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Cuba is a unique destination. Is it the history, the culture, the Caribbean joie de vivre or the locals’ famous hospitality that makes this exotic gem a marvel to explore? Not to mention its unique natural beauty and exotic beaches! Sailing around Cuba takes you off the beaten track to the parts of the island where few tourists go.
All roads lead to Havana when sailing around Cuba
The island’s capital, Havana, is the perfect starting point for a sailing trip around Cuba. Many yachts and catamarans dock at the Hemingway Marina, named after the famed author who lived on the island for many years. Note that upon your initial docking, you’ll be approached by the local coastguard for permission and a berth assignment.
The capital’s unique allure has enchanted millions of visitors throughout the years. The combination of Art Deco villas and classic cars roaming the cobblestone roads of Havana transports you to a bygone era when Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole used to hang around here. However, for avid sailors, Cuba offers much more.
To the west lies Guanahacabibes National Park, a pristine natural reserve with shallow waters and around 100 lakes. It’s a habitat for marine turtles, but sailing here requires a permit due to vulnerable coral reefs. If you have a sailboat or a small vessel, you can anchor at Maria la Gorda and sail along the coast.
Visit Cienfuegos and Cayo Largo
Few places capture Cuba’s unique allure better than the port of Cienfuegos, named after the famous revolutionary Camilo Cienfuegos. Its colonial architecture and spacious avenues will enchant you. At the same time, a visit to the El Nicho waterfalls, reminiscent of the tropical waterfalls of Martinique, will remind you that you are still in the Caribbean. While sailing around this part of the island, you will encounter dreamy beaches, coral reefs, and the occasional historic villa reminiscent of Cuba’s colonial past.
From Cienfuegos, sail to Cayo Largo, a former pirate hideout. Its sandy beaches, particularly Playa Sirena and Playa Paraiso, feature crystal-clear waters and palm trees. For something more adventurous, you can also head to the small, uninhabited islet of Cayo Rosario. Here, you can partake in watersports or observe the abundant iguanas in the area! Otherwise, you can sail to the aptly named Isla de la Juventud (Island of Youth), home to the stunning Bibijagua Beach.
Just a few miles from Cienfuegos, in central Cuba, is the UNESCO World Heritage town of Trinidad, where you will admire some of the finest samples of colonial architecture. Docking at Casilda Marina, you can easily reach Trinidad by taxi.
Discover Eastern Cuba
Continuing eastward, you’ll encounter some of Cuba’s finest boating destinations. Stopovers at Manzanillo, a port town famous for its cigars, and Santiago de Cuba, the island’s second-largest city, are highly recommended.
On the easternmost corner of Cuba is the town of Maisí. Here, you can feast your eyes on the La Concha lighthouse from the deck of your catamaran. The landscape here is rocky and rugged, a testament to Cuba’s unique beauty.
On your way back to Havana, consider sailing along the northern coast to discover unspoiled beaches and coves. We recommend also exploring Cayo Romano, the largest cay in the Jardines del Rey archipelago, to escape the tourist frenzy. Basking on its sandy beaches is the perfect way to end your journey on a high note!
Weather conditions in Cuba
Cuba’s sub-tropical climate makes mid-autumn to mid-spring the ideal time for boating, with an average temperature of around 25°C. In the summer, rain and hurricanes are more frequent, and it is considerably more humid.
While bareboat yacht charters are allowed in Cuba, it’s advisable to rent a boat with a skipper. Caribbean waters can be rough and unpredictable, and there are numerous reefs to watch out for. Stick to designated marinas, especially on the northern coast, and bring all necessary boating equipment and supplies, as facilities may be limited.
