KNOW BEFORE YOU GO M/V Oceans for Youth Cuba

Transcription

1 KNOW BEFORE YOU GO M/V Oceans for Youth Cuba Gardens of the Queen: educational group travel (Sat Sat) Includes 7 nights aboard the M/V Oceans for Youth Reservation Office Hours: Monday-Friday: 8 am 5 pm EDT Saturday/Sunday: 9 am 5 pm EDT Office (USA/Canada toll free): info@oceansforyouth.com Delay in travel and emergency only: Cell Phone (after hours) M/V Oceans for Youth Program Operators /29/2019 1

2 ABOUT CUBA The Republic of Cuba is the largest island in the Caribbean at 43,000 square miles with a coastline of 3,600 miles; it is the 25 th largest island in the world. Cuba is located just 93 miles south of the U.S. across the narrow Florida Strait; the islands of the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos are located to the northeast, and the Cayman Islands to the south. Cuba was inhabited by Mesoamerican Indian tribes prior to the arrival of Christopher Columbus in 1492, who claimed the land for the Kingdom of Spain. Cuba developed a plantation-based, rural economy and remained a colony of Spain until the beginning of the Cuban-Spanish War in 1868 and ending in their independence in Since 1965, the country has been governed as a single-party socialist state ruled by the Communist Party. It is comprised of 15 provinces (and one Special Municipality, the Island of Youth) with the capital city of Havana located on the northwestern coast of the island. GARDENS OF THE QUEEN ECOSYSTEM Jardines de la Reina (Gardens of the Queen) is an archipelago of uninhabited sandy and mangrove islands in the southeastern part of Cuba. They were named by Christopher Columbus in honor of the Queen of Spain. Established in 1996 as a marine reserve, the area is now a National Park since 2010 and is one of Cuba s largest protected areas. It parallels the Cuban coast and is comprised of more than 600 pristine cays, mangrove stands, clear shallow waters, and vibrant coral reefs. Between the mainland and the islands is the Golfo de Ana Maria, an expansive area of shallow seagrass that serves as a nursery for many of the fish species found on the reefs of the Gardens of the Queen. Due to the intact interconnectivity, these habitats seagrass beds, mangroves, shallow and deep coral reefs the remoteness of the area, and the history of protection from exploitation and development, the Gardens of the Queen represents a baseline for a healthy Caribbean marine ecosystem; an ecosystem that includes healthy populations of predators such as Caribbean reef sharks and goliath groupers, important grazers like rainbow parrotfish and long-spine urchins, recovering endangered species such as Elkhorn coral and nesting hawksbill sea turtles. M/V OCEANS FOR YOUTH PROGRAM - 7 nights Itinerary Day 1 - Saturday Welcome and pick-up at Camaguey Airport by 5 pm and at Santa Clara Airport by 6 pm. Transfer to Jucaro for boarding the M/V Oceans for Youth vessel. Boarding begins at 5 pm followed by the welcome orientation and dinner. Day 2-6 Arrive in Gardens of the Queen and begin marine eco-explorations with Cuban biologists and resource management experts to include daily snorkeling and island excursions (with 2 optional scuba diving sites, 4 dives total included). Habitats to explore: ~ Pristine marine lagoons and expansive sea grass meadows ~ Mangrove forests and channels ~ Patch and reef crests with rare, endangered corals ~ Deserted cays and sea turtle nesting beaches (in season) ~ Daily natural history talks or marine ecology seminars by Cuban marine scientists Day 7 - Saturday 8 am transfer to Camaguey or Santa Clara Airports (2 separate transfers) with lunch provided for a 1 pm arrival at your airport for departure. 2

