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[WreckWench]

WELCOME TO THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF CUBA...and a few unique ways of getting signed up for this epic trip!

 

1. You can only sign up via our booking system to join this trip as this ensures everything is done legally by you as well as us.
2. It is IMPERATIVE that you have a current email on file in your profile. PLEASE CHECK IT AND CHANGE IT NOW IF YOU RARELY CHECK THIS EMAIL ACCOUNT.
3. You MUST be able to log into our forum's email client known as the PM or PRIVATE MESSAGE system. This is where all important trip updates are made from which a courtesy email is sent via the system entitled...'WreckWench has replied to a personal conversation'. 
4. It is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to be able to access the SD.com forums PM system and to periodically check for updates that landed in your spam folder or were simply not delivered via standard email clients. The word 'single' in our name causes many email clients to mark us as spam or simply black list and not deliver emails at all. "Single" is your diving status not your marital status but we can't stop certain carriers from blocking, delaying or messing up our emails. THEREFORE YOU MUST CHECK THE ORIGINAL PM FOR THIS TRIP TO ENSURE YOU ARE GETTING ALL THE INFO WE ARE SUPPLYING YOU. Many times this is a call for documents, info, etc
5. If you need help in accessing the PM system the directions are in the #3 topic for this trip...in the ORIGINAL TRIP -PM ITSELF and/or you can email trips@singledivers.com for help. We are an all volunteer organization with way more members than volunteers so please bear with us if we can not personally help you and instead check the places such as HERE for how to do things needed to help you have a better trip with us.

TIME SENSITIVE INFORMATION:

 

This is a unique destination that entails some special steps to ensure it's humanitarian, cultural and educational aspects are all adhered too properly both for the US Govt and the Cuban Govt.

 

For starters we need you to read the information below. This trip is NOT a commercial trip so we have taken special precautions to comply with every aspect required to legally make the trip not only epic but legal and have the cultural impact desired.  We will work with several intermediary organizations such as OCEANS FOR YOUTH, Avalon and others who will then interface with the proper Cuban entities to make this trip happen. It is a Humanitarian trip and NOT Business to Business so must be handled differently

 

Notably...

• Credit card payments for the trip are allowed via our system but are not allowed in Cuba. 
• CASH IS KING...so bring Euros and Dollars when in Cuba if you are doing any of the tours. If just doing the boat then you only need Dollars OR Euros for your tips.
• You do not need to convert to Cuban pesos in Cuba but you will get better discounts at times on the conversion especially if buying something. SD.com will help you find good conversion rates in town if you are doing the tours we have set up. NOTE  you can not get Cuban PESOS VIA THE BANK OR AT THE AIRPORT.

 

What are the program requirements?
Under the U.S. economic embargo of Cuba, travel to Cuba by U.S. citizens for tourism is strictly prohibited. However, the US Government permits licensed "HUMANITARIAN" trips. Under this program, "each traveler must have a full-time schedule of educational exchange activities that will result in meaningful interaction between the travelers and individuals in Cuba." We have designed a full-time educational schedule in which travelers are required to participate in all activities, in compliance with the US Government rules for travel to Cuba.

 

What travel documents will be provided and required for travel to Cuba?
In conjunction with Oceans for Youth Foundation and other entities, we will provide you with an authorization letter that we issue under our license from the OFAC office of the US Treasury Department.  It is each travelers responsibility to ensure their passport information matches the authorization letter. Oceans For Youth Foundation is an IRS approved private foundation that is eligible to receive tax-deductible charitable contributions.

Does the OFAC take the place of a Visa? 
No, the OFAC letter is a letter of verification for you to present if asked, for legal travel to Cuba.

 

How does the Humanitarian group travel program work and do I have to apply to the US government for a permit?
All travelers with us are traveling under the OFAC license and are required to strictly follow the program outlined that is detailed in the authorization letter you will receive 10-14 days before the trip. Travel to Cuba by U.S. citizens is different than travel to any other country due to the long-standing economic embargo. Tourism by U.S. citizens is not permitted, however, travel through specially licensed “Humanitarian” educational programs is allowed.

Direct Humanitarian interactions between Americans with Cubans (youths and their parents; local marine officials; and marine professionals) will provide a unique opportunity for U.S. travel participants to understand the setting in which Cubans experience their own marine environment. Individuals on the island – particularly Cuban professionals and Cuban youth (and their parents) who have limited opportunities to meet foreign counterparts – will acquire different perspectives on marine life, conservation, and stewardship. Travel participants with the Foundation who meet this slice of the Cuban population will experience a closeness with their Cuban counterparts where there had not been before.rn

The Foundation firmly believes that educating not only Americans but also Cuban youth about these very important aspects of the underwater world will strengthen both local (Cuban) and international preservation of Cuba’s natural marine environment for these youth’s own kids. The Foundation takes pride in the hope that these meetings between and among American and Cuban participants will vet out those youth who will someday be the guardians and defenders of the marine environment.

