Skip to main content

3 Unique Adventure Tours for U.S. Citizens Traveling to Cuba

Cuba is fascinating, beautiful, and unlike anywhere else in the world. So it’s no wonder that the country provides a huge draw for travelers seeking a truly off-the-beaten-path adventure. But, even with the recent relaxing of visiting rules for Americans, it can be a challenging and complex destination. Here are three unique, organized (and legal) adventure tours for U.S. citizens visiting Cuba.

RTW Moto Tours

RTW Moto Tours
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Christopher P. Baker has been called “one of the world’s leading authorities on Cuba travel and culture” by National Geographic. He knows a thing or two about motorcycles and Cuba. So, the long-time journalist is the ideal tour guide for Americans looking to take to the open road in and around Havana. Under the U.S. Treasury Department’s “people-to-people” educational travel license, RTW Moto Tours has announced three new multi-day itineraries. With the company’s entry-level 8-day ‘Western Cuba’ program, riders can visit Havana for two days before venturing further afield to Cuba’s tobacco country, the Bay of Pigs, and colonial Trinidad (a UNESCO world heritage site). Their flagship 14-day ‘All Cuba’ itinerary allows more adventurous riders to explore the entire island, including Guantánamo, Santiago de Cuba, and Baracoa (the oldest city in Cuba, dating to the early 16th century). On every tour, riders can choose between several bike models from Harley-Davidson, Triumph, and BMW.

When: select dates in December 2017 through early 2018.

Trek Travel Cuba People-to-people Multisport Adventure

Trek Travel Cuba People-to-people Multisport Adventure
Image used with permission by copyright holder

For slow travelers who prefer to get around under their own power, Trek Travel’s awkwardly named Cuba People-to-people Multisport Adventure could be just what you’re looking for. The 8-day/7-night expedition moves at a leisurely pace, but covers plenty of ground, including Cienfuegos, the Bay of Pigs, the town of Remedios, and Trinidad. Like most of the company’s guided itineraries, the trip focuses on niche cultural activities that travelers might never find on their own. Tour-goers have the opportunity to learn to fashion an authentic mojito, visit with local artists and authors, dance in the streets, and take an in-depth visit to a Cuban cigar shop.

When: select dates in November / December 2017.

ROW Sea Kayak Adventures Cuba by Kayak

ROW Sea Kayak Adventures Cuba by Kayak
Image used with permission by copyright holder

For most Americans, Cuba’s allure lies mainly on land. But, ROW Sea Kayak Adventures offers another view entirely. Their multi-day Cuba by Kayak tour takes adventurous travelers on an 8-day journey to the island’s lesser-known, water-based spots. The itinerary — which includes kayaking the waters of the Caribbean, paddling hidden rivers through sugar cane valleys, and skimming coral reefs rich with tropical fish — is arguably one of the best and unique ways to explore the island. Additional land-based excursions also allow tour-goers to explore Cuba’s highlights like the Bay of Pigs, Trinidad, and Old Havana.

When: late October through mid-April, annually.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Mike Richard
Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He's kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South…
Learn to tie the clove hitch for when you need a secure, adjustable knot
The clove hitch is one of the most useful knots to have at your disposal in the outdoors
A clove hitch tied to a fixed point

The clove hitch knot is among the most useful outdoor knots you can learn. This fully adjustable bind has endless uses and can be tied either freestanding or around an object. Being fully adjustable means you won't have to completely retie the knot in your system if you want to adjust the tension of your rope.

Read more
8 healthy benefits of hiking you need to know
Start hiking and enjoy the mental and physical benefits right away
Two people hiking together

Hiking is one of the most popular forms of exercise in the U.S. However, it’s more than just a full-body workout; it’s also an excellent opportunity to spend time in nature, clear your mind, and improve your sense of well-being. In addition, hiking is a fully adjustable workout, and you can start on an easy trail and work your way up to full-blown mountain hiking no matter how long your progress takes!

It’s an activity that can be done just about anywhere. Because the prime hiking season in the national parks around the U.S. varies based on climate and affordability, you can easily adjust your hiking plans to match the seasons and see some beautiful areas throughout the country. It’s a great way to meet nature at its level and a perfect excuse to shut out the noise of the modern world.

Read more
ZERO BREEZE Mark 2 is the first real off-grid AC and it’s discounted right now
Zero Breeze Mark 2 real off-grid AC being carried

Last summer, and most of last year, really, was one of the hottest on record. This year looks to be just as hot, so you'll need a reliable way to cool down. The problem with that is that air conditioners are expensive. They're expensive to install and run, and if you're living off-grid, you can pretty much forget about AC at all — until now, anyway. ZERO BREEZE has introduced the first truly off-grid air conditioner that's ultra-portable — at only 16.5 pounds — and battery-powered. The 24-volt battery can last up to eight hours in sleep mode, perfect for extended off-grid use or van-living. You can even connect solar panels or plug it into DC or AC outlets to boost battery life, if and when available. The handheld and lightweight design works exceptionally well for easy transportation and travel, so you can bring the Mark 2 wherever your adventures take you. Use code SPRING15 at checkout through ZERO BREEZE for a limited time to get 15% off your purchase — good from March 15 to March 21.
Buy Now
 
What can the ZERO BREEZE Mark 2 do for you?

Summer can be hot and clammy, and it can even get miserably wet if you live in a humid climate.  One of the trade-offs of staying off-grid is that you're living more efficiently, which also means you're interested in cutting down on power usage and comparable utilities. Even if that's not your goal, and you're just out for an adventure, you'll have to make the same concessions. The wilderness is, well, the wilderness. But with the Mark 2, a portable, battery-powered AC unit, you can cool off anytime, anywhere.

Read more