Cuba special interests

:: Beaches

Cuba boasts more than 400 beaches, varying from white powder and coarser golden sand to the darker stretches found particularly in the eastern end of the island where the Sierra Maestra meets the sea. These beaches, with their dramatic backdrops, are wild, empty and beautiful.

The talcum-fine, picture postcard white sands of Varadero are well known, but similarly stunning beaches can be found at Guardalavaca, the Ancon peninsula near Trinidad and the keys (in particular Cayo Largo and the archipelago known as Jardines del Rey off the north coast). Nearly all shelve gently into the sea, whose shallows are turquoise turning to dark sapphire the further out you go.

The waters are cooler on the northern coast, particularly around Guardalavaca where there is more exposure to the expanse of the Atlantic, than the southern coast, whose shores are lapped by the warmer Caribbean sea..

:: Birdwatching

Cuba has over 380 species of birds, 21 of which are endemic, and is fast acquiring a reputation as one of the premier birdwatching sites in the Caribbean. More than 80% of these species can be viewed in the Zapata National Park, about 4 hours drive south east from Havana. Highlights for birders include the Cuban Solitaire, the Cuban Tody, the Zapata Wren, and the Bee Hummingbird, the worlds smallest bird weighing less than two grams and just one and a half inches long!

Cuba is also a favoured stopover for many migratory birds, particularly spoonbills and flamingos which can be seen in their thousands feeding in the mudflats and enclosed lagoons of Cayo Coco. The mountains of eastern Cuba are an excellent site for birdwatching as well, containing several biosphere reserves designed to protect endangered species, particularly the ivory-billed woodpecker which was discovered there only recently.

:: Colonial sightseeing

After Columbus first landing in October 1492, Spanish colonisation began in earnest during the early 16th century and much of the architecture from that era is still in existence today: indeed the old quarter of Havana and the town of Trinidad are such impressive time capsules of that period that they have both been declared UNESCO World Heritage sites, although colonial treasures can also be seen throughout many other Cuban towns and cities.

Much time and effort has been spent in restoring and conserving buildings ranging from early stone fortresses to glorious Baroque and Neo-Classical structures constructed in the 18th and 19th centuries, together with some surviving Art Deco from the early 20th century. You can appreciate first hand the splendour of this living history by taking the opportunity to stay in one of Old Havanas boutique hotels, many of which are former colonial mansions and palaces.

:: Diving

Cuba is one of the Caribbeans foremost diving sites with over 3,000 miles of coastline, numerous shipwrecks and an abundance of coral reef offshore for both wall and platform dives. The crystal clear water and warm temperature also make for easy viewing of abundant multicoloured fish, barracuda, sea turtles, lobsters, anemones and, on occasion, sharks.

Nearly all the major resorts have diving centres, but the most recognised sites are Cayo Largo, the Jardines del Rey archipelago, the Isle of Youth off the south coast and Maria La Gorda on the western tip of Cuba. These last two sites require substantial diving experience. Many all-inclusive hotels offer diving lessons for beginners, but those wishing to undertake more advanced dives will need to take proof of their qualifications and have fully comprehensive travel insurance.

:: Family amenities

Cuba is a safe and enjoyable destination for children and many of the hotels in the principal resorts offer childrens clubs and babysitting. There are no obvious health risks and again, there are good medical facilities available in the main tourist areas. However, nappies, wipes and commercial baby food are difficult to obtain, so it is best to take a good supply of these with you.

Cots and high chairs are provided in most hotels but they may not always conform to British Safety Standards, so we would exercise caution in their use. If you plan to hire a car, no child car seats are available from the car rental companies so you should take your own with you, and if you are planning to travel independently through Cuba, remember that it is a large island and children tire easily when travelling long distances.

:: Golf

Golf is still a developing activity in Cuba, and many courses are currently being planned throughout the island. For the moment, however, there are two: the Havana Diplomat Golf & Tennis Club a few miles south of the city, and the Varadero golf course two hours drive along the coast in the heart of resort.

The Havana course currently consists of 9 holes, with plans for a further nine, and is best described as a parkland style layout. The Varadero golf course is an 18-hole Canadian designed links course affording wonderful views along the peninsula and tee off times can be arranged through reception at most of the Varadero hotels. Green fees are very reasonable compared to European rates, and all equipment can be hired for a modest fee locally. Instruction is available at both courses.

:: Shopping

Most tourist shopping is available in state-run shops, particularly in hotels, but there are also an increasing number of handicraft markets selling a variety of items such as wood carvings, ceramics, musical instruments and papier mache figures. Black coral items are also sold, but these are unlikely to be genuine; this type of jewellery should be sought in the state-run shops. In Havana, a handicraft market is held daily by the Castillo de la Real Fuerza in the old quarter and also at La Rampa, in the Vedado area of the city. In Trinidad, the market by the central square sells a good range of embroidery and cotton items.