Who owns the JA3?
The JA3 is owned by a Panamanian company that has a license to operate a liveaboard from the Cuban government. They have been operating liveaboards in Cuba since 1993. 

I thought Americans were not able to spend US dollars in Cuba?  Will I be spending any US dollars while in Cuba? Can I buy souvenirs? 

You may 'tip' in US or Euros but are limited where you can spend dollars in Cuba. If the entity is a govt owned entity then you can only buy with Euros. If its a new hybrid entrepreneurial citizen owned business you can often use US dollars. Coins are not accepted by anyone.  It is wise to have both Euros and Dollars.

 

Can I use my American Express, Visa or MasterCard when I go to Cuba?
US credit cards are not accepted in Cuba. It is highly recommended you confirm this information prior to traveling since it is subject to change without notice.

 

What is the Cuban Money?
Cuba has two official currencies. The Peso or CUP, sometimes called the ‘national peso’ and the Convertible Peso or CUC, sometimes referred to as the ‘dollar’. Most travelers will only ever deal in CUC.

 

What is the exchange rate?
The exchange rate for  CUC to USD is approximately 180 to 1.

 

How do you exchange money in Cuba?
The best rate will be at banks in Cuba. The next best exchange rate is at any Cadeca. A Cadeca (Casa de Cambio which means House of Exchange) is a government exchange facility. They're located at airports, many resorts and hotels and at locations all over the Island. They are easily recognizable white containers on major roads and near major hotels, with a CADECA sign on top. You can also exchange at hotels or resorts but the rate is not regulated. Your tour guides will help you as well.

 

How do I make my travel arrangements?
SingleDivers.com will help you to make all arrangements AND IN MOST CASES DO IT for you.  We will designate a group flight from MIA if you wish to travel with others for safety, convenience and less stress of trying to enter or leave Cuba on your own. You will book your own air either to HAV or CMW or possibly SNU after we set up a group flight.  Otherwise you will pay us and we will will pay all relevant suppliers.

 

Can we use US money for tips?
Absolutely! The program you are on will accept USD, Euros and CUC for gratuities.

 

How do we answer US Customs questions when returning to the USA?
If you are asked by a US immigration or customs officer about your travel, please have your Oceans For Youth authorization letter with you to show them if necessary.

Is there internet in Cuba and will the hotel and boat have it?
There will be internet available to you at the hotel but not onboard the M/V Oceans For Youth and JA3

 

What if I need medical care in Cuba?
There are hospitals and clinics that treat /visitors/tourists. Your program guide will be able to direct you to the nearest facility. Travelers are required to have proof of medical insurance while in Cuba if asked as their system can barely take care of their citizens so can not take care of non citizens.

 

Does Cuba have a recompression chamber with qualified personel to operate it?
Yes, there are several recompression chambers in Cuba with qualified personnel manning them should you have an issue.

Does Divers Alert Network and Diveassure cover dive accident insurance while in Cuba? Travelers will need to contact them direct.  NOTE: DIVEASSURE.COM covers dive and health ins in Cuba but NOT cancellation issues. AT THIS TIME DAN HAS NOT BEEN COVERING DIVING INCIDENTS IN CUBA BUT CHECK TO SEE IF THIS HAS CHANGED.

Do you offer travel insurance to Cuba? Several companies offer ins for Cuba. YOU MUST HAVE TRIP INSURANCE AS ALL RESERVATIONS ARE FINAL AND CAN NOT BE TRANSFERRED. AIG offers travel insurance and must be purchased directly through them. You can also get ins via Alianz for Cuba. 

The boat may be offering a 'self insurance program' we are looking into and there is another company that we are researching as well. Stay tuned...

 

Do we need additional shots or vaccinations?
No, there are no required vaccinations for US citizens before traveling to Cuba.

 

Do we need to know how to speak Spanish?
No, most Cubans speak enough English to help you. NOTE this is not the case at many of the private casitas. You should know some basic Spanish or pay more to stay where they speak 'more English'.  SingleDivers.com will be making all in country arrangements so this will not be an issue.

 

Will this special Cuba Travel Program be able to handle dietary restrictions?
Specialty food items are very limited and depending on your dietary restrictions, it may not be possible during your trip.

 

Will our travel insurance program work in Cuba, including our dive insurance policies?
Please check with your insurance company to ensure they have added Cuba to their program after the rule was lifted January 16, 2015. NOTE: DIVEASSURE.COM covers dive and health ins in Cuba but NOT cancellation issues.

