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Baracoa bay

Cuba Kayaking East Tour

Example 8 Day Tour
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Discover the authenticity and raw charm of Eastern Cuba, or Cuba's Oriente. This less visited area provides a private tropical paradise to explore by kayak. You will soon understand why Christopher Columbus declared it "the most beautiful land human eyes have seen." Encounter the region's mountains, waterfalls, beaches, and wildlife throughout this tour designed to give you a diverse and meaningful adventure!
Kayaking Varadero beachBeaches of HolguinSugar cane plantationHiker in the Holguin Province, CubaSnorkeling in CubaEl Yunque in BaracoaCuba homesKayaking in CubaCuba homesBaracoa bay
Highlights
  • Kayak, snorkel, and walk throughout Eastern Cuba
  • Experience rich culture from unique architecture to superb Cuban cuisine
  • See historic and interesting towns such as Baracoa, Cuba's oldest town
  • Explore the less visited and undiscovered region of Cuba's Oriente
Places Visited
Activity Level: Easy Active
Moderately active but not overly strenuous. This level includes activities like casual cycling, yoga, or excursions/activities that typically last 3-5 hours total each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Holguin | Kayak Gibara Bay

  • 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
A flight out of Miami or Fort Lauderdale arrives to Holguin in the early afternoon, allowing your adventure to start right away! Explore Holguin with its charming 18th- century churches and colonial plazas. After a brief stay in Holguin, enjoy the scenery on a meandering drive toward the coastal town of Gibara.
 
Just a few miles from the sea, stop for your first kayaking excursion! Gear up and paddle down a river that passes by mangroves and a variety of birds to admire. The river takes you directly to Gibara Bay where you can dock, stretch your legs, and take in views of Gibara. This town is ideal for travelers looking for a Cuba that remains untouched by the influence of tourism.
 
Enjoy your first dinner in Cuba featuring some traditional dishes and the freshest of seafood! Get some rest in your Gibara hotel to prepare for the days to come.

Day 2: Explore & Kayak Gibara

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Get an early start to your day exploring more of Gibara! Kayak around the bay where fishermen search for shrimp and crab. Paddle up the mangrove-lined Gibara River and watch for birds along the way. Take out on the beach for a regional lunch. After your delicious meal, Senor Jose guides you on a tour of the town. Jose is a host of a local television and radio show who helps bring to life the vibrant history of Gibara as a center of culture and trade.
 
If time allows, your group visits the local cigar factory to learn about and see the process of making this Cuban icon. The Caverna de los Panaderos is your next stop, where you are guided through these caverns tucked under limestone hills just outside of Gibara. Wander the labyrinth of caves with your expert guide who leads the way while sharing interesting geological facts and history.
 
You have a bit of free time to relax before dinner at an excellent paladar. Your Cuban meal is accompanied by lively Cuban music this evening!

Day 3: Bahia Puerto Padre

  • Hotel
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Head west from Gibara through sugar cane fields and country landscape toward the small town of Puerto Padre. From the Bay of Puerto Padre, you can kayak all morning as you observe local fishermen going about their daily livelihood of casting out nets or looking for shrimp. Drive a short distance to a local farm where you are treated to a traditional Cuban feast! Receive a warm welcome from the family who has been farming here for generations.
 
Head to the town of Puerto Padre after lunch. This is the birthplace of Emiliano Salvador, legendary jazz pianist, as well as Juan Pablo Torres, legendary trombone player. Therefore, it is only appropriate to meet with a group of local musicians to learn about Puerto Padre, hear their music, and experience the soul of Cuba.
 
Settle into your first family homestay experience at a Casa Particular where you stay with local people in a casual setting. What better way to see the daily life in Cuba?!

Day 4: Sugar Cane Fields & Rum Factory

  • Hotel
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Today take a break from paddling to learn about the industry which was once the heart of Cuba’s economy – sugar. Visit a local sugar and rum factory surrounded by fields of sugar cane. Learn about the history of sugar and rum in Cuba along with some tastings.
 
