Cuba Unbound

Story

Cuba Unbound is part of the ROW Family of Companies, founded by Betsy Bowen and Peter Grubb, whose passion for adventure travel spans more than four decades. Since 1979, the company creates life-changing adventure travel experiences inspired by a love of nature, meaningful connections, and cultural discovery. What begins as a wilderness river rafting company in the American West grows into a global adventure travel brand offering walking, cycling, sea kayaking, wildlife watching, small-boat cruises, and culturally immersive journeys. International adventures begin in 1984 and continue to expand with thoughtfully designed experiences that connect you with the people, cultures, and natural wonders of every destination. Since 2015, Cuba Unbound offers active tours that showcase the authentic spirit, history, culture, and landscapes of Cuba through meaningful travel experiences. Every journey encourages you to travel with an open mind, embrace new perspectives, and build genuine connections across cultures. Community partnerships, responsible travel, and a commitment to protecting nature remain at the heart of every experience. Whether you share stories around a campfire, explore vibrant communities, or discover remarkable landscapes, Cuba Unbound inspires you to awaken your sense of wonder and experience the world through learning, adventure, and personal growth.
Mission

"Sharing Nature - Enriching Lives" 

Vision

To provide life-changing travel experiences that have a positive impact on our guests, our guides and the people and places we visit.

Experience travel that values environmental and cultural stewardship with Cuba Unbound. Sustainable travel requires constant dedication and innovation while respecting and protecting the natural environments and local cultures you visit. Every journey encourages greater awareness of the impact travelers have on destinations and inspires active support for conservation efforts. Cuba Unbound connects you with each destination in a sincere and personally meaningful way.

Minimizing the Footprint

Travel responsibly by following the core ethics of protecting and respecting the Earth through Leave No Trace (LNT) principles. Cuba Unbound minimizes environmental impact through responsible energy use and the principles of reduce, reuse, repurpose, and recycle across both field and office operations. Many journeys rely on human-powered activities such as hiking, kayaking, rafting, and biking, while motorized travel partners with local operators using the most fuel-efficient vehicles available. Camping trips follow Leave No Trace practices that have guided operations since 1979. Every adventure also respects wildlife and natural habitats by observing animals responsibly without disturbing their environment.

Connecting People to Place

Deepen your understanding of each destination by learning about its wildlife, ecosystems, and culture. Knowledgeable guides share the region's natural and cultural history in meaningful and relevant ways, enriching your travel experience while encouraging environmental stewardship. Through expert interpretation of local plants, animals, and landscapes, Cuba Unbound helps you build lasting intellectual and emotional connections with every place you visit.

Giving Back to Local Communities

Support local communities through travel that creates meaningful economic and cultural benefits. Cuba Unbound partners with locally owned restaurants, hires local guides and support staff, purchases local supplies, visits and supports local non-profit organizations, and builds lasting relationships that encourage shared learning and mutual support. Every journey helps strengthen the communities that make each destination unique.

Sustainable Travel in Practice

Experience sustainable tourism in action through Cuba Unbound's commitment to the Galápagos Islands. In partnership with the Galápagos National Park Service since 2005, the company employs local guides and fishermen, supporting the islands' transition to a tourism-based economy. Visits to the Pescado Azul Women's Association on Isabela Island help improve the quality of life for fishermen, their families, and the Puerto Villamil community. Financial support for four-stroke engines benefits local fishing boat operators, while land-based Galápagos tours invest a significant portion of trip revenue into the local economy by using independently owned restaurants, hotels, and transportation providers.

Hiring Local

Benefit from authentic experiences led by knowledgeable local guides who provide valuable insight into each destination's culture, history, and traditions. Cuba Unbound carefully selects local guides to enrich your journey while supporting local economies and creating lasting benefits for the communities you visit.