Yachting Cuba: adventures in Caribbean waters

The uniqueness of Cuban yachting

When the words "yachting Cuba" are uttered, most experienced sailors become alarmed. Why? Because Cuba offers something that other destinations in the Caribbean have long since lost - authenticity and wild beauty. Forget crowded marinas full of tourists and modern luxury. Instead, Cuba offers bays that look like you were the first person to ever set foot in them.

Imagine, for example, cruising around the Jardines de la Reina archipelago, where you'll encounter pristine coral reefs and no hotels in sight. Or anchoring off Cayo Largo, where the white beaches rival the perfection of photos from travel agent catalogues. It's like a trip back in time, when the Caribbean was still a paradise for pirates and explorers.

And what's the best part? Aboard a yacht or catamaran, you have the freedom to discover these treasures at your own pace. Whether you're an adventurer longing for deserted places or a lover of quietly bobbing on the waves with a cocktail in hand, Cuba has something for everyone.

Nature and fauna of Cuba from the deck of a yacht

Cuba is not just about cigars and salsa. From the deck of the ship, you'll see a whole other world - a world of tropical nature that literally takes your breath away. Wide coastlines fringed by mangroves, clear waters teeming with life and endless coral islands create the perfect setting for observing fauna and flora.

As you cruise around Cuba on your yacht, you may spot stingrays gliding gracefully beneath the surface or schools of colourful fish playing among the coral. Dolphins? They're not uncommon here - they often swim up to the boats just for the joy of fast company.

But beware! There's no fauna like fauna - crocodiles, for example, are definitely not pets on Cayo Largo. So if you decide to jump in the water near the shore, keep your eyes peeled (and hope they're not hungry right now). Still, Cuban nature is fascinating not only for its diversity, but also for how intact and wild it still is.

Advantages of a catamaran for sailing around Cuba

If you're wondering what boat to choose for your Cuban adventure, the answer is simple: a catamaran! And trust me, once you try this two-hulled beauty, you never want to go back to a classic sailboat.

Why a catamaran? Let's start with the stability - thanks to the two hulls, you won't feel like you forgot to eat your kinedryl while sailing. So even the less sea-tough will be happy on board. Plus, the catamaran offers plenty of space both inside the cabins and out on deck. Ideal not only for families with children or large groups of friends, but also for those who simply want to enjoy the comfort.

And what about practicality? Cuba can sometimes be a challenge when it comes to food availability and provisioning (or "what's missing from the local store's stock today?"). But with a large enough galley and catamaran storage space, you can easily go on longer cruises without the need for frequent restocking.

Last but not least, there is one important bonus: low draft! It allows you to get closer to shore than with a conventional boat. This means easier access to coral reefs or the ability to anchor in shallow lagoons where other boats simply can't.

In short, a catamaran in Cuba is a combination of comfort and freedom - exactly the mix that makes Caribbean sailing an absolutely unforgettable experience.

Comfort and practicality during the cruise

Let's face it - yachting in Cuba is not for those who want to dine at a buffet every night and have coffee from a designer espresso machine in the morning. But who would? Cuba invites you on an authentic adventure where luxury is measured by other values - like being able to fall asleep under the stars in absolute silence at anchor in a secluded bay.

A catamaran is the ideal choice not only for its space and stability, but also for its clever layout. The floats feature comfortable cabins with private bathrooms (yes, you can have a hot shower even in the middle of the Caribbean). The galley lounge is equipped with everything you need, from a fridge to ovens and cookers. So don't worry, you can prepare your own breakfast. And if not, there's always the captain as culinary backup.

There's plenty of room to relax on board - from the large seats at the stern to the net stretched between the catamaran's hulls, where you can lounge with a cocktail in hand and watch the sea below. Speaking of cocktails - don't forget to stock up on limes for your daily dose of mojitos!

You will appreciate the practicality of the catamaran especially when mooring in less accessible areas. Thanks to the low draft, you can afford to anchor near beaches or lagoons where a normal yacht would not even go. And what about the freedom? Having your own floating hotel means that whenever you crave a change of scenery, you can just pull up anchor and move on.

Whether you're heading to the wild Jardines de la Reina or one of the smaller islands, the comfort of a catamaran will ensure you feel right at home - just overlooking the endless Caribbean.

Cienfuegos and surrounding islands

Your adventure can start right here - in the charming port town of Cienfuegos. Famous for its colonial architecture and pastel-coloured buildings, this place is not only a gateway to Cuban waters, but also a great place to acclimatise before setting sail. Sailors usually use the local marina for final preparations - refueling or stocking up on supplies (although don't expect much in the way of Western-style supermarkets here).

There are several wonderful destinations from here. Islands like Cayo Guano or Cayo Sal are literally pearls hidden among the coral. The local white sand beaches look like something out of a postcard and the water is so clear you can see to the bottom without diving. What more could you ask for?