Drive to the city of Holguin arriving just in time for lunch. Enjoy a walking tour of this historically rich city with its plazas, parks, and commemorative statues. For those who want an even more active day, you can walk to the top of Lomas de la Cruz where you can take in spectacular vistas of the surrounding landscape.

Day 5: Cuba's Highest Waterfall | Pinares de Mayari

  • Hotel
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Start this day with a fresh breakfast before heading east on the “Ruta de Chan Chan” towards the town of Mayari. Upon reaching Mayari, head south into the mountains of the Parque Nacional la Mensura, then on to a forested area of Caribbean pines known as the Pinares de Mayari. This entire region is fragrant of crisp pine!
 
Hike through the lush tropical forest passing orchids and parrots until you reach the Gran Salto del Guayabo, the highest waterfall in Cuba! Take a break for lunch and to play in the pool underneath rushing cascades of water.
 
After your time at Gran Salto del Guayabo, drive through forest and ranchland in this agriculturally rich part of Cuba. Once you arrive at the lodge, you can explore the surroundings on a 3-mile hike. Return to the lodge before sunset for dinner and a dip in the resort’s pool.

Day 6: From Mountains to Sea | Kayak & Snorkel Cayo Saetia

  • Hotel
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Leave the mountains today to return to the sea. Make a stop to explore the small town of Mayeri and its local market. Continue on to your final destination for the day – Cayo Saetia. This island is located in Cuba’s largest bay, Bahia de Nipe. In the 1970s & 80s, Cayo Saetia was a favorite destination for large wild game hunting of people such as Fidel, Raul, and even Hemingway! These days, the animals are protected in a wildlife park providing a safari experience for travelers. Cayo Saetia is home to 19 introduced species of exotic animals including zebras, camels, antelopes, ostrich, buffalo, wild boar, and peacocks!
 
Discover this unique island by kayaking along its shores for the day. End on a soft white sand beach and walk to the nearby resort to settle in for the night.

Day 7: Kayak & Snorkel Cayo Saetia

  • Hotel
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Although a relaxed day, today is committed to beaches, snorkeling, and kayaking! Leisurely explore the sugar-sand beaches and secluded coves which give a Caribbean feel to the otherwise African ambience. Glide along the transparent waters and interesting rock formations. Then, get a clearer look at the underwater world surrounding Cayo Saetia as you snorkel in the warm waters.
 
After this day of adventure, you can relax in the simple beauty of your resort villa before enjoying dinner al fresco.

Day 8: Return Home

  • 1 Breakfast
Return to Holguin in time for a mid-day flight home.

Accommodations

Cayo Saetia Hotel

Hotel Encanto Caballeriza

Villa Pinares de Mayari Hotel

Casa Particular

Cuba homes
Mountains of Trinidad, Cuba
Cuba homes in Havana

Dates & Prices

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Notes

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Rates based on group of 2 in double occupancy.
Included
  • 7 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 7 Dinners
  • 7 Nights Accommodations
  • 8 Days Locally Hosted Guide Service
  • Both Arrival and Departure Transfers are included.
  • Gear Rental
    • Kayaking equipment provided
Excluded
  • International Flights
  • Airport Departure Tax
    • $25 CUC payable in cash
  • Visa fee
    • Ranges from US$25-100 depending on where purchased
  • Meals not Included
  • Guide gratuities
    • US$175- $200 recommended per person for your guide team

Map

When to Go

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.
Chance for unpredictable weather but with fewer visitors.

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The trip was terrific with great planning on your part. Most of the adventures were not mainstream and somewhat off the beaten path which made it especially enjoyable!! We felt taken care of and you all were readily available to respond to questions and issues. I would highly recommend your company and friends have already expressed interest based on our pictures and excitement.
Gale Cantor
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