Many of them are still marked by mortar-shell and bullet holes, and fire. But it has a tarnished glamour that makes it one of the most attractive capitals in the Caribbean. The country is desperately short of petrol, due to the high cost of importation and American sanctions. And yet, there seem to be more Chevrolets, Cadillacs and Oldsmobiles than in an American city. For all its crumbling decay, the faded splendour, its shortages and its collapsed economy, Cuba is a vibrant and thrilling place to visit.
Logbooks are essential to register for diving.
There is limited rental gear and a shortage of spares in Cuba. Bring your own torches. A depth limit of 30m applies at Maria La Gorda. A minimum 3min stop at 3m is also stipulated at the end of each dive. Credit cards have very limited use in Cuba.