Delta Sierra, March 1995, Alfred Wirth, Toronto, Canada. "Equipment new. Staff friendly (more so than Caribbean); will not carry equipment unless given a reason such as 'bad back.' Dive sites empty. Only three dive operators within 50 miles. No large fishlife- caught for food for a poor population."

El Colony, August 1995, Anon, Chicago, IL. "Best surprise was the spirit of the people. They were friendly, efficient and dedicated to service. I was treated like a prince despite the fact that my government is trying its best to gut the Cuban economy. Both the government and the people of Cuba are desperate for Yankee dollars and bend over backwards to satisfy all tourists. . . . Picture Florida motels from the fifties and you have a good idea of what El Colony looks like. Unfortunately, parts for much of the plumbing fixtures ceased to be imported after the revolution so do not be surprised at the jury-rigged plumbing. The rooms are austere with suspended ceiling, concrete floors and vintage furniture. The roof leaks during heavy rains, but the air conditioning worked well. The hotel common facilities (lobby, bar, gift shop and pool areas) were nice and decorated well in divers motif. The restaurant was buffet style and food was great except for the absence of fresh vegetables. . . . Dive operation was a mixed bag! Bus ride from the motel for the hour long ride to the dive site area. Nine large v-hulled\wooden dive boats. Some had no tank racks. Nearly 50 dive sites. Diving was average to good on a Caribbean scale. Rental equipment and tanks poor and there were no rinse tanks. The hurricane season was bad, so I suspect the diving may be better than I experienced. Vis: 40 to 80 ft. water: 82°­84°. . . . The price was definitely right. Havana was fascinating, diving was good, live music and dance was great. Mojitos and daiquiris luscious and the vitality of the Cuban people was wonderful."

Hotel Colony, January 1996, Bill Bone, Chicago, IL. "As soon as you board the TU 124 in Nassau you know it is not Kansas anymore! Getting to the Isle of Youth Hotel Colony is not easy, but once there and underwater the fun begins. Briefings are nonexistent and if one follows the dive master/guide one could wind up at 165' very quickly. Be sure you have a buddy - most divers on our boat did not have on Octopus. Follow the leader and pray. vis: 70­100 ft. water: 77°­79°."

Hotel Colony, January 1996, Dave Hanna, Chicago, IL. "Pristine reefs-lots of big fish. Whenever the embargo is lifted, the rest of the Caribbean had better look out. Reefs similar to Cozumel, but in better shape, with more caverns, tunnels and rifts. Tremendous corals and sponges, well past 100' down on the walls. You can dive your own profile. Boats fine, although there was no oxygen on board. There is a chamber at the marina. 56 buoyed sites - we only went to 12. Government restricts access to reefs to less than 150 divers per day. vis: 70­100 ft. water: 77°­79°."

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