Snacks to Packl
Food is not always readily within arms reach as we travel very remotely via van/boat. Make sure to bring package snacks for yourself & it’s very appreciated to share/leave with friends you make in Cuba. Meat is scarce & very expensive for the average Cuban. The average Cuban has lost 20 pounds since the pandemic began and economic problems worsened.
Some snacks to pack:
- Beef Jerky
- Pepperoni
- Nuts / Pistachios
- Protein Bars
- Dried Fruit
- Peanut Butter
- Chocolate / Nutella
- Suckers / Jolly Ranchers / Lemon Drops / Gummy Bears (great on the dive boats to share)
- Individual chocolate bites (chocolate is a delicacy) for staff & kids
- Ground coffee (not available in Cuba)
- Powdered milk (not available in Cuba)
- Granola Bars / Oatmeal packets
- Chocolate is considered a true treat — but pack carefully as it melts fast in Cuba weather!
Over the Counter Medications
Bring Pepto-Bismol tabs to take one per day – it can prevent Montezuma’s revenge!
Prescription Medications
If you require prescription medication, bring it in the original bottles which displays your name (which should match your passport). Bring enough for your trip and a couple days extra should your departure be delayed for weather, etc. If you are able, it doesn’t hurt to have a letter from your doctor describing the medication and what it’s used for (although not required). Sometimes a Cuban customs agent will question prescriptions.
Other Useful Items
- Bring comfortable clothing appropriate for Cuba’s hot, tropical climate. Hurricane Season runs from Mid August – Mid November. Bring a rain jacket if you’re traveling during this time. May can also be a rainy season.
- A small container of laundry soap is useful for washing clothes in the sink. You WILL sweat a lot!
- For most everything in Cuba, casual attire is appropriate.
- There may be opportunities for live music in the evenings, so you may want to bring several outfits to go out to a nice dinner and entertainment.
- In Havana: Men should bring nice pants and collared shirts for dinner . Ladies can dress up a bit in the evenings.
- Bring a pair of comfortable walking shoes and a pair of sandals (ones that you don’t mind getting dusty/dirty).
- InCayo Largo – casual resort wear, bathing suits & coverups will do the job!
- Leave the jewelry at home.
- Essentials are in short supply, so bring any over-the-counter medications you might need with you. What you don’t use, you can always leave as gifts for your new Cuban friends along the way.
- BUG SPRAY (with some deet – is recommended). The skeeters are voracious and run of the mill repellent many times, don’t phase them! Zika and other mosquito-carrying diseases can be avoided using proper insect repellant often.
- A CUSHION / Pillow if traveling on long boat/bus rides.
- Reusable water bottle (don’t fill it from the sinks, but our casa owners boil water which we can then fill up with)
- Lunch box / utensils as we will avoid using styrofoam containers (often not available)
- Lock for suitcase
- Sunscreen sun hat & glasses
- Bathing suit
- Shampoo, conditioner & soap (it may not be provided due to scarcities)
- Hair dryer
- 110/220 Converter
- Snacks
- C-card!!
- Hand sanitizer
- Extra batteries
- Roll of toilet paper – cuz, YA KNOW
- Cold/flu medicine
- Flashlight / dive torch
- Sanitary napkins / tampons
- Suckers/gum
- Save-a-dive kit / safety sausage / 1st Aid Kit
- Pens / markers / paper/ notepads
- Anti-itch cream
- Mosquito repellant
- Good book
- Favorite tunes
- Bring Pepto-Bismol tabs to take one per day – it can prevent Montezuma’s revenge! (recommended by a pharmacist who recently traveled with us to Cuba)
- Playing cards chess, etc.
- Cigar cutter and your favorite liquor if you wish because you won’t find it there!
Leave these at home
Leave walkie talkies and cordless microphones at home.
Related
Explore more hidden gems and can’t-miss experiences from this region of Cuba.
Clearing Customs
Boarding Pass
Customs Declaration Form
Visas and QR Codes