Kayaks, Culture & Colonial Gems - A 5-Day Heritage Tour
This adventure brings you into the heart of Cuba—where colonial charm, revolutionary history, natural beauty, and cultural depth come together in an unforgettable way. From the revolutionary landmarks of Santa Clara to the French-inspired elegance of Cienfuegos, the bird-filled wetlands of Zapata National Park, and the colorful streets of Havana, this itinerary highlights the diversity of Cuba’s central coast.
Over the course of five days, you’ll kayak through lagoons and protected wetlands, snorkel over coral reefs in the legendary Bay of Pigs, and stroll through UNESCO-listed cities rich in architecture and soul. You’ll connect with local guides and artists, dine on traditional Cuban cuisine, and witness daily life in Cuba.
Whether you're drawn to the rhythm of Cuban music played through Havana’s streets, the experience of paddling past flamingos, or the deep historical narratives that shaped the island, this tour offers a meaningful and well-rounded exploration of Cuba’s past and present.
It’s the perfect blend of outdoor adventure, cultural immersion, and authentic encounters—designed for travelers who want to dive deeper, go further, and return home with more memories that will last a lifetime.
Note: This itinerary meets the requirements for U.S. travelers traveling under the Support for the Cuban People category per OFAC regulations. We stay entirely in private homes (casa particulares) and eat in privately owned restaurants.
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Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Santa Clara – Cienfuegos (Walking Tours & Colonial Heritage)
Arrive in Santa Clara in the early afternoon, a city forever linked to the Cuban Revolution. Upon arrival, set off on a short walking tour of this historically rich town. Highlights include the Ernesto Che Guevara Mausoleum and Memorial, which commemorates the revolutionary leader and his companions who died in Bolivia. The city itself was the site of the final and decisive battle of the Cuban Revolution in December 1958, when Che Guevara and his column derailed an armored train loaded with Batista's troops and supplies.
Stroll through Parque Vidal, surrounded by neoclassical buildings and home to the city’s vibrant street life. See the Teatro La Caridad, one of Cuba's original eight grand colonial theaters.
Then transfer to Cienfuegos (approx. 1.5 hours)
Upon arrival in Cienfuegos, dubbed La Perla del Sur (The Pearl of the South), enjoy a guided walking tour of the city’s French-influenced architecture. Founded in 1819 by French settlers from Louisiana and Bordeaux, Cienfuegos boasts a unique urban layout. Explore Parque José Martí, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and admire the Tomas Terry Theater, an ornate cultural gem, and Palacio Ferrer, with its stunning rooftop views. Stroll along the Paseo del Prado and the Malecón by the bay to end your day.
Day 2
Guanaroca Lagoon – Snorkeling – Playa Larga
Our day begins early with a drive to the Laguna Guanaroca Nature Reserve, known as one of Cuba’s best locations to spy colonies of flamingos, pelicans, and tocororos—Cuba’s national bird—wandering amongst güira and mangroves. Our morning paddle begins in the saline lagoon from which the nature reserve gets its name, giving us plenty of opportunities to spot the bright tropical birds and take in the transforming ecosystem as we paddle from the mangrove-lined lake to the sparkling Bahía de Cienfuegos. Look out for tropical fish, birds, and remnants of an old Russian submarine lying submerged beneath the bay’s calm waters as we paddle our way to the shores. There, we enjoy a fresh seafood lunch while looking out on the bay.
After lunch, , depart for Playa Larga via the Zapata Peninsula (approx. 2.5 hours).
The drive takes you into the heart of the Ciénaga de Zapata, Cuba’s largest wetland and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. En route, stop at the Bay of Pigs museum to learn about the famous failed 1961 CIA-backed invasion of anti-Castro Cuban exiles. Then continue to a snorkeling site along the Bay of Pigs (Bahía de Cochinos).The bay’s shallow waters and coral rock formations make it a paradise for snorkeling, where you can explore healthy coral reefs and colorful fish near the Punta Perdiz or Cueva de los Peces.
Settle into a beachside guest house in Playa Larga, a small fishing village known for its rich biodiversity and tranquility.
Day 3
Kayak Zapata National Park Wetlands– Transfer to Havana
We enjoy a hearty breakfast at our Casa Particular before heading out to explore the diverse wetlands of the Zapata National Park. Our excursions today take us down dirt roads less traveled and waters less paddled. We meet up with a park guide who leads our kayak tour and educates us on the unique flora and fauna of the protected region. Cormorants, black hawks, and frigatebirds flit in and out of the shadows while pink flamingos create a vivid backsplash. Bonefish may also be seen swimming languidly beneath the surface. We pull over into one of the cays to enjoy a picnic lunch and explore the surrounding banks. As we play, our park guide tells us more about this unique tropical ecosystem and shares his own experiences and understanding of the region with us.
Upon our exploration of Las Salinas, we depart for Havana (approx. 2.5 hours). Enjoy a scenic ride through rural Cuba, where sugarcane fields, ox carts, and classic American cars are part of the everyday landscape.
Check into your accommodation and relax before heading out to dinner and to enjoy the rhythms of Cuban music and street life that define the capital.
