www.smartdivetravel.com [email protected] 1-866-8785025 GARDENS OF THE QUEEN | CUBA Avalon Diving Diving Trip Information
www.smartdivetravel.com [email protected] 1-866-8785025 Contents ......................................................................................................................................................................0 PROGRAM OVERVIEW ...............................................................................................................................3 GENERAL OVERVIEW .................................................................................................................................3 BOARDING & DISEMBARK TIMES..............................................................................................................4 WHAT TO EXPECT DURING YOUR WEEK ...................................................................................................4 DIVE AMENITIES AND EXPECTATIONS.......................................................................................................5 BOAT AMENITIES AND EXPECTATIONS .....................................................................................................6 TERMS & CONDITIONS .............................................................................................................................7 PACKAGE INCLUDES..................................................................................................................................7 PACKAGE DO NOT INCLUDES....................................................................................................................7 MANDATORY SUPPLEMENTS ....................................................................................................................7 OPTIONAL SUPPLEMENTS .........................................................................................................................7 SUPPLEMENTS LAND TRANSFERS TO / FROM JUCARO PORT...................................................................8 SIGN UP AND DEPOSIT SCHEDULE............................................................................................................8 CANCELATION & REFUND POLICY ............................................................................................................8 RESCHEDULE POLICY.................................................................................................................................9 GENERAL INFORMATION..........................................................................................................................9 ARRIVALS - DEPARTURES - TRANSFERS ....................................................................................................9 AVALON COLLECTIVE TRANSFERS...........................................................................................................11 LAND ACCOMMODATIONS AND TOURING............................................................................................11 CURRENCY...............................................................................................................................................12 TIPPING AND GRATUITIES .......................................................................................................................12 COVID PANDEMIC GUIDELINES...............................................................................................................13 AVALON OUTDOOR CONDITIONS ..........................................................................................................13 DOCUMENTS FOR TRAVEL TO CUBA ....................................................................................................14 A. TRAVELER'S RESPONSIBILITY ...........................................................................................................14 A.1. TOURIST VISA / CUBAN TOURIST CARD ......................................................................14 A.2. MINIMUM CUBAN MEDICAL INSURANCE ...................................................................15 A.3. ADVANCE TRAVELER INFORMATION (D'VIAJEROS).................................................15
www.smartdivetravel.com [email protected] 1-866-8785025 A.4. PASSPORT/BOARDING PASS...........................................................................................16 B. AVALON WILL PROVIDE...................................................................................................................16 B.1. OFAC LICENSE/TRAVEL AFFIDAVIT................................................................................16 B.2. HUMANITARIAN PROJECT: CERTIFICATE & ITINERARY ..........................................16 B.3. SUPPLEMENTAL CUBAN MEDICAL INSURANCE (Optional) ....................................17 FOR EMERGENCIES WHILE IN CUBA......................................................................................................17 LINKED DOCUMENT INDEX ....................................................................................................................18
www.smartdivetravel.com [email protected] 1-866-8785025 PROGRAM OVERVIEW GENERAL OVERVIEW All-inclusive 7 nights aboard luxury - Diving and non-diving Eco-Adventures Avalon fleet consists of 6 luxury cruising yachts accommodating a variety of group sizes along with individual bookings. (20pax / 24pax / 30pax / 40pax). Avalon does not guarantee a particular yacht for sail unless full charter is confirmed for that yacht. All fleet vessels are equivalent in amenities and have private en-suite bathrooms, independent AC units, hot tubs, nitrox, etc. Prices are per person and based on double occupancy. Avalon Outdoor Program runs Saturday through the following Saturday out of Jucaro Port - every week, all year long.
