Where coral reefs, colonial cities, and Cuban culture come together
Cuba Scuba Diving Tour
Guaranteed departures for 4 or more people! Please inquire today to begin the booking process.
Our Cuba Scuba Diving and Snorkeling Tour is a one-of-a-kind experience designed especially for U.S.based travelers looking to explore the vibrant underwater world of the Caribbean, with or without a scuba license. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or a passionate snorkeler, this journey offers an immersive and flexible way to discover Cuba’s marine biodiversity and rich cultural heritage.
Over the course of eight unforgettable days, you’ll dive (or snorkel!) into the crystal-clear waters of Cuba’s southern coast, exploring the legendary Bay of Pigs, the hidden reefs of Guajimico, and the stunning coastline near Trinidad. With opportunities for reef, wall, wreck, and even cenote diving and snorkeling, every underwater excursion promises something extraordinary. Not scuba certified? No problem. All of our dive sites are also ideal for snorkeling, allowing you to swim alongside colorful coral gardens and tropical fish in warm, calm waters with excellent visibility.
This tour goes far beyond the reefs. You wander the colonial streets of Old Havana, sip cocktails made by local cantineros, meet marine conservationists, and soak up the rhythms of Cuban life in Trinidad and Cienfuegos. Stay in locally-owned casas particulares (B&B-style inns), connect with Cuban hosts, and enjoy home-cooked meals and fresh seafood along the way.
With expert guides leading both above and below the surface, this is a unique adventure that blends marine discovery with meaningful cultural exchange. Come with curiosity, leave with stories.
*Please note that this itinerary can run as either a diving or snorkeling adventure. Not all participants may have a scuba diving certification, and that’s perfectly okay. Snorkelers are welcome and can be accommodated at all diving locations. Each site offers vibrant marine life and stunning underwater landscapes accessible from the surface, making this an ideal experience for mixed groups or anyone looking to explore Cuba’s rich underwater world at their own pace.
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Itinerary
Day 1
Havana City Tour
Arrive in Havana no later than noon in order to have time to explore the city.
This afternoon is a walking tour of the old city of Havana. The narrow streets replete with Spanish colonial buildings provide a fascinating insight into the history of this world-renowned city, once larger than New York.
In the late afternoon you check into your Casa Particular (Bed and Breakfast), settle in and a bit later we head out for dinner.
Day 2
Cultural Exploration of Havana
We start our day with a visit to a colorful neighborhood in Jaimanitas, known as Fusterlandia where the famous artist, Jose Fuster has his studio and has also adorned the neighborhood with Picasso-like mosaics. From here we visit a local science foundation that is at the heart of Cuba’s conservation programs. We meet with a marine ecosystem specialist to learn about the Caribbean Sea and the species of corals and fish we will encounter. This is an excellent learning opportunity and a chance to interact with one or two Cuban marine specialists.
After lunch in a paladar, we will step into the rhythm and flavor of Cuba with a hands-on Cuban cocktail-making class, where the island’s vibrant culture is poured into every glass. Held in a lively Havana bar, a private rooftop, or a stylish casa particular, this experience invites you to become a cantinero (bartender) for a day. Led by a seasoned Cuban mixologist, you'll dive into the art and tradition of crafting iconic Cuban cocktails.
We return to our accommodations and then join together for dinner.
Day 3
Havana, Playa Larga Arrival & Afternoon Dive or Snorkel in the Bay of Pigs
After breakfast in Havana, we leave the bustling city behind and begin our journey south toward the Zapata Peninsula, one of the most biologically diverse regions in Cuba. Our destination is Playa Larga, a quiet beach town on the Bay of Pigs, known not only for its turquoise waters but also for its pivotal role in Cold War history.
In 1961, this area was the site of the infamous Bay of Pigs invasion (Playa Girón), a failed U.S.-backed attempt by Cuban exiles to overthrow Fidel Castro’s government. The surrounding region still holds remnants of this tense past, including a small museum commemorating the battle.
Upon arrival, we gear up for our first dive in the Caribbean waters of the Bay of Pigs, where the underwater landscape is just as dramatic as its history, teeming with vibrant coral reefs, caves, and marine life. Shallow shore-entry dive and snorkel spots make this a great introduction to Cuba’s unique underwater world.
In the evening, head to your accommodations for the night. Enjoy the evening at your leisure. Dinner with fresh seafood and Cuban hospitality at a local paladar.