And if you're in the mood for a little exoticism and fauna, head towards Cayo Largo del Sur. This iguana paradise will enchant you not only with its nature, but also with its atmosphere of complete peace and solitude. But be careful when anchoring - besides stingrays, you may also see crocodiles!

Queen's Gardens Oblast

For the true adventurers, there is the Jardines de la Reina (or Queen's Gardens) protected area. This place is not only one of Cuba's greatest natural treasures, but also a diver's dream.

The Queen's Gardens are a vast system of coral reefs surrounded by mangroves and pristine sandy beaches. Unlike other popular Caribbean locations, tourism here is strictly regulated. That means only one thing - no crowded anchorages or noisy party boats.

You'll experience incredible moments of tranquility and connection with nature as you cruise the region. Snorkeling among schools of colorful fish or encountering whale sharks are among the highlights of any visit to the area.

Popular stops like Cayo Largo and Trinidad

Cayo Largo del Sur has earned a reputation as one of the most beautiful places in Cuba - rightly so! Its 27 kilometres of white beaches are inviting for swimming or lounging under a coconut palm tree. Don't forget to visit the Finca de Tortugas turtle farm or go snorkelling at the local coral reefs.

And if you're craving a bit of history? Move towards the cultural jewel of Trinidad. This UNESCO-listed city will amaze you with its colonial architecture and the tranquil atmosphere of its ancient streets paved with cat heads.

Drop anchor in Casilda harbour near Trinidad and explore the ancient sugar cane plantations or the beautiful Playa Ancón, one of Cuba's most beautiful beaches for snorkelling.

A complex mix of history, culture and natural beauty make these stops musts on any yachtsman's itinerary for a true Cuban experience!

Permits and border controls

If you think you'll sail into Cuban waters like a pirate from the Caribbean without the paperwork, you'll be disappointed. Cuba loves bureaucracy. And when I say loves, I mean really takes pride in it. Before you can sail around Cuba on a yacht, you have to get a marine permit, called a "despacho". Yes, that word will burn itself into your memory very quickly.

How does it work? When you arrive at your first marina, you will be visited by the Guarda Frontera - the local border guards - who will inspect your boat and documents. By the way, if you're lucky enough to get a female crew in uniform, they might make your day by looking at your shapely legs in a skirt. But back to the point. The inspection usually involves sealing a satellite phone (yes, really), stamping tourist cards, and occasionally a more thorough search.

Now be warned - to make things more interesting, in Cuba you also need a permit to move between ports or islands. So, before each new anchorage, you'll have to visit Guarda Frontera again. Prepare for lots of forms, stamps and smiles (these usually help resolve minor discrepancies).

Whether you plan to sail from famous Havana or quiet Cienfuegos, be sure to thoroughly research the current rules for entering the country and the required documents beforehand. Everything needs to be in order before you pull up anchor. Who wants to have trouble with the guards of a Caribbean paradise?

Recommended equipment and supplies on board

When planning a sailing trip around Cuba, there is a simple rule: what you don't have with you, you probably won't get. Cuban shops are not exactly a showcase of abundance and choice. Rather, be prepared for a minimalist assortment of rice, beans and canned tuna.

So good stock planning is essential. Don't forget to pack plenty of non-perishable foods - pasta, jarred sauces or dried fruit are the perfect partners for your on-board kitchen creativity. If you're a coffee or tea lover, be sure to bring enough of your own supply - Cuban coffee is great, but availability can be a lottery.

Drinking water? An absolute priority! While you'll have the option of using filtration equipment or water tankers on board the catamaran, it's not a bad idea to have a couple of jerry cans of water as a backup.

What about other amenities? Think practical: maps (and yes, paper ones!), a basic first aid kit containing everything from repellent to seasickness medication, and of course spare parts for the boat. Sunscreen is also essential - the Caribbean sun certainly doesn't pander.

One of the best tips is to invest in good quality snorkelling or diving equipment. The coral reefs around Cuba are breathtaking and it would be a shame not to take the opportunity to immerse yourself in an underwater world full of colourful fish and sea turtles.

In short, be prepared! And if you forget something? Well, at least you'll have another story to tell over a rum cocktail on board in the evening.

The best time to set sail

Cuban weather will spoil you all year round during your cruise - most of the time. An average air temperature of around 25-30°C and water never cooler than 24°C sounds like every sailor's dream. But... there's always a "but". The ideal season for sailing Cuba is the dry season between November and April.

During the winter months, the weather tends to be most stable with light trade winds from the northeast at 4-6 on the Beaufort scale - nothing too dramatic even for less experienced crews. In addition, local waters are out of reach of tropical storms and hurricanes during this season.

May through October is the rainy season with higher humidity (yes, you'll feel like a sauna 24/7). Showers tend to be short and violent - the good news is that the sun comes out right afterwards as if it were nothing.