www.smartdivetravel.com [email protected] 1-866-8785025 Avalon Outdoor will take you on an adventure like no other to explore and experience the results of Sustainable Marine Conservation in the beautiful Jardines de la Reina, the Gardens of the Queen, located 60 miles off the southern coast of Cuba. The trip offers a variety of eco-adventures and activities guests can participate in during their week aboard that support the conservation efforts including diving, snorkeling, mangrove exploration, and even crocodile encounters. The trip is suitable for all levels of eco-enthusiast, divers, and non-divers alike. (Minimum age for the trip is 10 years, minimum age to dive is 15 years). Avalon outdoor programs are designed as a Sustainable Marine Conservation Humanitarian Project. As a result, your participation in the program qualifies US Citizens for legal travel under the OFAC General License: 515.575 Humanitarian Projects. Prior to your departure Avalon will provide all guests with a certificate and itinerary to validate their reason for travel. BOARDING & DISEMBARK TIMES • April - September: Boarding: 2pm - 3pm | Disembark: *8am • October - March: Boarding: 1pm - 2pm | Disembark: *7am *Disembark times may vary depending on transfer schedule WHAT TO EXPECT DURING YOUR WEEK After arrival to Jucaro port you will board your mothership. Depending on the season, you will either begin the navigation out to Gardens of the Queen (between 4hrs - 5hrs) that afternoon or stay aboard overnight in port and head out very early Sunday morning to the Gardens. Saturday afternoon you will be served a light snack and receive the Welcome & Safety briefing, cabin assignments and anticipated program schedule for the week. Enjoy your first night’s dinner aboard that evening, followed by a restful night’s sleep before starting your week of activities Sunday morning. Sunday morning, check-in dive to get acquainted and make sure all equipment is in good shape. During the briefings, the experienced instructors will explain every detail of the dive, from what will be seen in a particular spot to the correct behavior while diving with sharks or highlights of the area and special characteristics of the marine life present. After the first dive, surface interval in one of the beautiful beaches. Second dive and, at midday, boats will return for lunch. Diving schedule is usually at the discretion of the customers following the instructor’s suggestions with 3 to 4 dives daily. The day begins with a wakeup call at 7:00 am,
www.smartdivetravel.com [email protected] 1-866-8785025 coffee/tea ready, breakfast at 7:15 am. Our diving instructors are ready to go diving from 8:00 am. Fast diving boats are used to reach diving spots having the opportunity to explore different sites each day and enjoy the view of mangrove channels, virgin beaches, birds, and other exuberant fauna during the trips. There is no chance for loneliness; dive guides and crew are available every single minute. Together with the instructor, arrange time for afternoon dives or for excursions through the lagoon and mangrove channels. Coming back to the live aboard, it is time to drink a frozen “mojito”, enjoy the afternoon pizza and talk about the dives. Around 8:00 pm, dinner is served, and, like a family, everyone gets together around the table. Night dives available. The staff will be in contact every minute to assist and receive special requests or suggestions. Evening time next to the bar, to watch photos and videos while breathing the sea atmosphere, it’s time to plan with the instructors what will happen next day. On Friday there are 2 dives in the morning then navigation back to Jucaro port where the group will overnight on board the mother yacht and disembark for transfer home on Saturday morning. The boat will navigate to Jucaro port on Friday afternoon and will overnight in port. Clients will depart between 5 and 9am on Saturday morning, depending on the group transfer needs. DIVE AMENITIES AND EXPECTATIONS • The standard dive program includes 3 dives per day (18 total: 17 dives + 1 night). • All divers have the option to upgrade to 4 dives per day (22 total: 20 dives + 2 night). • The dive schedule is semi-customizable based on the dynamics and consensus of the group aboard. Please communicate with your trip leader and the cruise director for any particular requests and when possible, they will do their best to accommodate. • All diving is done from a tender/ dive skiff. • Maximum number of divers per skiff (and dive site) is 12. There will be 1 dive guide assigned for every 6 divers. • A typical dive will range from 40ft – 75ft and last between 45-60mins depending on the dive group. • Water temperature range: Dec - Apr: 77/79F | May - Nov: 80/85F.