3 WELCOME As you prepare for your M/V Oceans for Youth Cuba group adventure, we extend a most hearty welcome. The enclosed information will assist you. Please review our webpage for additional information about the program, here: Also, please note that our Reservations Office is in constant communication with the leaders of the program. In the event of an emergency, family and friends may call the numbers listed on the first page of this document. RESEARCH & COMMERCIAL USE The M/V Oceans for Youth permit via the Cuban Government is for eco-exploration only i.e. eco-educational expeditions and class-room-at-sea instructional activities. The vessel is not available for charter for scientific research nor commercial use of any kind including any data collection or photography or filming by any non-cuban parties without first applying for a work permit via the Cuban government. Should you wish to apply for such a permit, Foundation staff may put you in touch with our colleagues in Cuba who may provide guidance or assistance, at their discretion. Please note that these work permits are difficult and timely to acquire (with a 50% success rate on average); therefore, we cannot guarantee the granting of any such required permits as part of booking any space aboard nor any chartering of the M/V Oceans for Youth in Cuba. PACKING Please use your M/V Oceans for Youth luggage tags; they will help the tour guide identify your group s bags. We recommend packing a swimsuit, change of clothes, medication and toiletries in your carry-on bag. Having these few items with you can make an unexpected luggage delay less inconvenient. Please plan to travel light, as storage space is limited. We recommend you pack your gear in soft luggage such as a duffel bag for easy stowage and to add to your comfort in your personal space. Clothing should be lightweight, comfortable sportswear. A light sweater or jacket is ideal for evenings. Dress is always casual and informal. Due to the expeditionary nature of the trip, we recommend travelers bring the following items: ~ Minimum 1 mm wetsuit, mask, fins, and snorkel ~ Rash guard or dive skin for sun protection ~ 2-3 bathing suits, T-shirts, and shorts ~ Sun hat with a wide brim and chin strap ~ Lightweight long-sleeved shirts and pants for sun protection ~ Face buff for sun & wind protection ~ Sandals or sneakers for beach-walking ~ Sunscreen free of oxybenzone (only coral safe sunscreens can be used on the vessel) ~ Natural insect repellant ~ Polarized sunglasses ~ Binoculars ~ Reusable, personal water bottle ~ Waterproof camera, extra batteries and memory cards 3

4 REEF SAFE SUNSCREEN Some sunscreen ingredients are not safe for corals; these include oxybenzone, octinoxate, octocrylene, 4MBC, or butylparaben. Research indicates that these chemicals can cause DNA damage to corals, promote viruses in corals, and contribute to the bleaching of corals. So that we can help protect our reefs, and because some dive destinations have banned these chemicals, we encourage you to choose and use a sunscreen that is "coral safe". PASSPORTS & DOCUMENTATION Visitors must have a current passport, adequate funds to support themselves, a return airline ticket, and the verification letter from the Oceans for Youth Foundation for travel to Cuba. Travelers must have a passport that is valid for 6 months from date of entry. It is the travelers responsibility to ensure they have the proper documentation to travel into each country on his or her itinerary as well as for re-entry and return to their country. Please check with the appropriate consulate to ensure you have the proper documentation. Always check your passport and visa requirements. US citizens may go to the U.S. Department of State website at for more information. The website also has information for consulates by country to assist with requirements. There are special requirements for children leaving the US and many countries have adopted requirements for the protection of children. Since regulations vary by country, contact your consulate or embassy of your country for the requirement. The Reservation Office and staff cannot assume responsibility for passengers not having correct documentation. ARRIVAL (Saturday) Prior to arrival, you will fill out an Immigration form. Since you are traveling with an official Oceans for Youth Foundation People-to-People Educational Group Travel Program, please select People-to-People Educational Program from the list of options. The M/V Oceans for Youth trip begins on Saturday from Santa Clara and Camaguey Airports. Guests arriving on flights before 6 pm will be greeted at the airport by a Cuban representative with an Oceans for Youth sign with the Foundation s starfish logo and the guests names on it. Staff will assist you with your luggage and ground transportation/transfers. Any arrivals after 6 pm on Saturday will need to make their own way to the harbor at Jucaro where the boat will be docked until Sunday morning. Please note: Our "People to People" permit does not allow for independent travel. Therefore, we cannot recommend local transportation. C-CARDS FOR SCUBA DIVING If you will be scuba diving with the M/V Oceans For Youth, please remember to bring your c-card or proof of dive certification. The Divemaster requires proof of certification before the first dive. Typical one-week charters include four optional scuba dives at two sites in addition to daily snorkeling. If you are interested in an all-dive experience, please join the Jardines Aggressor I or II Cuba Group Travel Program. More information, here: GIS (GUEST INFORMATION SYSTEM) The Reservations office and the M/V Oceans for Youth require each guest to complete an Application and Waiver prior to departure and boarding through the online GIS (Guest Information System). If you have not received a link to complete the online Guest Information System (GIS), please call an Aggressor Fleet agent at the number provided on this document s first page. PLEASE NOTE: Passengers who fail to complete 4

