It is legal to travel to Cuba as a U.S. citizen as long as it is done the right way and meets the established criteria as outlined under OFAC regulations through the U.S. Department of Treasury. Our travelers have been legally traveling to Cuba through Yellow Dog for many years, and we provide you with the proper documentation and approved paperwork required to support your trip. 

Yes! Booking flights to Cuba is easy when booking directly with commercial airlines servicing your route. To book your flight to Havana (HAV) or Camaguey (CMW) we suggest first flying to Miami and then checking options from Miami and then booking the Cuba flights as a separate second leg. American Airlines, Delta, United, Southwest and a number of other carriers all service Havana. American Airlines services Camaguey for those traveling to Cayo Cruz or Jardines de la Reina.

Obtaining a visa for your trip is easy. Once you have booked your flights to Cuba and have your flight confirmation code, you can order your visa on-line from Cuba Visa Services. Your visa will be mailed to you before you depart for your trip. 

All fishing programs in Cuba typically run Saturday to Saturday as full, week-long packages (7 nights / 6 days). During the low season, it may be possible to book less than a full week at the land-based areas of Cayo Romano/Cayo Cruz or Cayo Paredon, although there may be additional expenses related to booking private transfers. We always encourage our anglers to enjoy a full week to make for the smoothest experience. 

Your US cell phones may work in Cuba (under some plans and with some phones) but always check with your phone carrier prior to your trip to confirm your options. Roaming and data fees can be steep in Cuba, so be sure to ask about any fees associated with using your phone for calls or texting while in country. Outside of the cities and towns (and in most of the fishing areas) don’t expect cell phones to work. Note that data charges can add up quickly and be costly in Cuba, and as such we recommend airplane mode and only connecting when wi-fi is available. Otherwise, plan to enjoy a week without digital connectivity! The live-aboard operations do not offer W-Fi access or cell coverage at all. Note that satellite phones and other devices are illegal in Cuba. 

Simply put, cash is king in Cuba. While the Cuban Peso (CUP) is the formal national currency, USD is widely accepted (and preferred) these days, as inflation in Cuba continues to destabilize the value of the Cuban Peso. There is no need to exchange money into CUP on arrival to Cuba. Please bring crisp, clean USD bills (you can request new bills from your bank) as damaged or marked bills cannot be not accepted anywhere in Cuba. We recommend denominations of $20, $10 and $5 bills, as well as plenty of $1s for quick and easy tips. Bring more cash than you will need, there are no ATMs in Cuba. We suggest bringing at least $500-$1000 extra in USD “emergency” cash to have on hand. Remember that you will need cash for taxis, meals, drinks, purchases, and other expenses if you are passing through or visiting any cities in the country on either end of your fishing pacakge. Guide and staff tips are always preferred in USD. 

It is prohibited to bring into the country: any item (including literature) intended to be used against the national security of Cuba, GPS devices, satellite phones, drones, e-Cigarettes, vapes, pornography, gummies (of any kind), marijuana products or derivatives, or any type of narcotics. These items are NOT ALLOWED and if brought in and found will cause serious problems or – at the very least – long delays. You may bring up to two bottles of liquor per person, one carton of cigarettes, and up to 10 kilograms of medicine. If you are traveling with any prescriptions that would possibly raise an eyebrow stateside, be sure to obtain a note from your doctor about the prescription (especially pain killers). 

As of 2020, U.S. travelers may no longer return to the U.S. with alcohol and/or tobacco products acquired in Cuba. This regulation is enforced upon return to the U.S. by customs officials.

There is no gear available in Cuba. Please plan to bring all of your own equipment, flies and terminal tackle with you. Our Cuban fisheries are “fly only” and spin or conventional gear is not allowed. 

No. Come well prepared and bring all flies, terminal tackle and gear with you. 

Cuba’s fishing programs are located in remote, marine protected areas, and as such there is no DIY fishing allowed. 

We highly recommend trip insurance to protect the investment of your trip. In addition to, and separate from travel insurance, we highly recommend having a medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) policy in place should you have any emergency medical situation during your trip. The live-aboard fishing areas in Cuba are very remote and medical supplies are not readily available in Cuba. Yellow Dog has a full-time insurance specialist on staff who can easily assist with purchasing the right policy or policies for your trip.

Most of the fishing locations are not well suited to non-anglers with the exception of opportunities to scuba dive in Jardines de la Reina. The diving in these marine areas is world class and we often have anglers fish for the week while their partner enjoys the diving program aboard JA IV in Jardines de la Reina. Other fishing programs are not well suited for the non-angler. There are amazing things to do and see for non-anglers in the cities and towns of Cuba, and add-on trip extensions are easily arranged. 

Cuba can be an excellent destination for new to intermediate anglers as well as season and experienced anglers. We always recommend that anglers of ANY level of experience practice casting as much as possible before any trip. Learn to double haul to maximize opportunities. The bottom line is yes – Cuba is a great destination for the beginner angler, but every day of practice you get in before the trip will make your time on the water that much more enjoyable.

Most fishing guides speak some English or at the very least have been trained in basic ‘fishing’ communication. We always suggest getting on the same page with your guide on day one. Review common instructions and the hours of the clock on the boat for positioning and casting direction. We also recommend that lay out a few practice casts and establish distance in feet and meters so you are both on the same page. Picking up and practicing a few words in Spanish can make a world of difference in communicating with the guides and building good rapport.  

We highly encourage this, and all of our itineraries promote directly supporting the Cuban people. We have over a decade of experience with sending travelers to Cuba and as such have top-tier contacts who can help plan additional time in either Havana or Camaguey. A day or two, or even a longer extension to your trip, can be an excellent way to enjoy the vibrant culture of Cuba. We can help arrange hotel nights, dining reservations, and english speaking tour guides for your additional time in country. Here are some ideas for extensions that are worth considering:

Havana: Cuba's capital city is a treasure trove of history, culture, and architecture. Wander through the historic Habana Vieja district, visit the iconic Malecón promenade, and explore museums, art galleries, and colonial-era buildings. Despite limited resources, Havana has a number of private, non-government restaurants that are incredible, and the nightlife and music scene in the city is second to none. Private tours can easily be arranged for full day, half day, or multi-day itineraries.

Museo Hemingway Finca Vigia: The beautiful finca "La Vigia" (Hemingway House) is located in the San Francisco de Paula district of Havana, about 15 miles from Havana's city center. The house was built in 1886 by the Catalan architect Miguel Pascual y Baguer and is now a museum. Ernest Hemingway himself lived in the house from mid 1939 to 1960, and it was here that he wrote the novel "For Whom the Bells Tolls", and his most famous book "The Old Man and the Sea".

Cigar Tours: Explore Cuba's famous tobacco culture, visit cigar factories, and wee first-hand the reality of the cigar-making process.

Viñales Valley: If you are looking to extend your trip and see a totally different part of Cuba, then a trip to Vinales is highly recommended. Located in western Cuba, Viñales is known for its stunning karst landscapes and tobacco farms. Explore the scenic countryside with a private guided tour of the tobacco plantations, caves, and jungle valleys.

Trinidad: Another fantastic trip extension option, the UNESCO World Heritage site of Trinidad is a beautifully preserved colonial town with colorful buildings, cobblestone streets, and a lively atmosphere. Visit Plaza Mayor, explore the local art scene, and enjoy traditional music and dancing.