www.smartdivetravel.com [email protected] 1-866-8785025 • 80 cuft Tanks and weights are provided. 100 cuft tanks are available upon request but there is limited availability and may not be guaranteed. • Rebreathers are NOT currently supported in the Gardens of the Queen. • Repair tools and service parts are very limited in Cuba. Please make sure you bring your own “save a dive kit” to be prepared for minor fixes in the field if necessary for yourself. • Both Yoke and Din tanks are available but due to the onboard filling system yoke is preferred. Regulator adapters are available if needed. Please review the Diving checklist bellow for a more detailed breakdown of suggested items to bring. BOAT AMENITIES AND EXPECTATIONS • No WIFI aboard the boats during the week in Jardines de la Reina. The JA4 can occasionally have very ‘very’ slow and unreliable internet, though it is best to assume there will be no WIFI. • There is also no cell service out in Jardines de la Reina as you are 60 miles off the coast of Cuba. • Standard US 110v and 220v outlets in the cabins and in communal charging areas. • Unattended charging is not permitted in the cabins. If you plan to leave any device charging unattended it will need to in the communal lounge area where staff and other guests are present around the clock. (Safety procedures will be reviewed during your program briefing shortly after boarding.) • Laundry service is available on board. There is no charge for this, but it is requested you tip the crew accordingly if this service is utilized. • Shampoo, body soap, hairdryers and linens are provided in each cabin bathroom. (no irons) • Filtered water is available on board along with coffee and a selection of tea and local juices. Each guest has an allotment of 6 ‘specialty’ beverages per day. Specialty beverages include a limited selection of soda, local beer, wine, and 1 rum mixed drink per day (mojitos, daiquiris, etc.) You are welcome to bring aboard your own additional liquor or beverages.
www.smartdivetravel.com [email protected] 1-866-8785025 TERMS & CONDITIONS PACKAGE INCLUDES • 7 nights’ accommodation • 3 dives/day (17 dives + 1 night dive) • All meals, snacks, filtered water, coffee and juice • 6 specialty beverages per day (alcohol, soft drinks) • Tanks and weights • *Full/Half charter groups: Round-trip group transfers from Cayo Coco, Camaguey or Santa Clara included PACKAGE DO NOT INCLUDES • Airfare. • Land transfers to and from Jucaro Port (*If not with half or full charter group) • Land portion tips and crew gratuities (suggested 10% of base package price) • Beverages beyond the daily allotment of 6 • Equipment Rental MANDATORY SUPPLEMENTS • Port Fee: $240 pp. • Conservation fee: $120 pp. OPTIONAL SUPPLEMENTS • Full equipment rental: $290 pp./week (includes: Mask/Snorkel/ Fins/ Boots/ BC/ Reg/ Computer Individual item rates available upon request) • Nitrox: $120 pp. • Upgrade to 4 dives per day: $250 pp. • Full Suite (w/ balcony): $590 pp. • Demi-suite: $350 pp. (only available on JA4) • Single occupancy: additional 65% of the package rate • Supplemental Cuban Medical Insurance: $100 pp
www.smartdivetravel.com [email protected] 1-866-8785025 SUPPLEMENTS LAND TRANSFERS TO / FROM JUCARO PORT • Cayo Coco, Camaguey, or Santa Clara: $60 pp./ each way • Havana: $150 pp. / each way (*group pricing available) Please note: • Gratuity payments can ONLY be made in CASH in EURO or USD • No other forms of payment (including credit cards) are accepted on board. • All supplements need to be confirmed and paid for 90 days prior to travel. • Please also review Avalon Outdoor Terms & Conditions SIGN UP AND DEPOSIT SCHEDULE • At time of sign up: 10% deposit is required. • 12 months out from trip: 30% of total invoice due. • 6 months out from trip: 70% of total invoice due. *Confirm and communicate the following information to your Avalon Representative or Travel agent: Supplements (nitrox, rental gear, suite upgrade), Flight Itinerary, Accommodations, and Transfer logistics to Jucaro port. *For groups - at 6 months prior to travel - you will have the opportunity to reduce your group size with no penalty. • 3 months out from trip: Payment in full due. *Provide passenger details to Avalon Representative or Travel agent. *Complete Avalon Liability Release form. Please Note: ALL arranged services and supplements provided by Avalon must be paid for in advance. CANCELATION & REFUND POLICY • More than 6 months from your travel date, deposits are refundable - less an $800 per person handling fee. • Less than 6 months from your travel date - Deposits are non-refundable. • No refunds are available within 6 months of travel or for unused portions of package. • This refund policy is NOT applicable to rescheduled trips. Therefore, once a trip has been rescheduled it is ineligible for a monetary refund of any kind.
