YACHTING IN CUBA'S SAPPHIRE SEA

US TRAVELER LEGAL - CUBA YACHT TOUR WITH KAYAKING, SNORKELING, HAVANA AND MORE.

Overview

TRIP LENGTH

10 days

SEASON

December through March

ADVENTURE TYPE

Cultural

Sea Kayaking

Walking

DESTINATION

Cuba

MIN. AGE

12 years

TRIP BEGINS/ENDS

Havana, Cuba

Cienfuegos, Cuba (or Havana)

NEAREST AIRPORTS

José Martí International (HAV)

Jaime González International (CFG)

Discover a Caribbean paradise on this Cuba yacht tour on the islands of southern Cuba, far from any crowds but rich in learning and discovery! Sail with us aboard an exclusive Cuban catamaran to the Canarreos Archipelago to kayak, snorkel and explore this island wonderland. Crystal clear waters where the healthiest reef systems of the entire Caribbean beckon us below to observe multiple species of tropical fish and coral and even sunken ships! On the surface we choose different routes each day based on your interests. We also bring a couple of stand up paddle boards on this yacht trip for those wishing to explore. As we paddle, the rich island bird-life captures our attention. Egrets, herons, gulls and osprey to name a few. We also see land iguanas and, on the island of Cayo Antiles, the only monkeys in Cuba!

You will not miss Havana! Our Cuba yacht tour ends on the sea but begins in Havana where mix in some walking tours of the city, enjoy a classic car ride, visit famous museums and spend some time highly-respected marine biologists that share their knowledge of the reefs and islands we’ll be visiting.

From Havana we head southeast to the “Pearl of the South,” Cienfuegos, and board our private catamaran limited to just six-eight passengers per departure. This is the first and only people-to-people catamaran trip offered in Cuba and is a fantastic adventure filled with meaningful interactions with Cuban people!

We set sail at night and in the morning awake to start our week of island paddling, learning, snorkeling and more. In the words of guide book author Christopher Baker, the islands here are “Sprinkled like diamonds across a sapphire sea” and are “a yachting and diving paradise.” Most of the islands we explore are only accessible by boat, and few make it to this remote corner of Cuba. We visit a biological research station, a remote beach restaurant, mangrove lagoons and white-sand beaches with silk-soft sand. At the end of our Cuba catamaran tour, we return to Cienfuegos where direct flights return you to the USA.

*Transfers back to Havana (3 hours) can also be arranged.

Itinerary

Day 1

Fly from the USA to Havana by mid-morning. Our first stop on the Cuba yacht tour is at Cuba’s most renowned environmental education and research center where we meet our first guest-lecturer. We are introduced to the area where we will be traveling by yacht, and learn about Cuba’s national preservation system of natural areas and particularly, marine conservation areas. In addition, we learn about joint Cuba-US marine research projects that have been going on many years.

After lunch we have an information and intriguing walking tour of old Havana. Mostly a pedestrian area due to the narrow streets, dozens of colonial buildings tell tales of swashbuckling invaders and eager colonists seeking to both sow and reap the island’s many rewards. We visit the classic Plaza de la Catedral, charming and oozing-with-history Plaza de Armas, serenely beautiful Plaza de San Francisco and the carefully-restored Plaza Vieja. Our local guide spins yarns and intriguing facts to bring to life these historic, yet relevant places that anchor the city.

Later in the afternoon we check into our hotel and then head for dinner at one of the city’s finer paladars (private restaurants) where you enjoy a Cuban feast. After dinner, those with energy may wish to enjoy some of Havana’s lively music scene, perhaps with a visit to the ultra-hip Fabrique de Artes Cubana, or a jazz or salsa club.

ACCOMMODATION : Havana Casa

MEALS INCLUDED : Dinner

Day 2

We return in the morning to learn more from our friends and mentors at the research center to prepare us better for life on a Cuba catamaran. Today we drill down into more specifics regarding some of the marine species we are likely to encounter, notably including various fish and corals. Because of the lack of development along Cuba’s coastline, the waters surrounding the islands are the healthiest in the entire Caribbean. Fidel Castro was an avid scuba diver and led an effort to conserve some of the most remarkable reef areas.