But if you plan to sail between August and October, keep an eye on the weather and storm forecasts! This is the peak hurricane season in the Caribbean. Sailing during this time is not recommended without proper weather monitoring - a boat is not the place to experience the fierce Caribbean winds to the fullest.

All in all: if you want steady wind in your sails (literally) and clear skies overhead? Then aim your adventure right at the beginning of the year!

nfluence of winds and trade winds on navigation

When you say "trade winds", experienced sailors immediately think of the Caribbean. Cuba is no exception - trade winds rule the roost and are an integral part of the sailing adventure. From December to May, the wind blows steadily from the northeast, which is ideal for smooth sailing. Wind strength ranges from 4 to 6 Beauforts, which means comfortable conditions for most sailing crews.

But beware, trade winds are not always just friends. They can also bring so-called "Christmas winds" - sharp gusts of up to 7 Beauforts that let you know the Caribbean isn't all romantic beachside bliss. This is more common in the winter months, when high pressure systems in the northeast push winds across the islands with greater intensity.

The summer months, from June to October, are a different story. The winds diminish and sometimes even turn to the east or southeast. This may sound like great conditions for lazing on deck, but with it comes the risk of tropical storms and hurricanes - especially between August and October. So if you're planning a summer yacht cruise around Cuba, I recommend watching the weather forecast as closely as if your life were on the line (because in this case, it really is).

Whenever you decide to set sail, keep in mind the effect of the wind on the different areas around Cuba. In some stretches between islands, the wind can be stronger due to the narrowing of the space between land and sea - this is when you'll appreciate the stability of a catamaran!

Snorkelling off coral reefs and diving in the Caribbean

Pokud máte slabost pro podmořský svět, Kuba vás okamžitě očaruje. Představte si nekonečné korálové zahrady obklopené průzračnou vodou – tak jasnou, že můžete při šnorchlování pozorovat ryby snad i bez masky! Kubánské vody jsou domovem jedné z největších korálových bariér na světě a každý ponor tady je jako cesta do akvária.

Jedním z nejlepších míst pro šnorchlování je oblast Jardines de la Reina (Zahrady královny). Tento chráněný ekosystém je absolutní ráj nejen pro potápěče, ale i pro šnorchlaře všech úrovní dovedností. Zdejší vody jsou doslova přeplněné životem – od hejna barevných papouščích ryb až po obří želvy pomalu plující nad korály.

Pokud máte odvahu ponořit se trochu hlouběji (a máte potřebnou výstroj), potápění vám nabídne ještě intenzivnější zážitky. Plavte vedle elegantních žraloků hedvábných nebo se nechte fascinovat obřími goliáši ukrývajícími se mezi skalami. A pokud máte štěstí (a správné načasování), můžete spatřit dokonce žraloka velrybího!

Pro méně odvážné nebo začátečníky nabízí Cayo Largo del Sur ideální podmínky – mělčiny s klidnou vodou umožňují pohodové šnorchlování bez potřeby složitějšího vybavení. A co takhle začít den ranním skokem do vody přímo z paluby katamaránu? To je rozhodně zážitek k nezaplacení.

Potápění či šnorchlování v kubánských vodách není jen vizuální hostina; je to příležitost propojit se s přírodou tak blízko, jak to jen jde. Jen nezapomeňte respektovat zdejší křehký ekosystém – dotýkat se korálů nebo krmit ryby může způsobit více škody než radosti.

Discovering mysterious coves and wildlife

One of the main reasons to choose yachting Cuba as your next destination is the promise of complete freedom to explore places untainted by mass tourism. Cuba offers thousands of small islands and hidden coves waiting to be discovered - literally a paradise for any adventurer with a captain's hat.

One unforgettable stop may be Cayo Rico, for example - an island surrounded by turquoise waters and white sand so fine you'll feel like walking on silk. The lagoons here are home to southern stingrays and other exotic sea creatures.

Lovers of solitude will find their happiness in places like Cayo Algodón Grande, an island known for its incredible isolation and pristine nature. As you approach this place, you'll feel like you're the first person in a hundred years to set foot here.

But it's not just underwater that it's alive! The mangrove forests lining many of these islands are home to birds of every colour of the rainbow, as well as other animals typical of this region of the Caribbean. Mornings here are filled with the sounds of nature, from the birds singing to the quiet lapping of the waves washing up on the shore.

No matter where you drop anchor, every corner of the Cuban islands offers something unique: the solitude of the wilderness without cell service (yes!) or an authentic connection with nature at its purest.

Whether you're a seasoned sailor or just a dreamer looking for adventure, sailing Cuba will transport you to a world of beautiful bays, wildlife and Caribbean charm. So, are you brave enough to board? Embark on an exploratory cruise around Cuba and discover the magic of this unique paradise!