Day 4
Morning Dive or Snorkel in Playa Larga, Botanical Garden Stop and off to Trinidad
We begin the day with a morning dive or snorkel, exploring another section of the protected reef system. The visibility in this region often exceeds 30 meters, making it ideal for admiring colorful coral formations, sponges, and schools of tropical fish. With luck, we might spot tarpons or eagle rays cruising the warm currents.
After rinsing off and grabbing lunch, we head eastward toward the colonial city of Trinidad, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On the way, we stop at the Cienfuegos Botanical Garden (Jardín Botánico de Cienfuegos)—one of the oldest and most important in the Caribbean, established in 1901 by American sugar magnate Edwin F. Atkins. The garden houses over 2,000 plant species and is a serene spot to stretch your legs while learning about Cuba’s botanical diversity and the region’s sugar boom history.
By late afternoon we'll arrive in Trinidad, with cobblestone streets, pastel-colored houses, and live music spilling from every plaza.
Day 5
Diving or Snorkeling in Trinidad and Colonial Walking Tour
This morning, we head to the coast near La Boca or Ancón Beach for a dive excursion off the southern coast of the Escambray Mountains. Trinidad’s diving sites are known for their wall dives, deep reefs, and occasional encounters with reef sharks or sea turtles.
In the afternoon, we return to town for a walking tour through the historic heart of Trinidad, founded in 1514 by Spanish conquistador Diego Velázquez. Once a center of the sugar trade, Trinidad’s wealth funded lavish mansions, now transformed into museums.
Evening free for live music at Casa de la Música or a quiet rooftop dinner.
Day 6
Trinidad, Full-Day Diving or Snorkeling in Guajimico and Overnight in Cienfuegos
Today we take an early morning transfer to Guajimico, a hidden gem on the coast between Trinidad and Cienfuegos. The name Guajimico comes from the Taíno language and means "the place of the fishes"—and it lives up to the name.
Here, we enjoy two dives, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, both in a pristine marine environment. The underwater topography includes canyons, drop-offs, and coral gardens untouched by mass tourism.
After our diving adventures, we continue to Cienfuegos, known as "The Pearl of the South." Founded by French settlers in 1819, it boasts neoclassical architecture and a uniquely elegant urban layout. We settle into our accommodations for a relaxing evening by the bay.
Day 7
Cienfuegos to Havana, and Exploring Hemingway’s Havana
After breakfast, we begin our journey back to Havana, but not before enjoying a panoramic drive through Cienfuegos, passing by landmarks like Parque José Martí, the Terry Theater, and the Moorish-inspired Palacio de Valle, a mansion that echoes the city’s once-flourishing sugar aristocracy.
On our return to Havana, we make a special visit to Finca Vigía, the Ernest Hemingway Museum located in San Francisco de Paula. This is where the Nobel Prize-winning author lived from 1939 to 1960 and wrote parts of The Old Man and the Sea and For Whom the Bell Tolls. The house remains just as he left it, complete with his typewriter, fishing trophies, and library. The house offers a window into the literary and personal life of one of the 20th century’s most iconic figures.
Return to Havana in the late afternoon. Farewell dinner and time to reflect on your journey through Cuba’s coastlines, history, and cultural richness.
Day 8
Depart from Havana
*Airport transfer on your own.
Dates & Rates
| Dates | Adult (USD) | Child (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | ||
| Jan 01, 2025 to Dec 31, 2026 Guaranteed departures for 4 or more people. Tiered Pricing listed below | $2,590£0€0$0$0 | $2,590£0€0$0$0 |
Supplementary Information
Dates: Guaranteed departures for 4 or more people! Please inquire today to begin the booking process.
Tier Pricing 2025 and 2026:
- 4 guests: $3,390
- 5-7 guests: $2,940
- 8+ guests: $2,590
Tiered Pricing Explained
Our trips are budgeted for full or near full sign-ups which enables us to offer trips at the lowest possible price. Because of numerous fixed costs, it is more expensive to operate a trip for a small group. Therefore, on some of our trips, in order to avoid having to cancel a trip, we have a “tier-pricing” system to avoid canceling a trip with a low number of sign ups. We have found that most people also prefer this alternative to having a trip cancelled. Thus, you will note on our trip prices there may be different price for 4-7 people versus 8-16, etc. We may initially invoice you at the higher tier price, and refund the difference depending on the final group size.
*Christmas departures have a supplemental cost ($300 per person) due to our increased prices for accommodations.
