Holguin is located 680 km East from the capital, Havana. Third largest city in Cuba with an area of 9.300 km2 and more than 1.5 milion people.

Christopher Columbus discovered Cuba on October 27th, 1492 in Gibara in the province of Holguin. The international airport « Frank Pais » is located one hour from the hotels.
 

  The excursions in Holguin

We were surprised to see the number of excursions offered in Holguin. All foreign tour operators (i.e. Nolitours, Tours Mont-Royal, etc.) offer tours and also Cuban tour operator, Gaviota Tours. The excursions are purchased on the site. Although suggested, you do not have to buy your trips exclusively from your tour operator.

You can pay either in cash (CUC) or by credit card (except those issued by a U.S. bank such as MBNA). Note there is no automated teller machine (ATM) in Holguin. Visit our Things-to-know section to learn more about the Cuban currency, credit cards and other important issues to the proper planning of a trip to Cuba (now bilingual!).

If you decide to pay by credit card, you are strongly advised to notify the bank that issued your card BEFORE you leave for Cuba. Banks can refuse transactions in some countries.

Guided tours are in French or English. You indicate your preference when you book. Please note that some tours require a minimum of people and are not all available during the low season. Browse books of tour operators located in the lobby of hotels. You have to pay cash for scooter rentals.

Click to see HERE to see a satellite photo of the Bahia de Naranjo located between Playa Esmeralda and Playa Yuraguanal. Click HERE to see a closer look of the dolphinarium and its access by boat from the main land.

We have photos of the following tours ... Catamaran and dolphins, Cayo Saetia by helicopter, Las Guanas (near the Sol Rio Luna y Mares hotel), visit the Pueblo Guardalavaca, Jeep Safari (photos by Sylvain and Sophie), city of Holguin. Click HERE to see our photo album.

Tips? Pesos? Money exchange? Electricity? Customs? Formalities? etc... We invite you to visit our cubainfos.net website to learn what you should know efore a trip to Cuba.

WARNING! If you want to cancel your excursion, it must be done 24 hours in advance. Otherwise, you will be charged a penalty fee, which could be up to 50% of the price. You must go to the lobby 10 minutes before departure time with your voucher in hand. DO NOT leave your room without the voucher as you may be refused to get onboard. Some excursions like the catamaran are weather permitting.

To choose your excursion, you have two choices: attend the meeting which is usually the day after your arrival at the hotel by your tour operator or browsing through the excursion books that are located near the lobby. The description is in English, French and sometimes German and Italian. For excursions outside Cayo Santa Maria, it is advisable to bring your passport and tourist card.

The price of the excursions never includes the tip to the guide and driver. The average tip is 5 CUC for the guide and 2-3 CUC for the bus driver.

 

Click HERE to see the excursions offer by Caribe Sol (Hola Sun).

Click HERE to see the excursions offer by Gaviota Tours.

Click HERE to see the excursions offer by Tours Mont-Royal.

Click HERE to see the excursions offer by Nolitours.

 

NOTE : These tour operators offer essentially the same excursions in Holguin, but with different programs, which can sometimes include meals. Take the time to read the tour operator books at the hotel lobby (or at the Tour Operator desk) BEFORE you buy your excursions.

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