www.smartdivetravel.com [email protected] 1-866-8785025 RESCHEDULE POLICY • All reschedule requests are subject to 1% service fee and must be made at least 6 months prior to the date of travel. • Maximum of 1 reschedule is allowed per invoice. • The rescheduled trip must be within 1 year from original trip date. • Rescheduled bookings will be at catalog rates for the corresponding year of rebooking and are not eligible to be combined with additional offers or discounts. • The invoice must be paid in full per the standard payment schedule noted within the invoice. If payment is withheld, the trip will not be considered for reschedule. • Special consideration clause: If guests cannot travel due to closed borders or comprehensive airport closures resulting in no flight options, we will offer the following reschedule alternatives*: • *100% of the payments made towards a single trip will generate a full credit voucher. This credit is based on the net amount received by Avalon Outdoor. *Allocation Options: 1) 100% of the credit voucher may be applied to a new booking within one year of the original trip date. 2) The credit voucher may be split into two 50% credits to be utilized on two newly invoiced bookings within two years of the original trip date. GENERAL INFORMATION ARRIVALS - DEPARTURES - TRANSFERS Avalon Adventure standard liveaboard program runs Saturday through the following Saturday out of Jucaro port. You may fly in or out of any of the following airports following these timeline parameters. Collective transfers to Jucaro port are also available to and from these same cities. Google Flights is a good resource for searching flight itineraries. (Searching ‘one-way’ routes can often yield more results to consider). Havana (HAV) Havana offers numerous daily direct flight routes though it is the farthest city from Jucaro Port and requires a 6 - 7 hr. land transfer. • Arrival Flight: Must arrive at Havana Friday before trip or earlier. Overnight in
www.smartdivetravel.com [email protected] 1-866-8785025 Havana required for Havana arrivals. • Departure Flight: Saturday no earlier than 8pm out of Havana. Though it is suggested to overnight in Havana and fly out Sunday. • Havana Collective Transfer pick up & drop off locations & times: Melia Habana Hotel (Miramar): 7:30 am. Iberostar Parque Central Hotel (Old Havana): 8:00 am. *Specific time to be confirmed prior to travel, as sometimes adjustments are needed based on the season. Camaguey (CMW) / Santa Clara (SNU) Camaguey and Santa Clara both offer direct daily flights through Miami, FL and are approximately a 3 hour bus transfer from port. • Arrival Flight: Arrive into Camaguey or Santa Clara by Saturday 11am or earlier • Departure Flight: Saturday NO earlier than 10am. • Camaguey Collective Transfer pick up & drop off location: *Saturday mid-morning pick up, specific time to be provided, based on collective group logistics Hotel E. Santa Maria Camaguey Airport • Santa Clara Collective Transfer pick up & drop off location: *Saturday mid-morning pick up, specific time to be provided, based on collective group logistics Hotel Santa Clara Libre Santa Clara Airport Cayo Coco (CCC) Cayo Coco offers daily direct flights through Canada and is approximately a 2.5hr bus transfer to Jucaro Port. • Arrival Flight: Arrive into Cayo Coco by Saturday 1pm or earlier • Departure Flight: Saturday no earlier than 1pm. • Cayo Coco Collective Transfer pick up & drop off locations & times: Melia Hotel Cayo Coco at 11:30am Cayo Coco Airport at 1pm
www.smartdivetravel.com [email protected] 1-866-8785025 AVALON COLLECTIVE TRANSFERS Avalon Collective transfers are NOT included in your base package pricing. Please refer to the Avalon Price list or speak with your trip representative to confirm pricing. ALL transfers must be paid in advance. • Typically, the collective transfer will be on a large van or large tour bus depending on the route and number of passengers. • *Private transfers are available for an additional cost, though not always easy to secure. It is strongly suggested to utilize the standard Avalon collective transfer whenever possible. • There are multiple restroom and snack stops along the way depending on length of transfer, though it is recommended to bring a few non- perishable snacks and a bottle of water. It is also suggested to have a bit of toilet paper on hand as it is not always available in the public restrooms. • If you would like to stop for any Rum or Cigars prior to arriving in Jucaro please let the Avalon representative know at time of pick up and they will do their best to accommodate your request. LAND ACCOMMODATIONS AND TOURING In addition to any overnights necessary for your Avalon program itinerary, you can also extend your trip on either end for additional land touring. • Land based itineraries for US Citizens should meet the guidelines set by OFAC under the General License: 515.574 Support for the Cuban People. • Havana City land tours available, priced per day and include transportation, museum entrance fees, and lunch. Please ask your Avalon or Travel Representative for more information and pricing. • Guests can book their own accommodations utilizing Airbnb or other booking platforms. Please reference this Private Accommodations list for guidance on potential options. *US citizens should NOT book anything on the State Department’s Prohibited Accommodations List • For larger group bookings please speak with your Avalon Representative for additional information regarding accommodations.
