Latest travel updates on Coronavirus (COVID19) here
From stunning vistas, to a vibrant capital transforming at warp speed, the beauty and rhythm of Cuba will work its way into your soul (especially since we take a very local approach to sharing this island-nation’s gems). We’ll introduce you to old Havana, seemingly unknown beaches, quaint tobacco villages, and plenty of friendly faces along the way. Viva, Cuba!
Cuba has traditionally been very antipathetic towards the LGBT community, however since the 1990s it has made strides towards acceptance. Mariela Castro, daughter of Raul Castro, has been a long standing and outspoken LGBT ally. In September 2018, President Miguel Diaz-Canel even expressed great support for same-sex marriage. Finally, although Cuba doesn’t have a Pride Festival per se, it has begun proudly celebrating The International Day Against Homophobia in May. Cuba is a country on the cusp of fully embracing its queer population.
Gay Activity: Legal
Lesbian Activity: Legal
Gay Marriage: Unrecognized
Right to Change Gender: Legal, surgery not required
Same-Sex Adoption: Single gays may adopt, but gay couples may not.
LGBT Discrimination: Gay and Lesbians are protected in most contexts. Transgender people are not protected in most contexts.
Cubans were not able to choose where they lived (legally) until recently, so there was never a gay “ghetto” per se. Now that those restrictions are easing, the gay scene in larger cities like Havana is blossoming.
Not applicable
Havana: Some events held in celebration of the International Day Against Homophobia. Annually in May.
Havana: Mi Cayito Beach
Havana: Cabaret Las Vegas
Havana: Humboldt 52
Havana: Escaleras al Cielo
There are no Lesbian-specific bars/events in Cuba. The aforementioned gay bars are considered safe spaces for Lesbian women.
This UNESCO World Heritage city was once a place of great wealth and prosperity. While the money may be gone, the city’s well-kept colonial architecture, palaces and stunning central park make it a must-visit.
Cuba’s beaches are as soft and white as icing sugar. Nowhere is this more apparent than Veradero. Order a mojito, slather on your highest SPF and hit the beach.
Cobblestone streets are lined with a plethora of brightly coloured colonial houses. Meanwhile, the small city’s central plaza comes alive at night as musicians and salsa dancers take to the square.
In Cuba’s North-Western region sits Viñales, an otherworldly countryside once considered as the main filming location for Spielberg’s Jurrasic Park. Limestone monoliths erupt from the lush, verdent ground. Meanwhile, the main agricultural town is a relaxed settlement refusing to put on airs.
The allure of Havana is as thick as cigar musk and as strong as a double rum on the rocks. Vintage cars rumble down the Malecón. Old Havana is layered in history so thick it’ll take years to digest it all. Meanwhile, a recent relaxed approach to communism has provided fertile ground for entrepreneurship. Havana is a city steeped in history and at the cusp of a sea change.
Support for the Cuban People: Americans interested in visiting Cuba must do so legally, and can not visit Cuba on a cruise or People to People tour. Both of our gay Cuba tours meet the legal requirements of the ‘Support for the Cuban People’ category. The tour mixes the best of Cuban Culture with an educational, LGBT component that will open your eyes to this island nation. For more information, please contact an Adventure Specialist toll-free within North America at 1-866-360-1152.
Best Time to Visit: November to March
Covid-19 Vaccination Requirements: Out Adventures requires proof of full Covid-19 vaccination from all guests, following recommendations by the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For more details please see our Covid-19 FAQ.
Other Vaccinations: Based on the entry requirements for Cuba, there are no other vaccinations needed. To determine if you should take preventative measures to reduce the risk of illness, you should consult your doctor or a travel medical clinic, as Out Adventures cannot provide vaccination recommendations.
Electricity: A/B/C/L
Visas: A tourist card is required for all nationalities travelling to Cuba, and can be obtained through the airline at the time of check-in. There may be exceptions, and all visas are the responsibility of the traveller.
LGBT Rights in Cuba
Cuba has traditionally been very antipathetic towards the LGBT community, however since the 1990s it has made strides towards acceptance. Mariela Castro, daughter of Raul Castro, has been a long standing and outspoken LGBT ally. In September 2018, President Miguel Diaz-Canel even expressed great support for same-sex marriage. Finally, although Cuba doesn’t have a Pride Festival per se, it has begun proudly celebrating The International Day Against Homophobia in May. Cuba is a country on the cusp of fully embracing its queer population.
Gay Activity: Legal
Lesbian Activity: Legal
Gay Marriage: Unrecognized
Right to Change Gender: Legal, surgery not required
Same-Sex Adoption: Single gays may adopt, but gay couples may not.
LGBT Discrimination: Gay and Lesbians are protected in most contexts. Transgender people are not protected in most contexts.
