Little Havana Cigar Rolling Coffee Making Tour and 90 Min Cruise

Discover Little Havana’s Charm with a Cigar, Coffee, and Cruise Experience

If you’re headed to Miami and want a taste of authentic Cuban culture, the Little Havana Cigar Rolling, Coffee Making Tour, and 90-Minute Cruise offers a lively, flavor-packed glimpse into one of the city’s most colorful neighborhoods. For just $69.99 per person, you get about 1.5 hours walking through the heart of Little Havana, watching master cigar rollers craft their creations, sipping freshly brewed Cuban coffee, and finishing with a scenic cruise along Miami’s waterfront. Led by knowledgeable guides, this experience balances cultural insight with hands-on fun, making it ideal for anyone curious about Miami’s Cuban influences.

Two things we especially love about this tour are the interactive cigar rolling demonstration—which lets you see firsthand how expertly crafted cigars are made—and the local coffee tasting, giving you a genuine sip of Cuba’s favorite brew. Both add a personal touch that goes beyond just hearing about traditions. The included cruise adds a relaxing, scenic element, letting you unwind and enjoy Miami’s skyline from the water.

One possible consideration is the walking component — while most of the stroll takes place on paved walkways, there are steps and uneven surfaces. It’s best suited for travelers comfortable with a bit of light walking and standing. Also, since food and drinks are not included beyond the coffee, those with specific tastes or dietary needs might want to explore nearby cafes afterward.

This tour appeals most to those who enjoy cultural authenticity, hands-on experiences, and a relaxed pace. Whether you’re a first-time visitor eager to learn about Miami’s Cuban roots or a seasoned traveler wanting a fun, informal way to explore, this experience offers plenty of value and memorable moments.

Key Points

• Authentic Cuban Culture: Dive into Little Havana’s vibrant atmosphere, art, music, and local traditions.
• Hands-on Demonstrations: Watch cigar rollers craft handmade cigars and learn how Cuban coffee is made.
• Scenic Cruise: Enjoy a 90-minute sightseeing cruise to see Miami from a different perspective.
• Interactive and Personal: The guides make the experience engaging with detailed commentary and local insights.
• Accessible Experience: Most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed.
• Limited Group Size: The tour hosts a maximum of 32 travelers, ensuring a personable experience.

An In-Depth Look at the Little Havana Tour

Miami’s Little Havana is a neighborhood pulsing with life, full of aroma-filled cafes, lively street art, vintage cars, and bustling gathering spots like Domino Park. This tour manages to distill that energy into a manageable, well-rounded experience that provides a taste of everything—history, culture, craftsmanship, and scenic views.

Starting Point: La Colada Gourmet

The tour kicks off at La Colada Gourmet, located on SW 8th Street, the heart of Little Havana. Here, you’re greeted with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee—crucial for setting the mood of the day. Arriving at least 15 minutes early is advisable to settle in and meet your guide, who will lead you through this lively, colorful neighborhood.

Little Havana Walk: Culture and Conversation

Over the course of about 90 minutes, the walk takes you through the streets of Little Havana — a neighborhood famous for its Calle Ocho (8th Street). As you stroll, your guide, likely a local with a passion for sharing their story, will point out notable sights—from murals to small businesses—highlighting the neighborhood’s Cuban exile roots and its ongoing cultural vibrancy.

You’ll visit Domino Park, where locals gather to play spirited games of dominoes, often with a backdrop of the neighborhood’s lively street sounds. Watching these players, some intense, some laid-back, adds an authentic layer to your understanding of local life.

Cigar Rolling Demonstration: Craftsmanship on Display

A highlight of the tour is the handmade cigar demonstration. Around Calle Ocho, cigar shops hang signs reading “Hecho a mano” (made by hand), and master cigar rollers sit behind glass storefronts, creating their works of art in plain sight. Watching them expertly shape, cut, and roll cigars emphasizes the skill involved in Cuban cigar making—an art passed down through generations.

This isn’t just a show; you’ll get to observe the process closely, sometimes even trying your hand if you’re interested. Many reviews note the personal touch of guides sharing their pride in this craft—Kelvin described it as “a great guide with a personal tour,” which makes the experience feel warm and genuine.