5 the on-line Application and Waiver forms will be denied participation in the program. TELEPHONE/INTERNET SERVICE/ There is no or internet available onboard the vessel. In case of emergency, the crew can contact authorities on the mainland of Cuba via radio. INSURANCE We strongly recommend each guest purchase comprehensive accident, medical, baggage and trip cancellation and interruption insurance at the time of your reservation/booking. Trip insurance can protect you from financial disappointment if you are prevented from making your scheduled trip due to illness, family illness or in the event that unforeseen circumstances interrupt airlines or the vessel from making their scheduled trips. In the event you cancel your trip, be familiar with the cancellation policies. HEALTH The vessel has an extensive first aid kit onboard, including oxygen and an AED for emergencies. We suggest that in addition to any medications or prescriptions you may need that you bring over-the-counter motion sickness medication or consult your doctor about prescription brands, such as the trans-dermal patch or Scopace tablets. Currents and winds may cause moderate movement of the vessel at times. As this is a physically active trip, we recommend a complete physical before your trip. For scuba divers, the nearest, accessible recompression chamber is located in Havana. Please note: The vessel staff are unable to accept any medication brought onboard for safe keeping including those that require refrigeration. Should a guest have a medication requiring temperature control, they will need to travel with a travel cooling case or small storage cooler with several blue ice packets. The crew will be happy to store and recharge the blue ice but are unable to accept possession of or responsibility for the proper care and storage of medication. This should be kept in with your personal items. There is NO smoking allowed inside the vessel or on the dive deck. Smoking is only permitted on the top sun deck provided it does not bother any fellow-passengers. M/V OCEANS FOR YOUTH The M/V Oceans for Youth is a 100-ft. motor vessel designed as an ecotourism and educational platform that supports Cuban marine research and natural resources monitoring in the Gardens of the Queen National Park, Cuba. It was built for safety and stability, and there are three diesel-powered engines providing a top cruising speed of 10 knots. The M/V Oceans for Youth sleeps up to 24 passengers with a crew of at least eight. Four separate, semi-private curtained areas each sleep four comfortably in two sets of bunk beds; each bunk has an assigned storage area, individual light, and privacy curtain. The central bunk area sleeps eight in single bunks with privacy curtains and individual lights; and there is ample storage for all personal items and gear. All sleeping areas are airconditioned. There are four marine heads, two private hot showers and two freshwater deck showers. There is a roomy, air-conditioned dining area/salon and a sun deck with lounge chairs and picnic tables. Diving and snorkeling amenities include a large dive deck, equipment rinse tubs, camera table with low-pressure air hose, and two fresh water showers. Boat voltage is 110 everywhere with 3-prong or 2-prong plugs in the bathrooms for hair dryers. 5

