Spoiler: It’s more than you think.
The Classic Question: How Much Sunscreen to Bring to Cuba?
Every week, travelers ask:
“How many bottles of sunscreen should I bring for my family to Cuba?”
This time, it was for 2 adults and 1 child, but this question applies to everyone. Since we at VC Tours live under the Cuban sun daily, we’ve collected real traveler advice so you don’t get burned — literally.
🧴 Most Popular Answer? One Bottle Per Person… Per Week.
“We usually pack 1 bottle per person.” – Sarah
“3 bottles for 3 people.” – Tom
“3 per person or more. Cream lasts longer.” – Amanda
The clear winner: bring at least one bottle per person for every week you’re staying. The Caribbean sun doesn’t forgive.
🌴 Why Bring So Much Sunscreen to Cuba?
It’s not a one-and-done situation.
Between swimming, sweating, touring, and taking our famous VC Tours trips, you’ll need more sunscreen than you expect.
“We went through a full cream and 2 sprays for 2 adults and 1 teen.” – Emily
“Family of 4 and I pack 1 for each day.” – Rachel
Cuba’s resort shops? Pricey and often poorly stocked. Don’t take the risk.
🚿 Cream or Spray? The Debate.
“Spray goes way faster.” – Mark
“Pretty sure I protected the sand, a palm tree, and possibly the gentleman lying next to me.” – Donna
Many experienced travelers prefer creams — better coverage, longer lasting, and fewer trees getting SPF 50 protection.
Tip: If you like sprays, apply them inside your room, standing on a towel. Otherwise, you might just be protecting your lounge chair instead of yourself.
🌞 Mineral or Chemical? The Sunscreen Civil War.
Some travelers swear by mineral sunscreen:
“Healthier, lasts longer, and works better.” – Vanessa
Others, not so much:
“I don’t like that my skin has a white cast and feels chalky.” – Brooke
At VC Tours, we don’t take sides — except for reminding you to wear whatever sunscreen you actually will use.
🧳 VC Tours’ Top Tips Before Packing Sunscreen:
- Always bring a face-specific sunscreen (your selfies will thank you).
- Carry a travel-size in your carry-on for tours and quick beach stops.
- Pack a dark tanning oil if you like bronzing at the end.
- Sprays go faster, so stock up if you prefer them.
- Leftover sunscreen? Cuban locals will appreciate it more than you know.
“We usually leave it behind for others. Haha.” – Sarah
⚡ VC Tours Insider Tip:
On the open-top double-decker bus in Varadero — one of the most popular ways to explore the coast — there’s ZERO shade. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a good hat (but not a sombrero, the wind will steal it)..
Bonus: Read our full guide on Varadero’s hop-on-hop-off bus here.
✨ Final Word from VC Tours:
For 2 adults + 1 child, you’ll want at least:
- 3 to 5 bottles of sunscreen (mix of cream and spray)
- A dedicated face sunscreen
- A travel-size bottle for tours and beach days
Too much? Maybe.
Too little? Painful.
Get it right and you’ll enjoy Cuba’s sun the way it should be — on a VC Tours adventure, not hiding in your hotel room nursing a sunburn.
“I’d rather have extra than not enough!” – Claire
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