Day 4
Havana – Culture, History & Art
After breakfast today, we will explore the four historic plazas of Old Havana—Plaza de Armas, Plaza Vieja, Plaza de San Francisco, and Plaza de la Catedral—each brimming with Spanish colonial charm. Explore the Prado Boulevard and the amazing constructions in the vicinity. After lunch, visit the Fine Arts Museum (Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes) or the Rum Museum (depending on the day of the week)
Later in the afternoon, hop into a vintage 1950s convertible for a panoramic ride through the Vedado district, past the Plaza de la Revolución, where Fidel Castro gave iconic speeches. Drive along Avenida de los Presidentes, past the University of Havana and the historic Hotel Nacional.
There are plenty of opportunities to listen to live music, but tonight we can visit Fábrica de Arte Cubano (FAC)—Havana’s top cultural and nightlife hub housed in a former factory (currently open from Thursday to Sunday. It closes every 3 or 4 months to change the exhibits).
Day 5
Departure from Havana
After breakfast, transfer to the José Martí International Airport for departure on your own.
Note: Travel in Cuba requires a flexible attitude. Our days are full and things don’t always run on time. The listed activities and itinerary above may undergo some changes as they are contingent upon factors such as the availability of guest speakers, weather, and transportation. In such cases, we always attempt to substitute similar activities that maintain our tour’s focus of meaningful encounters with the Cuban people to further your Cuban experience.
Dates & Rates
| Dates | Adult (USD) | Child (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | ||
| Jan 01, 2025 to Dec 31, 2026 Guaranteed departures for 4 or more people | $2,050£0€0$0$0 | $2,050£0€0$0$0 |
Supplementary Information
Dates: Guaranteed departures for 4 or more people on any Sunday! Please inquire today to begin the booking process.*
*Note: On trips with 6 or less people, some of our special meetings, like meeting with National Park Staff, may not be included due to cost.
Rates for the 2025 and 2026:
- $2050 per person**
**Note: Christmas departures have a supplemental cost ($150 per person) due to our increased prices for accommodations.
Up to 16 spaces available on each tour (depending on the number of solo travelers and available accommodations)***
***Note: We can guarantee trips for 2 with a supplement of $300 per person.
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.
Included:
- Experienced English-speaking guide(s)
- Airport pickup upon arrival
- Specialized activity guides based on activity of trip (kayaking, biking, hiking, etc.)
- Specialized equipment needed for activities such as kayaks, bikes, helmets, paddles, personal flotation devices, etc.
- Private pre-tour orientation meeting
- Cuba Unbound hand-crafted itineraries
- Accommodations as noted in the itinerary
- All meals as noted in itinerary
- Certification of travel to Cuba under the U.S. Department of Treasury general license
- Small group size (Custom tours for 2, group tours are 16-18)
- All entrance fees to include events and activities
- All in-country ground transportation
- Clean drinking water available at all times
- Gratuities for presenters, luggage handling, restaurant staff
- Cuba Visa
Not Included:
- Round-trip air to/from Cuba
- Transfers to the Havana airport for departure
- Guide gratuities
- Personal expenses such as souvenirs, gifts, alcoholic beverages, additional entertainment outside the standard itinerary, and incidentals
Looking for a longer, but similar adventure in Cuba? Our Cuba Unbound Signature Tour offers a similar itinerary with even more exploration and opportunities to connect with the culture and people of Cuba.
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FAQ & More
Can US citizens travel to Cuba?
Yes, US citizens can travel to Cuba, but not for general tourism. While the U.S. is the only country that restricts travel to Cuba for purely touristic reasons, it does allow Americans to visit under one of 12 approved travel categories. The most common for our travelers are “Support for the Cuban People” and “Educational People-to-People” travel, both of which are fully compliant and allow for meaningful, culturally rich experiences.
For more information on Cuba travel entry requirements, please see here.
Do I need experience to join the kayaking adventure?
You don’t need any prior kayaking experience to join our Cuba kayaking adventures. These trips are designed for both experienced paddlers and total beginners. If it’s your first time in a sea kayak, don’t worry. The calm, sheltered waters we explore make it easy to learn, and our experienced guides provide all the gear, instruction, and support you’ll need.
We keep our group sizes small so everyone gets personal attention, and there are plenty of breaks to take in the scenery, observe wildlife, and learn about the area. That said, we do recommend getting a little paddling practice in beforehand. Kayaking works muscles you might not be used to using, and a bit of prep can help you enjoy the adventure even more.
What type of kayaks does Cuba Unbound provide?
Cuba Unbound provides high-quality polymer Necky Kayaks for all of our Cuba sea kayaking tours. These kayaks are known for their durability and performance, making them a great fit for the active, multi-day itineraries we offer.
Will single Kayaks be available?
Single kayaks are available on our Cuba tours. While we primarily use double kayaks, we typically bring one to three singles on each trip to be shared among guests who are interested.
Do I need to bring my own snorkel and fins?
You don’t need to bring your own snorkel and fins. We provide a great selection of masks, snorkels, and fins for guests to use during the tour. That said, if you have your own gear, need a specific fit, or prefer not to share equipment, feel free to bring your own. Wetsuits are generally not needed, as the Caribbean waters stay warm year-round and are ideal for comfortable snorkeling.
Can I drink the Water in Cuba?
Generally it's best to drink filtered tap water or bottled water in Cuba. 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?
Ice in drinks is generally safe when you're at a hotel bar or reputable establishment in Cuba, as it’s typically made with filtered or bottled water. While it's always a good idea to be cautious, you shouldn't have any issues with ice served in these settings.
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