Cuba

Only 90 miles from Key West, Florida is the most beautiful island in the Caribbean. Unfortunately, Cuba has been off limits to Americans for 40 years.
The United States has an economic embargo against Cuba . This means American law prohibits Americans from doing business with Cuba but does not technically prohibit Americans from going there. In other words, it is not illegal for Americans to go to Cuba, just illegal for them to spend money there. See The US Treasury Department official Website for complete restrictions on trade with Cuba.

Canadians, Europeans, and others are visiting Cuba in increasing numbers each year. New hotels are being constructed and tourism is booming. .

But the truth is many Americans are secretly traveling to Cuba by land and sea. Regular flights (see Cuban Air) run from Nassau, Bahamas to Havana. Customs in Cuba understands the problem and cooperates by not stamping your passport so there is no evidence that you ever visited the country. Obviously, do not bring a souvenir back to the United States, not even one Cuban cigar.

The US dollar is in big demand in Cuba and Americans receive red carpet treatment from the Cuban government and the Cuban people.

Cuban Dictator Fidel Castro seized power a coup in 1959

Be careful when on Cuban soul because there are spies everywhere in Castro's regime. Do not break Cuban law. If so, you will most likely be caught and you will be punished.

The only refuge for an Americans in trouble in Cuban waters is the US military base at Guantanamo Bay (see Guantanamo Bay Gazette). A US pilot flying on patrol off Cuba said this about Guantanamo Bay, "diligence is a small price to pay for freedom."

Dolphin shot with spear gun off Cuba

Some of the best fishing in the Caribbean can be found off the west coast of Cuba. Sport fishing boats come from the Yucatan to fish here. Private yachts can find dockage at Hemingway Harbor in Havana.

There are some stunning resorts in Cuba. For example, check out Melia Cohiba for a five star hotel in Havana. Luxurious resort hotels without Websites include Hotel Inglaterra, tel 33-85-93, Rates from $ 75.00 per night, Hotel Plaza, Tel 33-85-83-33-85-89, rates from $70.00 per night, Hotel Ambos, tel 66-95-30, rates from $ 55.000 per night, Hotel Melia Cohiba, tel 33-36-36, rates from $ 190.00 per night, and Hotel Victoria, tel 33-35-10, rates from $80.00 per night. Prices for just about everything else have not changed much from the 1950's.

Dining in Cuba is extraordinary by any standards. There is a tradition of small family run restaurants in Cuba. Wines And Sprits Distributors of Havana sells over 50,000 cases year in Cuba. Chilean wines are in big demand and are some of the best in the world.

.