www.smartdivetravel.com [email protected] 1-866-8785025 CURRENCY CASH is the PRIMARY form of PAYMENT • US Credit Cards are NOT accepted anywhere in Cuba. (This includes onboard the boats). • There are NO U.S. bank ATMs to withdraw more cash. It’s important you bring enough to satisfy your foreseen expenses for the duration of your trip. • All arrangements set up by Avalon are pre-paid in advance 90 days before your trip. Euros or USD are preferred for most transactions in Cuba. • It is suggested to have some of both currency on hand. • Exchange cash prior to your arrival into Cuba *Pro-tip: Many US banks do not keep foreign currency on hand, so ensure you exchange your cash in well in advance of your travel date to allow the banks to order your requested currency. • Bring plenty of smaller bills adequate for tipping. (Breaking larger bills may not always be available). USD is NOT accepted in places like the airport and other major hotels for things like food, beverages, and other general purchases. USD is also not accepted for most Rum and cigar purchases from government entities. (Euro or Canadian are accepted for these purchases instead). USD IS accepted for purchases made in privately owned restaurants along with private art and souvenir vendors. TIPPING AND GRATUITIES • Tips are essential to the Cuban people and, for most, the foundation of their livelihood. Therefore, as you feel inclined, please tip accordingly for ALL the various services and experiences (large and small) throughout your time in Cuba. • Including: drivers, porters, tour guides, street musicians and dancers, etc. • Tips to the Avalon team members should ONLY be paid in CASH (USD or Euro). • 10% of your base Avalon program package price is a suggested minimum gratuity given directly to the Captain or Cruise Director on the boat at the end of your program. (Estimate $350 / €320). • 2 envelopes are provided to each guest, and you will have the opportunity to split this tip amount as you see appropriate between your dive crew (or ecoadventure crew) and the boat crew.
www.smartdivetravel.com [email protected] 1-866-8785025 • Please ensure to give your tips to the cruise director no later than Friday morning. Do not wait to arrive back in port. COVID PANDEMIC GUIDELINES *Current requirements as of June 13th, 2022. CUBAN ENTRY REQUIREMENTS It is NOT required to be Fully Vaccinated or take a PCR test to enter Cuba. Though we still recommend traveling with an approved copy of your vaccination card as a record of your immunization status. DEPARTURE REQUIREMENTS It is NO longer required to provide a negative PCR or Rapid COVID test results for reentry into the U.S. Travelers are solely responsible for verifying the most current entry & departure protocols. You may reference these links below for up-to-date information. • Cuban Ministry of Tourism: Visit: www.mintur.gob.cu/protocolos • Cuban Embassy: cu.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information • Re-entry to US - Center for Disease Control: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019- ncov/travelers/international- travel/index.html AVALON OUTDOOR CONDITIONS Invoices and the related payments do not imply any relationship with Cuban entities. Avalon Outdoor is independent of any Cuban entity, and clients are not making any payment to Cuban organizations, but to subsidiaries of Avalon Outdoor as a service provider. Avalon Outdoor, its subsidiaries, management, staff, personnel, affiliated or associated companies, agents, sub-agents, sub-contractors or anyone, either directly or indirectly, involved in the organization or execution of the programs or services will not become liable or responsible in any way in connection with accommodation, yacht, lodge, restaurant, transfer and expedition services, information supplied, or for any loss, injury or damage to or in respect to any person or property howsoever caused or arising. Prices mentioned are based on present exchange rates and tariffs and remain subject to change. *CUBAN LAWS PROHIBITS ANY KIND OF DRUG AND THE USE IS ABSOLUTELY FORBIDDEN ANYWHERE IN CUBA. TRYING TO ENTER THE CUBA WITH DRUGS IS CONSIDERED A SEVERE CRIME. AVALON OUTDOOR IS AGAINST ANY KIND OF DRUGS.
