Our Passion for Cuba: WE DO CUBA WITH HEART!

At Other Cuban Journeys, we do more than organize travel—we spark genuine exchange and discovery. For 25 years, we've helped travelers uncover Cuba's hidden corners, guided by locals eager to share their reality. Our experienced Cuban guides bring deep insight far beyond surface-level touring.

Traveling with OCJ isn't about ticking off landmarks—it's about stepping into stories, forging friendships, and discovering new ways of seeing. Our guests connect with Cubans from all walks of life—doctors, musicians, artists, educators—and leave with memories rooted in shared humanity.

Thanks to years of trust and collaboration on the island, OCJ can offer you uncommon access and authentic encounters. Every journey is shaped by relationships, not just routes—making each trip personal and deeply impactful.

Our Team: Passionate Experts Who Live and Breathe Cuba

Miriam and Marla, our founders, began their Cuban journey in 2000, and what started as a curiosity quickly blossomed into a lifelong passion for the island and its people. Their mission? To help the emerging Jewish Cuban community connect with their roots, and to share Cuba's warmth and culture with the world. Through decades of hard work and dedication, they've cultivated deep relationships—both within and outside the Jewish community

Marla Whitesman, Co-Founder

My first trip to Cuba in December 2000 wasn't just a journey—it was the beginning of my soul's connection with the island. I went reluctantly but from the moment I set foot on Cuba's vibrant streets, I was captivated by its energy, warmth, and stories. Cuba's history, culture, and, most of all, its people quickly became an integral part of my life.

What started with Jewish community outreach evolved into a passion for showing travelers the true essence of Cuba. I've spent years living and learning on the ground in Cuba, (some years for even 6 months) gaining a unique perspective that is very rare for foreigners. I now share that with travelers from all over the world.

Cuba has brought me lifelong friendships and memories I treasure every day. It's a place where I've found my heart and home. When I walk the “Marlacon” or hear my name be shouted from a passing car, I know—I am home.

Miriam Saul, Co-Founder

As a Cuban-American Jew, returning to Cuba after 40 years was nothing short of transformative. I reconnected with my roots and discovered a Jewish community poised for renewal. That moment sparked a mission: to help rebuild and reenergize Jewish life on the island.

Over the past 25 years, I've led more than 100 teen and adult missions to Cuba, delivering both spiritual and material support. My work—recognized by B'nai B'rith International and the Cuban Jewish community—has been about more than aid; it's been about connection, memory, and meaning.

From founding Project Cuba at the MJCCA to co-creating Friends of Jewish Cuba and now Other Cuban Journeys, I've dedicated myself to crafting unforgettable cultural and Jewish experiences in Cuba. Each trip is personal—and I can't wait to help you see Cuba through your own eyes, and perhaps, rediscover a piece of yourself along the way.

Other Cuban Journeys, LLC is AUTHORIZED by the US Department of Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control to organize and conduct SUPPORT OF THE CUBAN PEOPLE ITINERARIES that will result in meaningful full-time interactions between the US travelers and individuals in Cuba WHICH WILL HELP TO FOSTER CHANGE.