Cuban Coffee Making: A Taste of Tradition

Next, the tour introduces you to traditional Cuban coffee, renowned for its strong, bold flavor. You’ll see the process of making the perfect cup, often with a demonstration of how to prepare a delicious espresso-style shot. And yes, you’ll get to enjoy a cup of coffee included in the tour—something many find to be the perfect energizer to keep exploring.

Bernard, one of the reviewers, mentioned the “delicious coffee,” emphasizing how this small but meaningful cultural touch adds flavor to the experience.

The Scenic 90-Minute Cruise

To unwind after the walking segment, you’ll hop onto a scenic cruise that lasts about 90 minutes. This cruise offers a relaxed view of Miami’s skyline, Biscayne Bay, and surrounding areas. While some reviews mention that the music on the harbor cruise can be loud and the food and drinks expensive, the main draw remains the relaxing vistas and the chance to see Miami from the water.

It’s a good opportunity to reflect on what you’ve seen and learned during the tour. The cruise is included in the package, adding great value—especially for those wanting a break from walking while still enjoying Miami’s sights.

Practical Details That Matter

The tour is designed to be casual and accessible, with most activities on paved streets. The group size caps at 32 travelers, making it manageable and ensuring your guide can give personalized attention. The price of $69.99 is quite reasonable considering the combination of cultural demonstrations, guided walking, and scenic cruise.

The tour runs during daylight hours, so it’s best suited for daytime exploring. Since food and drinks aren’t included beyond coffee, you might want to plan for a meal afterward—Little Havana boasts numerous cafes and eateries worth trying.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you enjoy hands-on cultural experiences—like watching cigars being rolled or sipping authentic Cuban coffee—this tour is perfect. It’s also great if you prefer small-group walking tours that combine learning with sightseeing, rather than just riding around in a bus. The scenic cruise makes it appealing for those who like to see the city from the water and unwind with gentle views.

Travelers interested in authentic neighborhood vibes will find Little Havana’s lively streets, colorful murals, and street music captivating. It’s ideal for first-timers to Miami wanting a broad yet intimate taste of Cuban influence.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a compelling mix of culture, craftsmanship, and scenery, all at an affordable price. You’ll come away with a deeper appreciation of Little Havana’s vibrant community, from the skill of cigar rollers to the aroma of fresh Cuban coffee. The inclusion of the cruise provides a scenic, leisurely finale that balances the energetic walk.

It’s especially suited for curious travelers who enjoy interactive, authentic experiences and don’t mind a bit of walking. If you’re short on time but want to get a real feel for Miami’s Cuban roots, this tour packs a punch.

In summary, the Little Havana Cigar Rolling, Coffee Making Tour, plus the Cruise is a well-rounded, engaging experience that combines education, culture, and relaxation—perfect for those who want to see the neighborhood’s heart in a friendly, informal setting.

FAQ

How early should I arrive for the tour?
It’s best to arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled start time at La Colada Gourmet to settle in and meet your guide.

Is parking available at the meeting point?
Yes, there are several parking lots nearby, though rates may vary. Street parking might also be an option, and ride-share services like Uber or Lyft are convenient alternatives.

What makes Little Havana special?
It’s Miami’s most famous Cuban neighborhood, known for its vibrant street life, authentic eateries, colorful murals, lively music, and strong community spirit.

Will we visit Calle 8?
Absolutely. The tour takes you through the heart of Little Havana along Calle Ocho, where you’ll see street art, shops, and the iconic cigar and coffee spots.

What should I wear?
Dress comfortably for a casual stroll—comfortable shoes are recommended as there’s walking involved, including navigating steps and uneven surfaces.

Is food or drink included?
Only a cup of coffee is included during the demonstration. But your guide can recommend local cafes for afterward if you want more.

Why are Cuban cigars considered special?
They are made by hand, often in storefronts visible to visitors, emphasizing craftsmanship and tradition. You can watch cigars being rolled and even purchase your own.

How strenuous is the tour?
It’s a walking tour of about 1.5 hours, mostly on paved streets. Be prepared for some standing and uneven surfaces, but overall it’s accessible for most.

Embark on this authentic journey through Little Havana, and you’ll leave with a richer understanding of its lively culture and flavorful traditions. It’s a wonderful slice of Miami life that combines education, entertainment, and scenic relaxation—all at a sensible price point.