www.smartdivetravel.com [email protected] 1-866-8785025 DOCUMENTS FOR TRAVEL TO CUBA Avalon Outdoor cruises fall under the humanitarian and environmental projects general license category. Marine biologists working with Avalon will be teaching and collaborating with the guests about marine conservation and the Gardens of the Queen's unique ecosystem. Guests will be immersed in participatory environmental projects perfectly integrated into their diving program, supporting the long-term sustainable conservation initiatives. All guests are granted a certificate of participation and completion of this humanitarian and environmental project along with a full itinerary of activities that will certify them as legal under US and Cuban regulations. For more information on the program conservation initiatives please visit: www.bluesanctuary.org Find more information at: www.avalonoutdoor.com. A.TRAVELER'S RESPONSIBILITY A.1.TOURIST VISA / CUBAN TOURIST CARD This is required for ALL travelers to Cuba. For all airlines you have the choice to purchase the tourist card in advance or at check in on your day of departure. Please check with your individual air carrier to confirm the tourist card acquisition process. If you are coming to Cuba through a US City you must get the Pink Tourist Card. If you are traveling to Cuba via another country (ex. Canada, Mexico, Panama, UK, EU, etc.) you will need a Green Tourist Card. Fill these out carefully as some custom officials can be picky about legibility and cross offs. **IMPORTANT: Do not lose this Card as you will need it for your departure from Cuba*** US COMMERCIAL AIRLINE CARRIERS You can use this link to purchase your card in advance: cubavisaservices.com/product/touristvisa-card It is suggested if to purchase your tourist card once you have confirmed your flight itinerary and purchased your tickets. These tourist cards do not expire. The 30-day valid travel window only becomes active once you arrive in Cuba and it is stamped with a date. Reference information below when purchasing your tourist card in advance: • OFAC Category: HUMANITARIAN PROJECTS • RECORD LOCATOR: (from you plane ticket).
www.smartdivetravel.com [email protected] 1-866-8785025 • PROVINCE: HAVANA (for arrival to Havana). VILLA CLARA (for arrival to Santa Clara). CAMAGUEY (for arrival to Camaguey). CIEGO DE AVILA (for arrival to Cayo Coco). INTERNATIONAL AIRLINE CARRIERS Typically, the Green tourist card is included in the fare of the ticket and distributed on board or at the check in gate. Please inquire with your airline to ensure that the tourist card is included in your fare. Otherwise, to purchase the green tourist card in advance, you may do so here: easytouristcard.com. A.2.MINIMUM CUBAN MEDICAL INSURANCE The Cuban government requires ALL travelers to carry a minimum level of ‘Cuban qualified’ health insurance coverage while in Cuba. • This coverage is INCLUDED in your airline ticket fare IF you are flying into Cuba on a commercial carrier through the U.S. A.3.ADVANCE TRAVELER INFORMATION (D'VIAJEROS) Follow the link to D' Viajeros 48 hours prior to your departure to Cuba and complete the requested information. After completing your form online, a QR code will be generated and is required to present during your travel and upon entry into Cuba. *It is suggested to print the provided QR code and keep easily accessible during your travels. Tips for completing D’ Viajeros online form: Only ovals marked with red are required to be completed. • Travel Reason: Tourism • Province where you are going: Jardines de la Reina: Ciego de Avila • Place of Accommodation: House for rent • Direction/ Traveler Address: Hotel address or Airbnb Address • If not overnighting in Cuba prior to your Avalon program then use the following address of our departing port: Jardines de la Reina: Jucaro port, Venezuela, Ciego de Avila Province, Cuba • Unaccompanied baggage (checked bags?): Yes or No • Nothing to import or claim: any personal belongings or gifts are not necessary to declare.