6 The boat is not responsible for any lost, damaged or stolen items. We highly recommend extreme caution and care be taken if you plan to travel onboard with electronic equipment. This equipment should always be stowed after use to avoid the risk of damage. FOOD The menu onboard is varied and plentiful, with a variety of locally sourced fresh fruits and vegetables and local Cuban cuisine including fish, beef, pork, and chicken. If you have any special dietary restrictions, please be sure these are noted when completing your on-line GIS (Guest Information System) form. All meals are served buffet-style. You will awaken to coffee and tea, fresh fruits, hot breakfast entrees and fruit juice. Lunches feature homemade hot soups, hearty entrees and fresh fruits. Dinners include salads, vegetables, seafood, beef, pork, or chicken with a fresh, homemade dessert. Once onboard, please speak to the chef about any special needs. Please also note that some special dietary requests may not be available due to the remote nature of this location. BEVERAGES The boat s selection includes fruit juices, soft drinks, iced water, iced tea, and coffee. Passengers of legal drinking age may bring aboard alcoholic beverages for personal consumption. Due to local regulations alcohol will not be served while the boat is in port. Drinking and snorkeling/scuba diving do not mix. Once you consume alcohol, you are invited to enjoy the vessels hospitality for the rest of the day. MISC TRAVEL INFORMATION Drones, satellite phones, stand-alone GPS, Nautilus Lifeline Rescue Units (and other units) and walkie-talkies are not allowed in Cuba. ENTERTAINMENT There is a variety of nightly entertainment, including fish identification sessions, naturethemed movies, and, of course, presentations on the natural history of the area. If you have a favorite movie, digital presentation or a video to share, we encourage you to bring it along. The crew especially loves new releases of movies, music, recent magazines and books. A small but complete library of fish, corals, and other marine life identification books is available for reference. CELEBRATING A SPECIAL OCCASION Whether it s your anniversary, birthday, honeymoon, or wedding please let us know so the crew can celebrate your occasion. Kindly advise the Reservations Office prior to traveling so the crew is notified in advance. SNORKELING & DIVING CONDITIONS You will be snorkeling or scuba diving in water that averages 82 F in the summer months and approximately 78 F in the winter months. Most guests snorkel up to 4 times per day and with an optional four scuba dives during a one-week charter; a wetsuit is recommended for staying warm throughout the day. A 1 mm wetsuit with long sleeves and full leg coverage is recommended year-round full body coverage is highly recommended to protect from the sun while snorkeling. During January and February, some people prefer a thicker 3 to 5mm wetsuit for a little extra warmth. All snorkeling, diving, and island excursions is from the boat s tender. 6

7 SCUBA DIVING If you wish to dive please indicate that on your GIS form prior to arrival in Cuba. While onboard, you may pick a buddy of your choice, or dive with one of the crew or dive masters. The vessel offers four optional dives for certified divers during a one week, standard trip/charter; some rental equipment is available when requested in advance via your GIS form. There is ample storage space for your snorkel and diving equipment on the dive deck. The M/V Oceans for Youth will provide tanks and air (Nitrox is not available). The stern and platform areas are very spacious. Enjoy fresh water showers on the back deck after your dives and dry off with a warm towel. All scuba diving onboard the M/V Oceans for Youth should be within the limits and standards of the training agency that certified you. All dives should be planned no decompression dives. SNORKEL & DIVE GEAR SUGGESTIONS We suggest you pack the following: mask, fins, snorkel and 1 mm wetsuit. Dive computers are mandatory for scuba diving guests; please bring your own or rent one in your hometown to bring with you. Each piece of gear should be marked with waterproof paint or tape for individual ownership identification. CONSERVATION LAWS Cuban conservation laws do not permit spear fishing or collecting of any kind; including shells, rocks, or plants. A complete list of the conservation rules and regulations is posted on the vessel. Please let the crew know if you have any questions. RENTAL DIVE & SNORKEL EQUIPMENT A full line of Aqualung rental gear is available including masks/fins/snorkels, 2.5 mm full wetsuits, regulators, and BCDs, and must be reserved and paid in advance through the on-line GIS. Dive computers and dive lights are NOT available for rent. Dive computers are required for scuba diving and should be purchased or rented before arrival in Cuba. CERTIFICATION, SPECIALTY & PHOTO/VIDEO COURSES These services are not yet available aboard the M/V Oceans for Youth. GRATUITIES Gratuities are not included in the M/V Oceans for Youth Program. We believe gratuities should be voluntary and based upon the quality of service the staff has provided. Your captain will provide an envelope for gratuities that will be divided amongst the staff. Payment can be made by cash only. CHECKOUT Check out is Saturday morning at 8 am. A continental breakfast will be offered prior to departing the vessel. Lunch will be included on the way to both airports with arrival at approximately 1 pm. The crew will assist with your luggage. BOUTIQUE Guests may purchase Oceans for Youth Foundation apparel and other boutique items on-line at: including rash guards and hats for sun protection. 7

8 M/V Oceans for Youth PROGRAM LOGS Cuban scientists will periodically write about their discoveries and research activities on our facebook page. Please visit the M/V Oceans for Youth facebook page and website to learn more about local temperature, visibility, and wildlife sightings. Wishing you an exciting, educational experience. Please don t hesitate to call or us if you have any questions. 8