What is the minimum age limit for the Cuba Travel Program?
The minimum age limit of the Cuba Travel Program is 10 years of age and older. The age limit to scuba dive by Cuban law is 15 years of age.

If I am a US citizen and wanting more information on traveling to Cuba, is there a website I can go to?
Following is the US Department of Treasury website providing more information: https://www.treasury...es/default.aspx
Up until January 2017, the JA Boats are unable to accommodate Cuban born Americans due to Cuba Coast Guard restrictions, we suggest you research this further to see if regulations have changed. Foreign passport holders that were born in Cuba must also check with their embassy prior to traveling to see if any restrictions apply.

 

ONGOING TRIP FAQ (QUESTIONS ASKED BY MEMBERS AND THE REPLIES IN ONE CONVENIENT LOCATION)

 

Location: Cuba
Dates:      Aug 31 - Sep 7, 2024 (Liveaboard) + Aug 28-31, 2023 anticipated optional Havana Land Add On and possibly after the trip for a few days as well in Havana or CMW

 

Hello Cuba trip goers!

 

We will use this topic to manage all the questions asked about this trip. Please check back frequently to see what others have asked and how we have replied. This will be the ONLY ongoing TRIP FAQ for this trip so you'll only have to look in one place and can quickly see what has been added since the last time you checked.

CUBA TRIP FAQ:

• What's Included
   

  Q. How do I find out what is included in this trip pkg?  6-17-23

  A. Please click on the #1 Topic with the Trip Name in it and read that topic. It will tell you what is included and what is not. Sometimes when we open a trip we are missing some information so as it is available we will add it below in this TRIP FAQ as well as add it to the  #1TRIP DETAILS POST.
   

   

• Accommodations

  Is Tap water drinkable?

  In principle, the water at hotels is drinkable but mind that  the chemical composition and taste can vary in regard to your country of origin.  So, mainly when out of the hotels destined for international tourism, bottled water is recommended. The water is not drinkable from the sinks on the boat so you are provided copious amounts of fresh clean potable aka drinkable water.

   

  What is the voltage used in Cuba?

  The Cuban norm is 110V but many of the hotels recently built in joint venture with European companies use the 220V norm and in some of them there are no regulators. We strongly suggest finding out about your specific hotels and even bring your own regulator if needed.

   

  Is there a dress code in hotels?

  Generally, restaurants will demand a dress code that includes: pants, shirts and shoes on men.  Ladies can dress accordingly, dresses are recommended at night.  Clothing must always be fresh.  Mind that temperatures are high almost all year round.

   

  Are there vegetarian diets included in the menus?

  Few hotel restaurants include vegetarian diets but chefs will certainly be ready to prepare them when ordered.

   

  Is it safe to walk out the hotel:

  Cuba is known as one of the safest destinations in the Caribbean, but as everywhere there are certain common sense tips you must take into account for your own safety.  It is recommended not to use too attractive jewelry outside the hotels, not to show big quantities of cash in public, not to take rides or buy things from unknown people in the streets, in general, but prudent.

   

  Can you take pictures anywhere?

  Unless there is written prohibition (museums, military areas).  You can take pictures or film freely.  Mind that certain amusement and night places may charge you for the use of cameras. Also note that some govt stores do not permit pictures or recording for fear that these may escape into the internet realm. Please be careful as I have seen cameras confiscated for taking pictures of empty shelves in a govt store.

   

  TIP:  If you see stores for big name brands they are always 'govt stores'. Private stores are almost always arts and crafts and/or artists.

   
• Travel Details

  Is there any tax on departure?

  The departure tax in all airports is 25.00 CUC but is now included in your airline tickets.

   
• Diving & Itinerary

  Diving schedule is usually at the discretion of the customers following the instructor's suggestions with 3 to 4 dives daily.  

   

  Sunday morning, check-in dive to get acquainted and make sure all equipment is in good shape.  During the briefings, instructors will explain every detail of the dive from what will be seen in a particular spot to the correct behavior while diving with sharks, or highlights of the area and special characteristics of the marine life present.  After the first dive, surface interval in one of the beautiful beaches.  Second dive and, at midday, boats will return for lunch.

   

  7:00 am - Wake up call, coffee/tea ready.

  7:15 am - Breakfast

  8:00 am - Ready to go diving.

   

  Fast diving boats are used to reach diving spots having the opportunity to explore different sites each day and enjoy the view of mangrove channels, virgin beaches, birds and other exuberant fauna during the trips.

   

  Together with the instructor, arrange time for the afternoon dives or for excursions through the lagoon and mangrove channels.  Coming back to the live aboard, it is time to drink a frozen "mojito", enjoy the afternoon pizza and talk about the dives.

   

  8:00 pm - Dinner is served.

   

  Night dives available

   
• Other updates

Edited by WreckWench, 26 June 2023 - 11:03 AM.