www.smartdivetravel.com [email protected] 1-866-8785025 A.4.PASSPORT/BOARDING PASS Passport must be valid at least 6 months after your date of return from Cuba. It’s recommended to print your boarding pass and have copy of your passport ID page kept somewhere safe throughout your travels. Travelers are solely responsible for verifying and complying with the most current Cuban entry protocols. You may reference these links below for up-to-date information regarding these protocols. • Cuban Ministry of Tourism: Visit: www.mintur.gob.cu/protocolos • Cuban Embassy: cu.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information • Re-entry to US - Center for Disease Control: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/testing-international-airtravelers.html B. AVALON WILL PROVIDE Strongly advised to print the below documents and keep them easily accessible during your travels. B.1.OFAC LICENSE/TRAVEL AFFIDAVIT *Guests traveling through U.S. and U.S. citizens. One week prior to your departure we will email you a blank Travel Affidavit which you will need to PRINT, complete, sign, and hold onto. This document serves as your affirmation of which general license category you fall under for legal travel to Cuba. The box you will check is: 10. Humanitarian Projects. You may be asked to present it to US customs upon your return. Note: The Cuban customs will not ask for this document. It is only for the US Government. B.2.HUMANITARIAN PROJECT: CERTIFICATE & ITINERARY *Guests traveling through U.S. and U.S. citizens. One week prior to your departure you will receive your Certificate and Humanitarian Project Itinerary personalized with your name and dates of travel. This document substantiates your reason for travel that you’ve declared on your Travel Affidavit. Your participation in our program is part of a sustainable environmental conservation project and your involvement has a direct effect on our conservation and humanitarian efforts in the Cuban Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and its surrounding communities. If you are asked why you are traveling to Cuba by US customs, you should tell them this
www.smartdivetravel.com [email protected] 1-866-8785025 and present them with the certificate and itinerary if requested. *Only guests traveling through the U.S. and U.S. Citizens need a Travel Affidavit and Humanitarian Project Certificate and Itinerary. B.3.SUPPLEMENTAL CUBAN MEDICAL INSURANCE (Optional) An optional supplemental medical insurance is available and covers any and all unforeseen expenses due to medical issues or infections while in Cuba (including Covid). This policy is fully comprehensive, held through ESISCUBA underwriters, and will cover all expenses (for example quarantine hotel, nautical transfers, etc.) whereas standard policies will not. This coverage may be added to your Avalon invoice and is suggested due to the remote location of your program’s destination. (This policy does NOT include Dive accident insurance) If purchased, supplemental Cuban Medical policy is emailed to you approximately 3 days prior to the start of your program. It is suggested to print this document and keep it accessible with your other paperwork. Please note this policy coverage is only valid for the duration of your Avalon Program. Please advise your Avalon Representative if you would like to extend the policy to cover any additional days on land. ($15/day). FOR EMERGENCIES WHILE IN CUBA *WhatsApp is the best method for communication for any of the Cuban team members in the event of any emergency while in Cuba. (Please ensure to have this app preinstalled and set up prior to your arrival into Cuba) Havana • Alexander Miguel Gonzalez: +53 52 86 1818 • Pietro Ginevri: +53 52 70 0343 Jardines de Reina • Antonio Cardenas: +53 52 17 1444 • Mauro Ginevri: +53 52 86 2462 Our group guarantees all the equipment required to ensure safety (First Aid kits with O2 on every boat, excellent communications with mother boats and mainland, life jackets, AED etc.).
www.smartdivetravel.com [email protected] 1-866-8785025 LINKED DOCUMENT INDEX Avalon Terms & Conditions Avalon Liability Release Form Private Accommodations List Documents Required for Travel to Cuba Avalon Diving Checklist