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Cruising Destinations

Can Boaters Go to Cuba in 2023?

Who better to know the reality of visiting Cuba than an expert living in the U.S. who books travel to Cuba?

Our resident expert is Teresa Sanchez who works for Cultural Island Travel. Here’s what she says —

“I wish I had better news! I've reached out to a number of my contacts, and I've learned that Cuba will happily allow Americans to dock their private boats there, but technically it's not allowed by the US government anymore. Passports don't get stamped, but it's not technically legal.”

Pushing the Envelope

Now, as far as we know the U.S. Navy and USCG are not patrolling the island looking for adventuresome (drug-free) yachtees. The huge public marina at Veradero and the Hemingway Marina are evidently owned by the Cuban Army, and so the U.S. government doesn’t want Americans contributing to their kitty. When we visited it a few years ago there were only four boats docked in the Veradero Marina, and it could have held 400.  However, there are lots of non-army owned marinas, and protected anchorages in many locations.

The Waterway Guide has a splendid cruising guide to Cuba which we highly recommend. Waterway Guide/Cuba. But, be prepared to tell U.S. immigration upon your return where you were.  

For those who would like to reconnoiter Cuba first and just put a toe in the water, Teresa has some recommendations that she can arrange. 

cuba

“We offer small group tours and private custom tours year-round under the "Support for the Cuban people" category. I've attached sample itineraries of our two most popular tours so you can get a sense of what we offer. Also, we're the official Cuba travel partner of the Blue Note Jazz Club in NYC and the Theater Development Fund, so we are always happy to partner with other organizations.

“Another possibility would be to offer a boating excursion once boaters have already arrived in Cuba. Below I've copied and pasted some options that can be done from the Marina Hemingway: 

Seafari 

Combination of several nautical activities in which the boat remains anchored allowing the client to fish and sunbathe. Includes: fishing gear and national drinks on board.

  • Price: 420.00 USD up to 4 people / 41-foot boat (minimum price) x 1-4 pax.  Maximum capacity: 8 people. From the 5th pax they pay 40.00 USD x pax.
  • Duration: 5 hours
  • Children: 3-12 years at 50%.

Deep Sea Fishing

Rental of fishing yachts with experienced crew to enjoy various styles of deep sea fishing using 4 lines in search of catching gamefish species mainly. 

Includes: Fishing equipment and baits, national drinks on board, fishing instruction and experienced crew. 

  • Price: 700.00 USD / Boat 41 feet (minimum price) x 1-4 pax. Maximum capacity: 6 people. from the 5th pax they pay 55.00 USD x pax. 
  • Full-day.
  • Children: 3-12 years at 50%.

Deep Sea Fishing  

Rental of fishing yachts with experienced crew for the enjoyment of different styles of deep sea fishing using 4 lines in search of catching gamefish species mainly. 

Includes: Fishing equipment and baits, national drinks on board, fishing instruction and experienced crew. 

  • Price: 400.00 USD / Boat 41 feet (minimum price) x 1-4 pax. Maximum capacity: 6 people. from the 5th pax they pay 55.00 USD x pax. 
  • Half-day.
  • Children: 3-12 years at 50%.

Ride along the Coast 

Navigation to the east to contemplate the city and its landscapes from the coast.  Includes: Time to bath in the sea and take photos. National drinks on board. Duration: Up to 3 hours.  

  • Price: 300.00 USD / Boat 41 feet (minimum price) x 1-4 pax.  Maximum capacity: 8 people.  From the 5th pax they pay 40.00 USD x pax. 
  • 3 Hours
  • Children: 3-12 years at 50%.

Teresa Sanchez

Cuba Travel Specialist

Cultural Island Travel

Phone: 951.235.4907

Hours: M-F 9AM-5PM EST

www.traveltocubalegally.com

12 U.S. Approved Categories for Cuban Travel

While Washington forbids U.S. citizens to travel to Cuba as “tourists,” they can officially go for other reasons. Below are 12 approved categories and most people we know go using the “Support for the Cuban People” reason.  And, goodness knows they need support. The U.S. sanctions, plus the Cuban government's brand of communism, are literally starving the island.

  • Family visits
  • Official government business
  • Journalism
  • Professional research and professional meetings
  • Educational activities
  • Religious activities
  • Public performances, workshops, competitions, and exhibitions
  • Support for the Cuban People
  • Humanitarian projects
  • Activities of private foundations or institutes
  • Import and export activities
  • Authorized export transactions

The Hotel National in Havana is off limits to Americans because it, too, is owned by the Army, but we do recommend the snug bar there that has been a watering hole for the rich and famous for 80 years or more. One of the best cruising grounds in the Bahamas/Caribbean are found off the northeast coast of Cuba. But there are some bareboat and crewed charter operations in Cuba. Ask Teresa for help finding one.



It’s surprising to a lot of Americans to learn how easy it is to travel to Cuba. It’s actually really no harder than it is to travel anywhere else. In most cases, you just buy your airline ticket, fill out a form at the airport, and enjoy your time in this complex but beautiful country.