We do not recommend buying cigars in the street, as they will invariably be of poor quality, machine made and you will not receive a receipt, which customs officials will sometimes ask to see when you take Cuban goods out of the country. Instead cigars should be purchased in hotel or airport shops, or in the specialist tobacco shops known as La Casa del Habano. These handmade cigars come direct from the factories and are stored at the right temperate and humidity, so you can be sure that you are buying the real thing! Rum is readily available in all the shops, although we would recommend buying it on your way home from duty free at the airport, where Havana Club can be bought for as little as $4.00 a bottle!<

CDs of Cuban music are also readily available. There is a wide selection in the ARTex chain of stores and also the Longina shop in Calle Obispo, near the cathedral in Old Havana. Clothing is available, but this will be mainly beach and casual wear; Cuba is not the place to look for designer labels.

:: Walking

Eco-tourism is just developing in Cuba and the best regions for hiking are Vinales, the Sierra del Rosario in Soroa, Topes de Collantes near Trinidad and the Sierra Maestra mountains, where there are well marked trails and official guides. Information and guided walks can be arranged through your hotel in the area.

The Zapata National Park in Matanzas region provides excellent opportunities for nature and birdlovers, but walkers must be accompanied by a guide and obtain an official entrance permit, available from the National Parks Office in Playa Larga. When setting out on a walk, however easy the trail, it is essential to take plenty of water and a hat and for longer hikes, energy snacks although you may be able to buy produce from local farmers. We do not recommend using campsites in Cuba as their facilities are extremely basic. Pitching of tents and sleeping out on beaches is not permitted in Cuba.

:: Watersports

Sailing is a favoured activity in Cuba, with several marinas around the resort areas and motorboats, catamarans and yachts can all be hired for excursion, including fishing trips. Deep sea fishing in Cuba, made famous by Ernest Hemingway, is particularly good off the north-western coast, where catch will include swordfish, tuna, mackerel and marlin.

There is also an abundance of stock inland, the best spots being Lake Zaza in Sancti Spiritus region and Lake Hanabanilla near Trinidad, particularly for bass fishing. Bonefish is also plentiful, especially off Cayo Largo, and tarpon in Treasure Lake situated in the Zapata province. Freshwater fishing enthusiasts are recommended to take their own rods and tackle.

Casual watersports such as snorkelling, pedaloes, kayaks, introductory diving sessions and windsurfing are widely available at most resorts.

Jamaica special interests

:: Beaches

The pristine beaches and warm waters of Jamaicas north coast have drawn visitors for years, from the uninterrupted 7 miles of powder-white sand at Negril to the golden sands of Ocho Rios. As you progress further east, the coastline becomes more dramatic, leading to Port Antonios beautiful unspoilt bays where the thick greenery of the Blue Mountains dips down to meet deserted coves.

The south coast of Jamaica is very undeveloped and still retains a stunning natural beauty, dotted with scenic sandy bays where you can watch the fisherman drag their brightly coloured canoes up to rest on to sands virtually untouched by tourists. For those preferring to catch the rays au naturel, there are several resorts, particularly the Superclubs chain, which offer designated sectioned off areas for naturist visitors!

:: Birdwatching

Jamaica is home to 256 species of bird, 27 of them endemic including the national bird, the streamer-tailed humming bird. Affectionately called the Doctor Bird, it is vividly coloured with a long, scissor-shaped tail and its image is a national symbol, appearing on bank notes and forming part of the logo of the national airline, Air Jamaica.

The best areas for viewing Jamaican birds in their natural habitat are the Blue Mountains, Marshalls Pen reserve near Mandeville and the Great Morass, a large wetland near the south coast where you can view egrets, brown pelicans, tricoloured herons, terns and black-necked stilts.

Alternatively you can make a date with many of Jamaicas elusive birds on weekday evenings at the Rocklands Feeding Station in Montego Bay. Streamertails, yellow-faced grassquits, saffron finches and Caribbean doves are among the kaleidoscope of birds which turn up each evening, together with hummingbirds who will sometimes perch on your finger to sip a sweet drink!

:: Colonial sightseeing

After Jamaicas discovery in 1494 the island became strategically important from both trading and military perspectives and was consequently disputed by the French, English and Spanish until finally captured by the English in 1655. Independence was declared in 1962. Jamaicas rich history includes stories of famous slave rebellions, colonial merchant houses and grand sugar plantations, many of which can still be visited today such as Greenwood Great House at Falmouth, former home of the family of the poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning, and the old plantation house at Rose Hall in Montego Bay.

There are several charming churches dating from the 17th and 18th centuries and of course important military relics such as Port Royal in Kingston, an archeological gem from the 17th century. Much of the city lies underwater due to an earthquake in 1692 and thousands of important artefacts have been salvaged from there and a sunken pirate ship lying alongside in Kingston Harbour.

