Visit Cuba with the Key West Botanical Garden Society

With the coming year, the Key West Botanical Garden Society will mark a decade of arranging special Humanitarian and Ecological tours to our “sister island”, Cuba.

The Garden’s Director of Group Tourism is Caroline Cotton, a licensed Certified Travel Counselor with 37 years as a Tour Director and travel expert. She organized and led the original Botanical Garden Educational tour to Cuba in 2004 and returned to that position last year, taking over from a former Garden president.  Her experience and knowledge in worldwide Group Expeditions as well as her past association with the Garden makes her specially qualified to run this programs.

The main purpose of the KWBGS is to maintain the historic Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden, and to foster understanding of the ecology of the northern Caribbean rim which encompasses the Keys.  In keeping with that mission, tour itineraries are designed to highlight the natural environment of Cuba, which in its coastal areas has many species also native to the Keys.  Botanical gardens and preserves are requisite, as are explorations of the interior mountainous regions. But the 4 to 7 day length of each excursion also offers a broader understanding of our neighboring island’s culture, with time to explore major centers like Havana and Santiago.

All tours include round trip airfare from Miami, English speaking guides throughout tour, deluxe air conditioned motor coach, deluxe room accommodations, entrance fees to attractions, most meals ‐ especially Breakfast and Dinner, Botanical Garden Tour Conductor, taxes and fees.  Yes, don’t worry; they do conform to laws restricting U.S. citizens’ travel in Cuba.

Past participants have described the tours as wonderful and enlightening experiences.  They were also pleased that the proceeds help the 76 year old Key West Tropical Forest and Botanical Garden continue to thrive – their tourists dollars sustain native flora to support native and migratory fauna; conserving the unique suite of species that exist on this tip of continental North America.

KWBGS is also developing additional trips throughout the season to other destinations, such as Puerto Rico, Jamaica and the Bahamas.

For details on specific dates and itineraries, please contact Caroline Cotton at [email protected].

To learn more about the Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden, its on-going programs and special events, visit the site on College Road or go to kwbgs.org.