A motor yacht charter from Cuba offers an unforgettable journey to explore the vibrant culture and stunning coastlines of this Caribbean gem.
Cuba, is the most westerly of the Greater Antilles islands, sitting between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean just 90 miles (150 km) from Florida.
With over 3,000 miles of coastline, Cuba boasts breathtaking beaches, captivating coral reefs, and unspoiled Caribbean bliss.
The untouched beauty, rich history, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality provide all the ingredients for a truly memorable holiday. Sailing through its Caribbean waters, you'll feel a wonderful blend of relaxation, adventure, and cultural immersion. This off the beaten track gem promises a superb voyage for every sailor seeking an authentic and diverse experience.
Cuba is home to stunning beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and breathtaking unspoilt coastal landscapes.
Due to its history of restrictions on tourism, Cuba remains less developed and less crowded than many other Caribbean destinations.
Cuba is renowned for its warm and welcoming people and genuine hospitality, which goes beyond the typical tourist experience.
Cuba has a rich history evident in its architecture, multiple UNESCO World Heritage sites and revolutionary landmarks. A motor yacht charter allows you to visit Havana, Trinidad, Cienfuegos, and other historic cities, where you can explore these gems
As Cuba embarks on a path of socio-economic transformation, visitors have the chance to witness a fantastic country still in transition.
With its vintage cars, colourful buildings, and classic architecture, Cuba has a nostalgic feel that takes you back in time. From the streets of Havana to the coastal cities, the country exudes old-world charm, creating a truly unique and magical experience during your motor yacht charter.
As Cuba continues to open up to tourism, motor yacht charters offer a unique way to explore this changing nation before it becomes more commercialised.
Cuba is known for its vibrant and diverse culture, influenced by African, European, and Caribbean traditions. A motor yacht charter allows you to explore a variety of towns and cities, interact with locals, and immerse yourself in Cuban music, dance, and cuisine.
Explore the picturesque city of Cienfuegos, known as the "Pearl of the South" for its stunning French-influenced architecture and French influence. Visit the historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stroll along the Malecón, and explore nearby natural attractions like El Nicho Waterfalls.
Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Trinidad and immerse yourself in its colonial past. Explore the cobblestone streets, vibrant plazas and colourful buildings. Historical sites such as Museo Romántico are well worth a visit, or climb the nearby Escambray Mountains for breathtaking panoramic views.
A cruise southwest to the Isla de la Juventud (Isle of Youth) provides the opportunity to explore untouched landscapes and dive in pristine waters which boast fabulous marine life and shipwrecks to explore.
Sail to Cayo Largo del Sur, a small island known for its 17 miles of powdery white sands and crystal-clear waters. Snorkel or dive among vibrant coral reefs, relax on secluded beaches and enjoy water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding in some of the tranquil lagoons.
Visit the Bay of Pigs (Bahía de Cochinos), a historic site famous for the failed 1961 invasion. Explore coral reefs teeming with marine life, dive into underwater caves and cenotes, and learn about the region's history at the Museo Giron.
Sail to this renowned diving destination on Cuba's western tip, known for its clear waters and diverse marine life.
Enjoy some time ashore in the fantastically atmospheric capital city of Cuba. Explore historic Old Havana, walk along the Malecón, and soak up the vibrant culture and architecture of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Explore the Jardines de la Reina where you can dive or snorkel in this remote marine reserve, famous for its untouched coral reefs and variety of marine life.
The high season in Cuba runs from December to April, and it is typically dry and sunny, so expect more visitors around this time.
May to June is the shoulder season with fewer visitors but still warm temperatures. The low season is July to November when temperatures remain high, but it is typically wetter.
Monthly weather for the area *
| Avg. High Temp | Avg. Low Temp | Avg. Daily Rain (mm) | Avg. Wind Direction | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JAN | 29.4°C (85°F) | 18.5°C (65°F) | 0.0mm |  E |
| FEB | 31.0°C (88°F) | 19.6°C (67°F) | 0.0mm | ENE |
| MAR | 31.2°C (88°F) | 20.3°C (68°F) | 0.3mm | ESE |
| APR | 33.2°C (92°F) | 21.6°C (71°F) | 0.7mm | SE |
| MAY | 32.0°C (90°F) | 23.1°C (74°F) | 2.6mm | ESE |
| JUN | 32.4°C (90°F) | 24.3°C (76°F) | 2.2mm | SE |
| JUL | 35.4°C (96°F) | 24.6°C (76°F) | 1.8mm | ENE |
| AUG | 34.5°C (94°F) | 25.3°C (77°F) | 2.5mm | E |
| SEP | 33.5°C (92°F) | 24.4°C (76°F) | 2.3mm | ENE |
| OCT | 31.8°C (89°F) | 23.5°C (74°F) | 0.9mm | SE |
| NOV | 30.4°C (87°F) | 22.1°C (72°F) | 0.6mm | ENE |
| DEC | 28.2°C (83°F) | 20.7°C (69°F) | 0.5mm | SE |
The official language of Cuba is Spanish, with English being also spoken in the tourist areas.
Cuba has two currencies, the Cuban Peso, which Cubans use for everyday transactions, and the Cuban Convertible Peso, which is a currency that is primarily used by tourists and is pegged to the US dollar.
It's also advisable to also bring either US dollars, Euros and GBP as all are accepted.
Tipping in Cuba is standard practice and the typical amount is 10% of the bill.
For luxury and comfort on the water, a motor yacht charter from Cuba is hard to beat with many offering a range of activities from water sports to spa treatments to enhance your experience.