After our morning educational sessions, we head a bit further west to visit the art project of Fusterlandia, created by Jose Fuster. An entire neighborhood is adorned with his colorful mosaics and creations inspired by Gaudy and Picasso. We enjoy lunch at a nearby paladar. Then it’s time to learn about Cuba’s history with an excellent guided tour of the Museum of the Revolution. The story of Cuba’s political scene prior to 1959, and the ultimate victory of the Revolution is told through a series of rooms with photographs and memorabilia.

We return to the hotel, and a bit later meet for dinner at another fabulous paladar to talk about the upcoming Cuba yachting adventure. After dinner there’s time to stroll along the malecon, Havana’s social center with beautiful views of the sea and city skyline.

ACCOMMODATION : Havana Casa
MEALS INCLUDED : Lunch, Dinner

Day 3

After breakfast we step back in time with a visit to Ernest Hemingway’s house, Finca Vigia, where the author lived for almost 20 years and wrote some of his most famous works. It seems the author walked away just last week, as his books, papers and furnishings rest as if waiting for his return. From here we leave Havana, driving on the main road southeast towards Cienfuegos. On the way we stop at the Criadero de Cocodrillos, a project run by Cuba’s Flora y Fauna (similar to the US National Park Service) that breeds the rare and endemic Cuban crocodile.

On arrival in Cienfuegos, we have a guided walking tour of this UNESCO World Heritage designated city. In 1819, under the blessing of the Spanish crown, 137 French settlers arrived, coming from Louisiana and the Bordeaux region of France, to settle the city. The deep-water port became the economic engine of this charismatic city that is the port for our comfortable Cuba catamaran. In the late afternoon we board our home for the next six days, have an orientation briefing and dinner, and later in the night (weather permitting) set out under the Caribbean sky, heading southwest on our Cuban yacht to the beautiful archipelago.

Joining us is our Cuban captain and sailor. Over the next six days there will be plenty of time to learn about their lives and thoughts about Cuba, its history, culture and politics. This is the ultimate in meaningful interaction with Cuban people as our small group has these special days to converse and learn. As we travel, we experience pristine reefs, beautiful optics, disconnection from the distractions of daily life and paddles that can be easily tailored to your interests and skill levels.

ACCOMMODATION : Private Catamaran

MEALS INCLUDED : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4

We awaken at anchor, set among a tranquil bay for our first glimpse at this spectacular marine ecosystem. After breakfast we cruise a bit further, then lower kayaks into the water for our first paddle in the islands. We continue a bit further west before finding a suitable anchorage for the night. The day ends with what will now be our end-of-day routine. A celebratory beverage while watching the sunset, followed by dinner on board and then a deep slumber in the Cuba catamaran.

Meals on board are fresh, delicious and bountiful. Our captain and sailor double as cook and server, providing typical Cuban meals of fresh seafood such as fish and lobster, rice, salads and more. There’s a full-bar on board and they also mix-up thirst-quenching mojitos, Cuba libres and other favorites.

ACCOMMODATION : Private Catamaran
MEALS INCLUDED : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5-8

For four more days, we yacht among the islands of the Cuban archipelago. Weather and winds determine our exact stopping points and itinerary. We stop on sugar-white beaches. We paddle among mangroves to the rhythm of bird song and on waters the color of turquoise and jade. We stop at Cayo Largo to visit a biological research station and meet the local scientists to learn about their work and discoveries. This is where Henry Morgon, the legendary English privateer, brought his ship for repairs and in the area are several sunken galleons.

From Cayo Largo we head further west to explore and anchor at Cayo Rico, Cayo Iguana, Cayo del Rosario and Cayo Cantiles. Our days are mixed with paddling, snorkeling, beachcombing and relaxing on board. By Thursday we turn the Cuba catamaran back to the east, stopping as we journey when a remote cove beckons.

