
CUBA - JDR
#1
Posted 03 February 2003 - 04:31 PM
A general pricing guide for the 10 day trip I am told will be around $2400 pp and we need to get dates sorted out ASAP as they do not stay open long. I suggest a mini safari on the resident safari boat together with a stay at the main lodge. A nights hotel in Moron or similar and transfers will be included in the price.
Return Flights to Camaguey are not inc.
#2
Posted 03 February 2003 - 05:07 PM

#3
Posted 03 February 2003 - 06:56 PM
I know Todd was interested in Feb.04 so I am trying to get a confirmation today on that and I can post the full details.
Craig: We need a videographer too!
Good point Eric.
#4
Posted 04 February 2003 - 01:01 AM
Simon
#5
Posted 04 February 2003 - 04:53 AM
You are welcome to join one of the weekly expeditions should you wish.
I will be back in UK on Sunday next so it's easier for me to organise things.
#6
Posted 04 February 2003 - 05:16 AM
I would probably fly direct from Regina. It probably goes through Toronto and then down to Cuba.
Is there a website for the operation anywhere that we can see?
#8
Posted 04 February 2003 - 06:14 AM

Mike Oelrich
Canon EOS 40D in Seatool housing, 100mm macro, Tokina 10-17, INON Z-240s.
#9
Posted 04 February 2003 - 06:20 AM
We had talked of a code word but we won't go there.
#10
Posted 04 February 2003 - 06:26 AM
They do not stamp Passports - just the viza cards - I had to Beg to get mine stamped.
If anyone has problems Stick to the email more confidentiality.
bob_whorton@onetel.net.uk
#11
Posted 04 February 2003 - 06:30 AM
You can apply for a special permit for some strange reason.
What "supposedly" happens is Americans fly to Canada, and then fly to Cuba. When arriving in Cuba the immigration people do not stamp their passport so it does not show they were there. I believe the payment for the Cuba leg goes through a Canadian travel agency.
#12
Posted 04 February 2003 - 06:42 AM
I am extremely interested. Put me down as strong interest and committment.
Cheers
James
Dual Ikelite Strobes
Photo site - www.reefpix.org
#13
Posted 04 February 2003 - 06:50 AM
Wasn't there a law passed last year that excludes Tourists from this ludicrous circumstance?
No. There was a move to do it but it never got past the politicians who pander to the Cuban ex-patriots in FL (remember, W.'s brother is governor there) for campaign contributions. Here's a link to the State Department's site on the matter:
http://travel.state.gov/cuba.html
,which contains the following statement:
"Transactions related to tourist travel are not licensable. This restriction includes tourist travel to Cuba from or through a third country such as Mexico or Canada."
Here is an Undercurrent article from a while back detailing one person's troubles:
http://www.undercurr...uba200110.shtml
If memory serves, there was an entire scuba club caught up in the same thing, but I can't find that article at the moment. They ended up paying the Treasury Department several thousand dollars each to settle the claim. Of course, in the case outlined by the article above, one can just blame the diver for being a bonehead when going back through customs but when you read the Scubacan instructions, you just have to laugh at the circle of lies involved involved in trying to circumvent the authorities. This whole thing is just another example of changing policies to fit political expediency. China is far worse than Cuba from a human rights perspective, yet we trade with them because of a "once they see how well capitalism works, we'll convert them" attitude (not the mention the fact that lots of US companies who give large sums of money to Congressmen want to trade there). However, when it comes to Cuba, the same policy isn't good enough because the money comes from the other side of the equation. Sigh . . .
Maybe I can apply for a license to do "research into the psychology of euphoric reactions to the combination of pressurized oxygen-nitrogen mixtures and digital media"

Mike Oelrich
Canon EOS 40D in Seatool housing, 100mm macro, Tokina 10-17, INON Z-240s.
#14
Posted 04 February 2003 - 06:52 AM
Can I be your research assistant?Maybe I can apply for a license to do "research into the psychology of euphoric reactions to the combination of pressurized oxygen-nitrogen mixtures and digital media"

#15
Posted 04 February 2003 - 06:59 AM
ps I also recall they have problems voting in Florida. I am quite sure there is a article on this in one of the recent dive mags.
I do have friends in a travel agency here that would be glad to assist in bookings I am sure. If that helps. No commission to me. (darn)
#16
Posted 04 February 2003 - 07:03 AM
Do they do wetsuits with white collars?
"The Holy order of divine monk seals"
#17
Posted 04 February 2003 - 08:30 AM
#18
Posted 04 February 2003 - 08:32 AM
Does this mean you are planning an invasion. (all those Brits)
#19
Posted 04 February 2003 - 08:43 AM
#20
Posted 04 February 2003 - 08:48 AM
Mark can get his own spot. (The second spot would be my wife)