Depending on the individual yacht's amenities, you can try out jet skis, paddleboards, kayaks and more. The power of most motor yachts also means you can cover more ground and explore a greater variety of locations. This combination of luxury, freedom and relaxation is what motor yacht charters are all about.
A luxury motor yacht charter from Cuba offers custom-designed vessels boasting cutting-edge technology and lavish amenities.
With a wide array of water toys available, the yachts powerful engines and advanced stabilisation systems ensure smooth, swift travel to your chosen destinations.
While onboard, a highly skilled crew, including trained chefs and wellness experts, provide impeccable, personalised service.
A luxury motor yacht charter isn't just a vacation; it's an immersive journey and a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation and tailored luxury.
Motor yachts have powerful engines, so typically offer higher speeds and can cover greater distances than sailing yachts.
Motor yachts generally provide a more stable platform than the average sailing yacht, both while cruising and at anchor.
Motor yachts rely exclusively on engine power, whereas a sailing yacht typically uses wind and sail as their primary source.
While they can cover more range in shorter times than sailing yachts, this means motor yachts consume more fuel which can affect your final costs for the charter.
Motor yachts are less dependent on wind conditions, allowing for more predictable and potentially wide-ranging itineraries and schedules.
The experience on a motor yacht is often more akin to a luxury hotel, with the emphasis on comfort and amenities.
Many motor yachts have a relatively shallow draft or hull depth, allowing them to access areas that deeper-keeled sailing yachts cannot.
Motor yachts often feature more expansive interior spaces and amenities as the design isn't constrained by sailing requirements.
A bareboat motor yacht charter with Pure Yachting gives you the freedom to create your own itinerary and explore Cuba and beyond at your own pace. Tailor your trip to match your preferences, and if you need advice or inspiration our charter experts will always be on hand to suggest areas to explore.
We select our motor yacht fleet from trusted operators, chosen by us for the quality of their boats and the fact they offer a high level of service. To charter a motor yacht you'll typically need a qualification such as the RYA Day Skipper, the AS104 Bareboat Cruising, ICC certification or be able to demonstrate relevant experience.
With a professional skipper at the helm to confidently navigate around Cuba and beyond, you’re free to relax and enjoy every moment. The skipper's expertise ensures smooth sailing, allowing you to immerse yourself in the beautiful surroundings.
However, if you fancy getting more involved, our fully qualified skippers will be more than happy to show you the basics, or help you brush up your sailing skills.
On skippered charters, there's also the opportunity to add a host or hostess who can prepare meals and help with tasks such as childcare, concierge services and housekeeping.
Crewed yacht charters from Cuba come in many shapes and sizes, ranging from sleek superyachts to luxury catamarans, contemporary motor yachts to classic yachts and more, all with crews who are committed to ensuring your comfort, safety and enjoyment.
Each trip offers the opportunity to create a unique journey and our charter experts will guide you through choosing the perfect boat and customising the itinerary to your specification. Whatever your preferences, we take care of all the details, ensuring you and your party have a unique and unforgettable holiday.
Cuba is a popular charter destination, and therefore, booking your dream boat in advance (typically six months ahead) is best to secure your preferred dates in this perfect destination.
You can search for your dream motor yacht via the link below, or if you want one of our charter experts to do the searching for you, click the link below to get them working on creating the perfect trip.
Whether sailing along the famed Varadero coastline or exploring the secluded cays of the Canarreos Archipelago, visitors are treated to spectacular views and incredible swimming, snorkelling, and diving opportunities.
Aside from its natural beauty, Cuba is also steeped in history and culture, offering a unique glimpse into a world long forbidden to many travellers. The historic cities of Havana, Trinidad, and Cienfuegos are UNESCO World Heritage sites and showcase the colonial past, colourful architecture, and charming cobblestone streets. Exploring these cities by yacht allows visitors to fully immerse themselves in Cuba's vibrant atmosphere, with opportunities to sample local cuisine and music, visit art galleries, or stroll along the Malecón seawall at sunset.
Furthermore, Cuba's warm and welcoming people make it a really special place to visit. Cubans are known for their hospitality and zest for life, and a yacht charter here allows you to experience the country's unique blend of Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences first-hand.
With its untouched beauty, rich history, vibrant culture, and warm people, Cuba has a unique charm that makes it an exceptional choice. Whether seeking relaxation, adventure or cultural immersion, sailing through Cuba's turquoise waters and discovering its hidden treasures on a motor yacht charter will be a truly unforgettable experience.
If you are doing a bareboat charter, you need to consider if you have the relevant sailing licences. If you are on a skippered or crewed charter, it's good to understand the weather conditions for the trip so you can bring the appropriate clothing and think about which locations you would like to visit so as you can let the skipper know.
When chartering a motor yacht from Cuba, consider factors such as budget, yacht size and type, along with the crew when relevant to make sure they're a good fit for you and your party.
There are typically four main types of boats and yachts you can hire in Cuba, which are Sailing Yachts, Catamarans, Motorboats, and Luxury Yachts which includes Superyachts.
Once you've found your perfect motor yacht, you will typically pay an upfront deposit fee for holding the boat (these vary from 20% to 50% of the charter fee), and then you will pay the rest one month before departure.
You can sail all year in the Caribbean, but the high season is from December to May.
The typical times for a motor yacht charter are either 7 or 14 days, but you can charter boats longer if you wish. Most charters, particularly in high season, start on Saturdays and finish seven days later.
The good news is we spend a lot of time vetting who we work with, so this rarely happens, but if there is a problem, you can contact your charter company or ourselves who will be available to sort out any issues.