This tour takes you to the best diving site in Cuba: Maria la Gorda.
María La Gorda
The name of this place comes from a legend, according to which, a beautiful Venezuelan indigenous girl was kidnapped by pirates then abandoned here, in this wonderful beach with crystal-clear waters. She found out how to survive and opened her “tavern” where she attended the sailors who needed food and entertainment.
Maria la Gorda is located on the western end of the island in the Península de Guanahacabibes, in Pinar del Río province. There are plenty of opportunities to dive in the warm waters - their warmth over 24°C all year round with perfect visibility:
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Ancla del pirata ( 50 feet)
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El Almirante (90 feet)
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Las Tetas de María (65 feet)
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Salón de María (65 feet)
Underwater sights including black coral walls, 18th century ship wrecks, flora and fauna. Angelfish, barracudas, crabs, dogsnappers, groupers, jacks, lobsters, morays, schoolmasters, snappers, sponges and whale sharks can be frequently seen.
Please send us inquiry for special pricing: Contact us
Duration
8 days / 7 nights
Meal plan
Transfer
Private transfers during the entire journey
Travel details
Program description
Day 1
Havana (accommodation)
Upon arrival at the airport you will be transferred to the Hotel H10 Panorama in Havana. After your check-in you will be able to go to dinner at the hotel.
Day 2
Maria la Gorda (Accommodation, breakfast)
Your morning breakfast is included in your stay. You will be taken to the Hotel Maria La Gorda where you can check-in at the hotel. After lunch you can enjoy your first dive session of the trip. Once you return to the hotel you will be able to have dinner.
Day 3-5
Maria la Gorda (Accommodation, breakfast)
For days 3 - 5 your schedule consists of breakfast, with your dive sessions, total 8 sessions during the 4 nights' stay.
Day 6
Havana (accommodation, breakfast)
After your breakfast in the morning you’ll have your final dive of the trip. After your lunch you will be taken to the Hotel in Havana. There you will be able to check-in once again and have dinner at your leisure.
Day 7
Havana (accommodation, breakfast)
After breakfast we start a full day sightseeing tour of Havana, the most beautiful city of the Caribbean. Havana captivates everybody, this real Caribbean metropolis has a unique atmosphere, where a time travel tempt us, where the Colonial era, the mark of the ‘50s US mob’s mark and the retro, socialist present is simultaneously existing. We start a panoramic city tour of modern Havana, we cross Havana's famous seaside promenade, the Malecon which is a favorite meeting place for locals, we can admire the mansions of the Paseo, then stop at the Revolution Square where the Jose Marti Memorial is located. On the way back to we drive next to the world-famous Colon cemetery that is the world’s richest cemetery with more than 500 statues, and arrive to the old town. We visit the Havana Club Rum Museum where we get acquainted with the making of the world famous Cuban rum, the growing and processing steps of sugar cane to follow through the process until it has matured, barrel filling, bottling, and we close the visit with a tasting. We can purchase the original Havana Club memorabilia, as well as can taste the typical Cuban drink called Guarapo made from fresh sugar cane and the excellent Cuban cocktail, Guarabana. After it we start to explore the old town on foot with its rich cultural and historical attractions, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988. Visit the Plaza de Armas, the "Arms’ Square", the Governor's palace, while we can hunt local antiques at the authentic antique market, walk through the Plaza San Francisco where we look at the old Stock Exchange Palace and St. Francis of Assis Church and the Cathedral Square. Then we visit La Plaza Vieja, the "Old Square". Our lunch will be served in a typical local restaurant. After lunch we join in Hemingway's footsteps: we visit the famous Hotel Ambos Mundos where the "Whom the Bell Tolls" was born. We visit the hotel room and the thematic exhibition. Then stop at Hemingway's favorite places, La Bodeguita del Medio and La Floridita bars, where the world famous "Mojito" and "Daiquiri" cocktails began their journey of conquest. Then visit the outdoor exhibition of the Revolutionary Museum, where the famous ship Granma is exhibited, we can see where Fidel and the other revolutionaries landed to launch the revolution. In the afternoon return to the hotel. After returning to the hotel you will be able to enjoy your dinner and the rest of your time at your own pace.
Day 8
Havana (breakfast)
After breakfast your will be transferred to Havana International Airport for your flight home.
Included:
Transfer from Airport to Hotel Memories Miramar then to Hotel Maria La Gorda and the return trip
3 nights accommodation at Hotel Memories Miramar **** (CP)
4 nights accommodation at Hotel Maria La Gorda (CP)
8 dives per person at CIB Maria La Gorda, including transfer to dive area
Havana city tour (lunch excluded)
Tanks, diving boat and dive instructor
Not Included:
Airfare to Cuba
Cuban Tourist Card
Gratuities / Expenses / Personal Insurance
Diving equipment (rental available at Maria La Gorda)
Meal Plan Coding:
MAP – Breakfast & dinner
CP – Breakfast
Price includes
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Private guide
- Half board in Maria La Gorda
- 24 hours assistance in Cuba
Price excludes
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Cuban tourist card
- Excursions not included in the description
- Tips and other credentials
- Costs of other services not included in the description
- International flight ticket, tax
- Meals and drinks not included in the description
- Travel insurance
Booking conditions
Booking: Minimum 21 days before arrival. Requested data: travelers’ name, passport number, flight details!
Payment: Latest 14 days before arrival. Cancelation: Over 14 days without penalty, with $35 administration cost. 14-8 days: the first two days services (hotel, transfer, program) will be charged. Within 7 days or No Show the entire package will be charged.