Single Supplement: $500
If you are traveling solo and prefer private accommodations (pending availability) you may elect to pay the single supplement fee. If you are traveling solo and wish to be paired up with another solo traveler of the same gender in order to avoid the single supplement fee, please let your Adventure Consultant know at the time of booking. We will do our best to find another traveler to pair you with, however if there is not another solo traveler of the same gender willing to share on your trip, you will be charged the single supplement fee.
Up to 16 spaces available on each tour (depending on the number of solo travelers and available accommodations)
Minimum age: 12
**Note: We can guarantee trips for 2 with a supplement of $300 per person on trips between May 1 and December 15.
Included:
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Experienced English-speaking guide(s)
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Specialized activity guides based on activity of trip (kayaking, biking, hiking, etc.)
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Specialized equipment needed for activities such as kayaks, bikes (TREK bikes), helmets, paddles, personal flotation devices, etc.
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5 dives or snorkeling sessions with local certified instructors, as noted in itinerary (for custom trips we can add/subtract dives and number of days, as desired)
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Private pre-tour orientation meeting
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Cuba Unbound hand-crafted itineraries including: carefully chosen people-to-people activities, personal visits and presentations with experts in a variety of fields and topics, and access to exclusive experiences
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Accommodations as noted in the itinerary
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All meals as noted in itinerary
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Certification of travel to Cuba under the U.S. Department of Treasury general license
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Small group size (Custom tours for 2, group tours are 12-18)
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All entrance fees to include events and activities
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All in-country ground transportation
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Clean drinking water available at all times
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Gratuities for specialized guides and presenters, luggage handling, restaurant staff, and activities throughout tour
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Cuba Visa
Not Included:
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Round-trip air to/from Cuba
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Additional equipment such as dive lights, computers, cameras, etc.
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Taxi transport to the airport at the end of tour ($25-$30 for 3 people and luggage)
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Guide gratuities and scuba instructor gratuities (other gratuities for drivers, servers, and such are included)
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Personal expenses such as souvenirs, gifts, alcoholic beverages, additional entertainment outside the standard itinerary, and incidentals
Reviews
FAQ & More
Can US citizens legally travel to Cuba?
Yes, you can travel to Cuba as a US citizen! Although, the United States is the only country that restricts its citizens from traveling to Cuba for touristic reasons, however, the U.S. does allow travel to Cuba under one of 12 permitted travel categories. Of these categories, most of our travelers are traveling under either "Support for the Cuban People" or "Educational People-to-People" travel.
For more information on Cuba travel entry requirements, please see here.
What is a Casa particular?
This is something you'll hear in Cuba a lot. A casa particular is a private accommodation or private homestay in Cuba, very similar to a bed and breakfast, although it can also take the form of vacation rental. On ROW's Cuba Unbound tour, you can expect to stay in a mix of traditional hotels and casas particulares, making for a full and authentic visit to Cuba. For more information on casa particulares, read our blog post here.
What are the diving conditions?
Diving conditions off Cuba’s Southern coast are generally calm with excellent visibility ranging from 45-130 feet.
Water temperatures range from around 72 degrees fahrenheit in December to 84 degrees fahrenheit in July
Most dives are wall dives, though coral gardens and wrecks may be possibilities too. Dives will be a combination of boat dives and shore dives.
What marine life am I likely to see?
In addition to some of the healthiest coral in the Caribbean, Cuba’s waters are also home to variety of sponges, and around 700 species of fish and crustaceans, including morays, goliath groupers, barracuda, snappers, red hinds, grunts, parrotfish, squirrelfish, triggerfish, rays, batfish, queen triggerfish, queen angelfish, surgeon fish, lobsters, crabs, shrimps, turtles, reef sharks, nurse sharks, rays and even the occasional whale shark, which visits the area from November to February.
What certification do I need to dive in Cuba?
Any internationally recognized Open Water certification is sufficient for diving in Cuba. Please do not forget your certification card and log book!
Can non-divers join this tour?
Absolutely! Contact us directly for more details.
Can I drink the Water in Cuba?
Generally it's best to drink filtered tap water or bottled water. In an effort to reduce the use of single-use plastic, we encourage you to pack a wide-mouth water bottle with a filter built in. There are many brands available.
Is ice safe to have in my drinks?
If you are getting a drink at a hotel bar, or other bar establishment, the ice is most likely made with filtered or bottled water, so should not cause any issues.
Can I eat salads in Cuba?
Cubans pride themselves on proper hygiene and food handling. The restaurants we use on our tours are very good and eating any salads or raw vegetables that are served is fine.
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