Cuba

[dragonlid]

Am considering Cuba around Sept/Nov this year , the Cayo coco areas any thoughts , suggestions on this ie dives , climate etc ? Any comments welcome

[Snash]

I'll be able to tell you in a couple of weeks as we are heading out to Cuba at the start of March

Snash

[Kev]

We were in a different part of Cuba but travelled around a bit. My advice is do not rely upon rental gear while you are there unless you have a known club / dive centre you can trust. Due to obvious economic problems it is all pretty shoddy gear really so far better to take your own.

Best club we dived with was Barracuda in Varadero who were able to offer nitrox which seemed to be a novelty in Cuba.

Enjoy your holiday mate. Viva Fidel!

[BJ]

Where does Fidel live?

Official answer: In the hearts of 11 million Cubans.

[Garf]

I went to Cayo Coco. Unfortunately it was three months BEFORE I took up diving. Gahhh.

Place is just idyllic. Diving will be good too as there is a superb reef. White sands, warm sea.

We going back later this year

[denismc66]

Beware of going in September as they may still be a few hurricanes around and when we were there in July it was unbearably hot and humid so check the weather for the time of year that you go
I would recommend Playa La Gorda in the South west of the country, they have good facilities and their equipment is in good nick.
You are taking your chances by diving with some of the unofficial dive centres because as mentioned above their equipment can be quite poor but they can take you to some of they lesser dived sites

Denis

[Horndog]

I went to Cayo Guillermo in June 07, We used the Melia onsite Dive centre,
Very relaxed bunch, they did not "babysit" divers as some other places do. Health & Saftey was not at the top of the list (my octo was about 8" long)

The boat is good, large with plenty of space, but take your own water etc

The dives were OK, didn't blow me away but were a nice distraction for a couple of hours. The reefs were in reasonable condition, but there wasnt a lot of fish life, saw a few turtles and lots of baracuda, and some divers saw nurse sharks on the days we didnt go.

If you can take your own Kit then I would recomend it.

Marc

[DiverChris]

We dived Guardlavacca a few years ago.
Relaxed easy diving, a few fish on healthy coral.

BUT Make sure you get to see Havana as it is now!!

With Fidel on the way out don't wait until the yanks get their hands on it and turn it into Disneyland.

Great old buildings (though not in a great state of repair) without a single Mcdonalds, Pizza Hut, Gap etc in site. Won't last long now.

Get to listen to some Cuban music too before you go.

Enjoy
Chris

[Horndog]

Originally Posted by DiverChris

BUT Make sure you get to see Havana as it is now!!

Id second that, went for 4 nights and It was Great,
Club tropicania is a good night out, prebook an old American Car to take you and pick you up

[dragonlid]

Am looking at a resort called NH Krystal laguna , and according to Direct holidays website its got its own dive center so we will see how it goes. Will let you all know how it goes if and when her indoors makes up her mind and a big thank's for taking the time to post your comments.