Most people don’t realize that Cuba’s coastline is 40% longer than Florida’s and is largely undeveloped and unspoiled.
This feature alone is a major reason why yacht owners have been flocking to Cuba since the island nation and the U.S. have re-established diplomatic relations. Amazing architecture, paladares (private restaurants), culture and the arts are all reasons to set sail to Cuba.
Yet getting there requires a significant amount of planning and permitting prior to the start of your journey – whether by land or by sea. For a variety of reasons, yachting to Cuba is different from sailing to any other place in the Caribbean. Even an indirect transit to Cuba that involves returning to a U.S. port will trigger the need for permits and rules adherence.
Marina Hemingway, operated by Cuba government-owned Cubanacán, is Cuba’s largest marina with a capacity of about 100 vessels. The marina is located nine miles west of Havana and just 90 miles east of Key West.
In addition to offering polished group and private tour packages to Cuba, Carlson Maritime Travel is now offering a compliant service package for vessels wanting to sail and dock at Marina Hemingway or at other marinas in Cuba.
Here’s what included:
- Cuban application for permit to enter marina (Carlson supplies the permit application, submits it for you and assist with any clarifications)
- US Coast Guard (USCG) application for permit to enter Cuban territorial seas* (Carlson supplies the permit application, submits it for you and assist with any clarifications)
- USCG requirements/information on re-entry to U.S. waters
- Request and secure slip at Marina Hemingway
- Information on pricing for water, electric and additional marina services
- Cuban permission for crew entry form
- Issuance for Cuban visas (additional $85.00 per person)
- Marina Hemingway permit fee (additional approx. $85.00 usd)
- Assisting payment to Marina Hemingway for slip and permit (service and exchange fees apply)
- Assistance with required people-to-people exchange per your general license
- Guides, transportation, accommodations, etc.
- Arrange flights in and out for those sailing one way or meeting the boat
- Required U.S. OFAC travel affidavit for U.S. re-entry
- Required medical insurance while in Cuba
Call Carlson Maritime Travel at 727.945.1930 for Vessel Package to Marina Hemingway
*Passports must have at least 6 months’ expiration date to travel to Cuba
*Passengers and crew born in Cuba may require an HE-11 visa which must be obtained through the Embassy
