayaking with other activities like walking, snorkeling and diving for even greater adventures!
Cubania Travel has put together an itinerary designed to showcase Cuba’s cultural sites while taking paddlers along its magnificent coastal sites – providing paddlers an exciting land-and-sea adventure while simultaneously experiencing this landlocked country during its transition period.
Starting our Cuba adventure off right means kayaking along a shoreline shaded by mangroves that are home to a diverse array of flora and fauna. Our kayak expedition will begin from Playa Giron, located along the western coast of Playa Giron Bay at its southern edge near Zapata Peninsula (also known as Bay of Pigs) featuring hundreds of keys (cayos) only recently open to tourism.
Cienfuegos
Cienfuegos, Cuba’s second-largest bay city, has long been known as “la Perla del Sur,” or “The Pearl of the South.” Its architecture bears testament to its colonial roots; earning it World Heritage Site status by UNESCO in 2005. Exhibiting French Enlightenment ideas as well as Latin American urban planning techniques developed during 19th Century development processes;
The city center is a breathtaking and lively district filled with history, culture and charm. Stroll along its avenues for fresh air and views of both city and bay while taking in excellent restaurants, cafes and shops like Palacio del Mar. Additionally, visit its waterfront malecon that features arresting palaces and villas to complete your experience!
Cienfuegos is well-known for its picturesque bay and beachfront. No doubt this city has become such an appealing tourist spot!
Kayaking is an engaging way to explore Cuba from the sea, providing an alternative experience away from crowds and traffic jams. Learning this sport is quick and simple – novice paddlers can even be paddling within hours! Cubania Travel can assist in planning a kayaking tour so that you can experience Cuba from an unforgettable new angle.
Benny More is one of the city’s most beloved singers and sang that it was his favorite place on Cuba – and many other popular singers also praised its charms! Cienfuegos holds a special place for visitors coming to Cuba; you must visit it before leaving!
Cienfuegos is an idyllic city for anyone who seeks relaxation and rejuvenation. From its tranquil bay to the charming streets, this breathtaking destination will leave lasting impressions!
Vinales
Vinales Valley and its small town by the same name provide some of Cuba’s most breathtaking natural scenes, featuring Mogotes (limestone formations that rise high above green landscape) as well as picturesque tobacco plantations surround. Tourists frequently flock to this area; however, visitors must remember to respect its pristine environment by sticking to designated trails and not disturbing surrounding flora and fauna.
Vinales is an ideal destination for day trips from Havana, but spending some extra days here to fully experience all that this town offers is best. Offering hiking trails perfect for nature enthusiasts and local farms showcasing traditional agricultural practices as well as stunning beaches – Vinales should not be missed when seeking to understand true Cuban culture!
Vinales offers many excellent attractions, but one of the finest is undoubtedly Cueva del Indio or “Indian Cave,” one of which was utilized by indigenous people before European settlers arrived. You can explore its river by boat while its stunning rock formations and stalagmites will amaze.
Cayo Jutias offers another exciting day trip from Vinales. This stunning beach offers numerous exciting activities – you can snorkel and swim in its clear waters, take a boat ride out to nearby islands, or just sit back on its expansive white sands and indulge in delicious seafood dishes! Additionally, Cayo Jutias has become popular with local musicians who play for tips!
Vinales can easily be reached from Havana and Cienfuegos in Pinar del Rio via bus; online booking through Viazul or booking directly at the bus station in Havana are both options, as is taking a taxi directly there for CUC20. Once there, once walking the streets you should find your guest house or casa particular quickly with its sign displaying its location – most have official signs showing the exact address if needed and are more than happy to assist with arrangements should any arise!
Playa Giron
Kayaking in Cuba is an enjoyable way to gain a unique perspective of this vibrant nation, while simultaneously burning calories while taking in its beautiful Caribbean scenery and rich cultural traditions.
Cuba offers kayakers an extraordinary opportunity to discover its distinctive mangroves, providing kayakers with a chance to appreciate Cuba’s distinct ecosystem and observe diverse species that call the mangroves home while taking in breathtaking coastal views from their kayaks.
Playa Giron, located on Cuba’s Zapata Peninsula, is the go-to spot for kayaking in Cuba. More commonly referred to as “The Bay of Pigs,” Playa Giron was where an unsuccessful US-backed plot by Cuban exiles against Fidel Castro’s revolution took place in 1961 – visitors can now visit its Museum to gain more insight into this important historical event.
Playa Giron is an ideal destination for snorkeling and diving, offering gorgeous beaches as well as diverse marine life like eels and stingrays in its waters. Playa Giron’s bay also houses several dive sites such as Caleta Buena and Cueva de los Peces that provide exciting underwater experiences for divers and snorkelers alike.
Playa Giron is an excellent location to go snorkeling or diving during November/December through April when temperatures are cooler, water quality is better and it is less crowded. July and August tend to have murkier waters with more risk of rainfall.
Taxis are readily available in Playa Giron, making for an effortless journey around town. Bikes may also be rented and are an ideal way to discover this coastal community at your own pace. Before embarking on their travel adventure to Cuba, visitors should seek updated government info regarding safety before departing – the easiest way is visiting their official tourism website.
