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Gordon Robinson photo
RESORTS: Over the past 10 years, offshore
companies have built many new resorts
in partnership with the government.
These new resorts are on the best beaches
and designed for the “sun and sea” tourist.
Most of them are all-inclusive, including
transportation to Cuba, your room, food,
liquor and entertainment. Most of these
resorts will offer free use of sit-on- top plastic
kayaks. They will also have HobieCats
and windsurfing boards. A retail outlet, car
rental desk and a tour agent will be on site.
The Sol Melia Corporation, a Spanish
company, is the largest hotel resort chain
operating in Cuba. This chain has 23 properties
in Cuba and over 300 worldwide.
Campsite Beach. Las Colorados, Granma Province
In order to enter Cuba, you must have a
valid passport and a return or onward ticket.
Most visitors are restricted to stays of 60
days. A tourist entry/exit card is normally
included in your ticket price or you can purchase
one upon your arrival in Cuba for
US$20.
The US dollar is used everywhere in
Cuba, and the Euro is accepted in major
tourist areas. The government also issues a
convertible peso that is equal to the US
dollar only in Cuba. There is little to buy
with this currency, but it does come in
handy at farmers’ markets and local bars.
Credit cards from non-US banks are accepted.
Debit card machines are scarce.
There is very little tourist-related crime
in Cuba. This is a law and order country
and Cuba is a full member of Interpol. If a
Cuban steals from a tourist, he can receive
six years in jail. However, in large cities,
one should always take care after dark and
never take jewellery on vacation.
Dealing drugs can result in a 30-year
prison sentence or worse! Sex with an underage
Cuban can put you in jail for 18 years.
University of Sea Kayaking
presents a 2-Volume Video Set
(120 minutes each)
Capsize Recoveries
• Assisted Recoveries
• Solo Recoveries
• Double Recoveries
• Sit on Tops
Rescue Procedures
• Hypothermia Review
• Dressing for Immersion
• Radio and Flare Demos
• Towing
Get your set and one for the partner who’ll save you.
$39.95 US
805-696-6966
www.useakayak.org
POPO‘S ADVENTURES
Whitewater rafting, sea kayaking,
monkey tours. Located at one of Costa
Rica’s best known surf breaks.
We have everything you’ll need to
explore Costa Rica’s vast wonders.
www.poposcostarica.com
poposca@racsa.co.cr
001-506-656-0086
ACCOMMODATIONS
HOTELS: Cuba has a very good selection
of new and older hotels. Some of the
older properties are classics of years gone
by and have recently been totally restored.
The National Hotel in Havana is a fine example
of bygone elegance. The Melia
Cohiba Hotel in Havana is a five-star property
that’s world class. However, most of
Cuba’s hotels are in cities and not on the
beach. Car rentals and tours can be arranged
for those wanting an out of the city
adventure.
October/November 2002 www.WaveLengthMagazine.com
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