ACCOMMODATION : Private Catamaran
MEALS INCLUDED : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9

Day 10

It’s time to pack up and move off the boat by 11:00 am. For those flying directly from Cienfuegos back to the USA, there’s time to explore the town some more before the late afternoon flight. For those returning to Havana we will arrange transportation (three hours, not included) and if desired, overnight accommodations.

Or, even better, join one of our weekly land-based tours! We offer a sea kayaking tour, or a multisport tour starting on Sundays, a walking tour featuring Cuba’s National Parks on Saturdays, or two different bicycle tours that also start on Saturdays. If you combine two tours we offer a 10% discount!

MEALS INCLUDED : Breakfast

Dates and Rates

Dates	Non-Members(USD)	Perfect Paddle Members(USD)
Mar 16, 2018 to Mar 25, 2018	$3,950.00	$3,450.00	Call To Book

Supplementary Information

Single Supplement: $3,450

Note: Weather conditions dictate exactly what stops and distances we are able to cover. Every trip is somewhat unique, but we do our best to include those places we consider highlights. A flexible attitude will enhance your enjoyment of the trip.

Included:
• Experienced English-speaking guide(s)
• Specialized activity guides based on activity of trip (kayaking, walking, etc.)
• Specialized equipment needed for activities such as kayaks, paddles, personal flotation devices, etc.
• Private pre-tour orientation meeting
• Cuba Unbound hand-crafted itineraries
• Accommodations as noted in the itinerary
• All meals as noted in itinerary
• Certification of travel to Cuba under the U.S. Department of Treasury general license
• Small group size (Custom tours for 2, group tours are 16-18)
• All entrance fees to include events and activities
• All in-country ground transportation
• Clean drinking water available at all times
• Gratuities for presenters, luggage handling, and restaurant staff

Not Included:
• Round-trip air to/from Cuba
• Cuba Tourist Visa Fee (ranges from $50-$100 depending on where you buy it)
• Guide and driver gratuities
• Personal expenses such as souvenirs, gifts, additional drinks/entertainment, and incidentals

Images and Videos

Ship Details

Year: 2010
Length: 13.10 m
Beam: 7.35 m
Draft: 1.2 m
Electric: Inverter 12v/220v

Cabins:

4 cabins + 2 sgl + 2 front peak cabins / 4 bathrooms / Sleeps 10 total (6 or 7 guests)

Navigation/Electronics:
GPS Plotter, Auto Pilot, Wind Instruments, Speed Log, VHF, Inverter, Solar Panel.

Sails/Rig:
Main Sail battened, Roller Genoa, Lazy Jacks with Lazy Bag, Electric Anchor Windlass, Self tailing winches.

Equipment:
Semi rigid dinghy with 5hp Outboard Engine, CD Player, Cabin fans, BBQ, Bimini top, Jack for MP3 - i-pod/phone, Linen, Towels, Snorkeling gear.

STATEROOMS

Doubles

There are four double rooms, each with a private bathroom. There are also 2 single rooms. (*one of the doubles and the two singles are normally used for the crew)

Ship Photos

Decks Plans

FAQ & More

Do I need any experience to join the kayaking adventure?

Whether you are an avid sea kayaker or stepping into a sea kayak for your first time, you’ll enjoy these incredible trips. For those new to the sport, kayaking is easy to learn in the sheltered waters that we visit, and we provide all of the kayaking equipment and guidance needed. In addition, we keep our groups small so that you not only travel intimately among nature, but receive the necessary attention from our guides as well. Your guides will give you an introduction to paddling and you’ll have plenty of chances to practice. We take plenty of paddle breaks to observe the biodiversity and learn about the area from our knowledgeable guides. We do recommend that you get some paddling in before your trip as kayaking uses muscles you may not know you have. Getting a little experience and building some strength will help your enjoyment of the trip.

Will single kayaks be available?

What kind of equipment or gear should I bring?

Do I need to bring my own snorkel and fins?

What is the food like on board?