:: Diving

Jamaica is a great destination for divers, with a year round temperature of 82F and visitbility to 100 feet. There are dive centres throughout the island with a range of dive sites just a few minutes from shore to excite both novice and expert alike.

Negril has a substantial protected reef with crevices, ravines and caverns teeming with sponges, shelter for hordes of brightly coloured fish. On the north coast at Montego Bay the Cayman Trench meets Jamaica and there are miles of vertical and undercut walls carved with coral caves and tunnels. Towards Runaway Bay and Ocho Rios there is further abundant marine life and wrecks to explore.

Jamaicas newest Marine Park at Port Antonio features heavily encrusted wall faces while at Kingston you can explore the streets of the sunken 16th century city, Port Royal, a pirate galleon and intact World War II wreck! All the major resorts in Jamaica have diving facilities and instruction as required.

:: Family amenities

Jamaica is a perfect playground for kids and all the main family resorts offer childrens clubs and babysitting facilities.

For older children, there are also plenty of activities outside resort to keep them busy, for example bicycle tours, climbing Dunns River with its natural waterslides and minipools, horseriding tours ending with a bareback ride through the sea, jeep safaris and river tubing where you shoot down the river in large rubber tyres and swing on ropes into the water!

Nappies, wipes, and baby food are easily obtainable but please note that if you are planning to hire a car you should take your own child seat, as these are not readily available.

:: Golf

Jamaica is one of the Caribbeans most respected golfing destinations. There are twelve courses throughout the island, many of them with elevated tees and promontory greens offering spectacular views of the Caribbean. Some of the islands most well known courses include:

The Half Moon Golf Club, designed by Robert Trent Jones and known for the unique challenges of the 535-yard 3rd hole where you have a choice of driving over a stand of trees or driving down the open side guarded by a water hazard on the right.

The Tryall Golf Club, former home of the Johnnie Walker World Championship, with a unique layout over the site of a 19th century sugar plantation and original water wheel, one of Jamaicas most photographed sights. This difficult course runs parallel to the sea, offering magnificent views over the Caribbean and is considered one of the finest in the world.

Wyndham Rose Hall, located on the historic Rose Hall Estate, famous for its imaginative layout and featuring one of the most difficult golf holes anywhere in the world, the 8th hole, nicknamed Chinamans Reef and lying ominously close to the sea.

:: Shopping

Jamaica is a shoppers paradise! Whatever you are looking for, you are bound to find in the exceptional variety of arts and crafts, music, rum, spices and duty free luxury goods that are available to the visitor. A huge variety of crafts have sprung from Jamaicas rich native heritage, including items made from leather, straw, fabric, wood, clay and semi-precious stones.

Paintings in bright colours depicting island life are available together with sundresses and sarongs of beautiful batik. Jamaica is also home to calypso, reggae, Tia Maria and Blue Mountain coffee, all readily available for purchase together with an extensive array of goods from the duty free outlets, for example electronic goods, designer fashion, crystal, china and jewellery.

:: Walking

Without question the best hiking to be had in Jamaica is in the Blue Mountains, where there are refreshing strolls through fern gullies for casual walkers as well as strenuous expeditions for serious hikers. The mountains are covered with forests of pines and dotted by coffee plantations as well as a host of other vegetation including papaya, mango, banana, cocoa, sugar cane, breadfruit and bamboo. As you climb you will pass through isolated towns and farms until you are finally up into the rain forest amidst spectacular terrain.

It is essential to go hiking in the company of a local guide as the trail system can be complicated and weather conditions unpredictable. The John Crow National Park and Holywell National Park situated on the grand ridge at the top offer a network of trails along which you can admire 98 different species of birds and hundreds of endemic plant species. The Cockpit Country in the north west of Jamaica offers a contrasting landscape of limestone ridges, caves and sinkholes from where escaped slaves fought off English soldiers and bounty hunters. For a more relaxing stroll, Ocho Rios boasts a number of botanical gardens and nature retreats perfect for leisurely appreciation of some of Jamaicas most beautiful natural

:: Watersports

There are three marine parks in Jamaica off Negril, Montego Bay and Port Antonio, all with the aim of preserving the islands ecological systems including extensive mangroves and coral reefs. Diving, fishing, and boating are popular activities offshore but thanks to the above, well controlled so as not to harm the environment.

Casual watersports such as snorkelling, pedaloes, kayaks, introductory diving sessions and windsurfing are widely available at most resorts, and boat cruises can also be arranged locally. Port Antonio offers a particularly good sailing base as it is less developed and the waters less crowded. It is also the best place for deep sea fishing as only half a mile from shore the depth drops off to over 600 feet. The area hosts an annual marlin tournament each October.