The excursions in the province
In Cayo Ensenachos and Cayo Santa Maria, there is a wide variety of excursions. As these two islands are located on islands, there is several boat (or catamaran excursions). A great opportunity to discover the beauty of the « Jardines del Rey » (King's Garden in English).
New excursions have been added since 2002 and others are no longer available. All these excursions are offered by foreign tour operators (Canadian, European, etc.) as well as Gaviota Tours, the exclusive Cuban tour operator in Cayo Santa Maria and Cayo Ensenachos.
You are not required to purchase your excursion from the tour operator who sold you your travel package, but it is suggested. Representatives who sell these trips are paid by a commission. If you do not like the services of the representative, you are free to buy from other tour operators or from Gaviota Tours. It is always recommended to book your excursion early, as some are very popular and places are limited.
To choose your excursion, you have two choices: attend the meeting which is usually the day after your arrival at the hotel by your tour operator or browsing through the excursion books that are located near the lobby. The description is in English, French and sometimes German and Italian. For excursions outside Cayo Santa Maria, it is advisable to bring your passport and tourist card.
You can pay either in cash (CUC) or credit card. Note that there is no ATM in Cayo Santa Maria and the price does not include the tips for guide and driver.
VISA and MASTERCARD credit cards are accepted in Cuba, except those issued by U.S. banks such as American Express, Citibank, Capital One and MBNA. Why credit cards are billed in USD rather than directly in CUC? The CUC is not a currency that exists in the international market. The transaction is converted into USD at a ratio of one to one. You CANNOT get Convertible Pesos outside Cuba. Always bring with you Canadian dollars (or Euros) but NOT USD dollars.
Tips? Pesos? Money exchange? Electricity? Customs? Formalities? etc... We invite you to visit our cubainfos.net website to learn what you should know efore a trip to Cuba.
Since March 14th, 2011, the Cuban government has restored the parity of the Peso Convertible (CUC) with the U.S. dollar (USD). Click HERE to learn more about this important change in the Cuban economy.
WARNING! If you want to cancel your excursion, it must be done 24 hours in advance. Otherwise, you will be charged a penalty fee, which could be up to 50% of the price. You must go to the lobby 10 minutes before departure time with your voucher in hand. DO NOT leave your room without the voucher as you may be refused to get onboard. Some excursions like the catamaran are weather permitting.
NEW! The dolphinarium is located 1 km from Cayo Ensenachos and 4.5 km from Cayo Santa Maria. It is now open. You can see dolphin shows and the opportunity to swim with them. Previously, you had to go in the province of Cienfuegos (three hours bus). This tour is always very popular. Photos and information to come.