Gay Cuba Travel
Cubans were not able to choose where they lived (legally) until recently, so there was never a gay “ghetto” per se. Now that those restrictions are easing, the gay scene in larger cities like Havana is blossoming.
Not applicable
Havana: Some events held in celebration of the International Day Against Homophobia. Annually in May.
Havana: Mi Cayito Beach
Havana: Cabaret Las Vegas
Havana: Humboldt 52
Havana: Escaleras al Cielo
There are no Lesbian-specific bars/events in Cuba. The aforementioned gay bars are considered safe spaces for Lesbian women.
Best Places to Visit in Cuba
This UNESCO World Heritage city was once a place of great wealth and prosperity. While the money may be gone, the city’s well-kept colonial architecture, palaces and stunning central park make it a must-visit.
Cuba’s beaches are as soft and white as icing sugar. Nowhere is this more apparent than Veradero. Order a mojito, slather on your highest SPF and hit the beach.
Cobblestone streets are lined with a plethora of brightly coloured colonial houses. Meanwhile, the small city’s central plaza comes alive at night as musicians and salsa dancers take to the square.
In Cuba’s North-Western region sits Viñales, an otherworldly countryside once considered as the main filming location for Spielberg’s Jurrasic Park. Limestone monoliths erupt from the lush, verdent ground. Meanwhile, the main agricultural town is a relaxed settlement refusing to put on airs.
The allure of Havana is as thick as cigar musk and as strong as a double rum on the rocks. Vintage cars rumble down the Malecón. Old Havana is layered in history so thick it’ll take years to digest it all. Meanwhile, a recent relaxed approach to communism has provided fertile ground for entrepreneurship. Havana is a city steeped in history and at the cusp of a sea change.
More Info
Support for the Cuban People: Americans interested in visiting Cuba must do so legally, and can not visit Cuba on a cruise or People to People tour. Both of our gay Cuba tours meet the legal requirements of the ‘Support for the Cuban People’ category. The tour mixes the best of Cuban Culture with an educational, LGBT component that will open your eyes to this island nation. For more information, please contact an Adventure Specialist toll-free within North America at 1-866-360-1152.
Best Time to Visit: November to March
Covid-19 Vaccination Requirements: Out Adventures requires proof of full Covid-19 vaccination from all guests, following recommendations by the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For more details please see our Covid-19 FAQ.
Other Vaccinations: Based on the entry requirements for Cuba, there are no other vaccinations needed. To determine if you should take preventative measures to reduce the risk of illness, you should consult your doctor or a travel medical clinic, as Out Adventures cannot provide vaccination recommendations.
Electricity: A/B/C/L
Visas: A tourist card is required for all nationalities travelling to Cuba, and can be obtained through the airline at the time of check-in. There may be exceptions, and all visas are the responsibility of the traveller.
The US Government announced new Cuba travel restrictions taking affect June 5, 2019. Learn about the most important takeaways here.
Read MoreAfter some back-and-forth emailing, our local Cuba guide introduces himself, offers a covid update, discusses gay life on the island and shares his favourite Cuban sites and cities.
Read More10 Reasons this gay traveller loved visiting Cuba with Out Adventures.
Read MoreHavana isn’t the only Cuban gem. Consider these three World Heritage Cities on your next Cuba Tour.
Read MoreKristopher Kelly’s photos rumble with the rusted mufflers clogging Old Havana, the smell of cigars in Viñales wafts from them, and your mouth waters for the rum in Trinidad – Daiquiri, anyone?
Read MoreAmericans travelling to Cuba must jump through a series of complicated hoops. Our podcast hosts break down everything you need to know before you go.
Read MoreWatch this incredible video of one gay traveller’s experience on a gay tour of Cuba with Out Adventures.
Read MoreThe tour covered many things we would never have seen on our own. It was very easy. Wilmar was great.
Go! Now! We felt so much safer in Cuba than we ever imagined. For some reason, many people are concerned with travel to Cuba. False fears! The people are kind, welcoming, and genuinely love Americans. Although it is a poor country, they have so much to offer in terms of cultural, historical, and natural beauty. The country is so much bigger than we ever imagined. It doesn’t feel like an island – it feels more like a large Spanish Colonial country in South America.
Well organized; excellent tour guide; Cuba trip was a good mix of staying busy and seeing/doing a lot, but not overwhelming; great group of people and many were repeat Out Adventures clients, so hopefully other trips would be good groups as well.
The longer I stayed in Cuba, the more I liked it. Well organized tour, comfortable, great guide.
Amazing country with a rich history. Wonderful people. I came back a more educated and better person thanks to the experiences on this trip.
Be ready for the cultural experience of your lifetime!
Fantastic trip. Exceeded my expectations. Great tour leader and a wonderful driver. I really felt I was shown the best Cuba had to offer.
We had an amazing time—made even better by a guide who spoke the language and went above and beyond to make sure we were happy.
