Prior to 1959, Cuba used to be one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Hundreds of thousands of people would visit Cuba each year to enjoy its world class beaches, sample its excellent cuisine, and meet its friendly locals. The 1959 revolution changed things.
Fidel Castro and his communist regime effectively killed off Cuba’s tourist trade, and people stopped visiting the island.
Again things changed in the 1990’s. The Cuban government changed their policies and started accepting tourists from all over the world, including the US. Since then, the numbers of tourists visiting Cuba have risen steadily each year.
Today, Cuba is an interesting place filled with things to see and do. This adventure guide highlights the top 5 outdoor activities in Cuba that you can try on your next holiday.
Outdoor Activities in Cuba – Adventure Guide
Mountain Treks in Viñales
Cuba has some of the most stunning and unspoilt mountain scenery in the Caribbean, particularly in its national parks.
Outdoor Activities in Cuba – Hiking in Vinales – Photo by Romtomtom
Of Cuba’s many national parks, Viñales, a national park in the Pinar del Rio province, is arguably the best park to visit as it has a number of tourist facilities set up to make it easier to get around the park.
Viñales is full of interesting things to see and do. Its mountains are perfect for trekking and its countryside is full of caves and tobacco plantations growing some of the finest tobacco in the world. Viñales’ locals are friendly and inviting, too, and they’re more than happy to tell their story to interested visitors.
A local guide is essential for seeing and experiencing all Viñales has to offer. As well as guiding you around the valley and its mountains, they’ll be able to take you to hidden hotspots that most visitors to the area will miss. Guides can be found near the main bus stations in Viñales.
Surfing
Outdoor Activities in Cuba – Surfing – Photo by Ahisgett
Cuba’s eastern Guantanamo province is the best place to catch some waves, especially during the months between September and December. While Guantanamo’s waves won’t be big enough to satisfy expert surfers, novice and intermediate surfers will feel at home.
A number of surf schools and surf camps can be found in the Guantanamo province, complete with instructors that can teach the basics of the sport. Boards can also be rented from these schools and camps for a modest sum of money.
Scuba diving in Jardines de la Reina
With warm, clear waters, unspoilt underwater scenery, and a rich and varied marine life, Cuba is one of the best diving spots in the Caribbean.
Of Cuba’s many diving hotspots, Jardines de la Reina, a small archipelago and marine reserve located south of Cuba, has some of the best diving Cuba has to offer.
Jardines de la Reina is full of perfectly preserved coral reefs, vertical walls, underwater caverns, and more. The archipelago’s waters are also remarkably clear with perfect visibility up to 25m. Jardines de la Reina is also home to hundreds of different species of marine life, including dozens of species of fish, rays, eels, giant turtles, and more.
The waters surrounding Jardines de la Reina are also home to seven different species of sharks, including whale sharks and hammerhead sharks, making Jardines de la Reina one of the best places in the world to try shark diving.
Outdoor Activities in Cuba – Diving – Photo by U.S. Navy
Take a bike tour through Cuba
Cuba is one of the most beautiful countries on Earth.
Its colourful bird life is spectacular and varied, its mountains and national parks are stunningly beautiful, and its many towns and villages have rich and storied histories.
One of the best ways to explore Cuba’s natural beauty is to take a bike tour through the country. You’ll be able to see the best of what Cuba has to offer while travelling at your own pace.
Bikes can be rented from Havana, the capital of Cuba, at a relatively low cost. Local bike tour guides can be hired in Havana, too.
Explore Cuba’s many UNESCO world heritage sites
Cuba’s nine UNESCO heritage sites are some of the best places to visit in Cuba. Each is full of interesting sights to see and exciting things to do.
For lovers of architecture and history, the UNESCO Heritage Site of Old Havana is a must-see in Cuba. The old city is home to a number of architectural landmarks, including cathedrals, churches, and theatres built in the classical Baroque and Neoclassical styles. Every all inclusive holidays to Cuba should include a visit to this beautiful place.
Outdoor Activities in Cuba – UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Trinidad – Photo by Justin Otto
Other recommended UNESCO Heritage sites in Cuba include the city of Trinidad, a historic city filled with cane sugar mills and tobacco plantations, San Pedro de la Roca Castle, a large and well preserved fort built to protect the port of Santiago de Cuba, and the Historic Centre of Camagüey, a small village built by the original Spanish settlers to Cuba.
Cuba is a beautiful country filled with lots of things to see and do. Make sure to try the best outdoor activities in Cuba when you are on your next travel adventure. You won’t be disappointed.
This is a featured article by Joey Ferrer, world traveller and lover of all things adventurous in Cuba.
Have you travelled to Cuba before? What are your favourite outdoor activities in Cuba?