Cuba - American blue classic car with a white roof parked under palms direct on the beach in Varadero Cuba - Serie Cuba Reportage stock photo - Potential Hero - Getty

Yacht Charter
Cuba

A 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.

What Makes Cuba Special?

Caribbean Beauty

Cuba is home to stunning beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and breathtaking unspoilt coastal landscapes.

Untouched Gem

Due to its history of restrictions on tourism, Cuba remains less developed and less crowded than many other Caribbean destinations.

Authentic Connections

Cuba is renowned for its warm and welcoming people and genuine hospitality, which goes beyond the typical tourist experience.

Historical Heritage

Cuba has a rich history evident in its architecture, multiple UNESCO World Heritage sites and revolutionary landmarks. A yacht charter allows you to visit Havana, Trinidad, Cienfuegos, and other historic cities, where you can explore these gems

Changing Landscape

As Cuba embarks on a path of socio-economic transformation, visitors have the chance to witness a fantastic country still in transition.

Old-World Charm

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 yacht charter.

Emerging Destination

As Cuba continues to open up to tourism, yacht charters offer a unique way to explore this changing nation before it becomes more commercialised.

Rich Musical Heritage

Enjoy authentic Cuban music in local venues, from traditional son cubano to modern salsa.

Pristine Reefs

Partly due to the limited amount of tourism, keen snorkellers and divers can enjoy what are widely considered to be some of the healthiest coral reefs and most diverse marine ecosystems in the Caribbean.

Cuba Cuban musician playing trumpet, Havana, Cuba stock photo - iStock-609823776

Cultural Richness

Cuba is known for its vibrant and diverse culture, influenced by African, European, and Caribbean traditions. A yacht charter allows you to explore a variety of towns and cities, interact with locals, and immerse yourself in Cuban music, dance, and cuisine.

Not To Be Missed

Cienfuegos Town

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.

Trinidad City

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.

Isla de la Juventud

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.

Cayo Largo del Sur

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.

The Bay of Pigs

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.

Maria la Gorda

Sail to this renowned diving destination on Cuba's western tip, known for its clear waters and diverse marine life.

Havana City

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.

Cayo Guillermo

Explore the beaches and waters around this island in the Jardines del Rey archipelago, famous for its association with Ernest Hemingway.

Hemingway's Hideouts

Visit places like Finca Vigía and Cojímar, where Hemingway lived and found inspiration.

Caribbean - Male:Female - Swimming Cuba Caribbean Island

Gardens of the Queen

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.

Best Time To Visit

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.

Weather

Monthly weather for the area *

Avg. High Temp Avg. Low Temp Avg. Daily Rain (mm) Avg. Wind
JAN 29.4°C (85°F) 18.5°C (65°F) 0.0 wind direction 85degE
FEB 31.0°C (88°F) 19.6°C (67°F) 0.0 wind direction 76degENE
MAR 31.2°C (88°F) 20.3°C (68°F) 0.3 wind direction 107degESE
APR 33.2°C (92°F) 21.6°C (71°F) 0.7 wind direction 125degSE
MAY 32.0°C (90°F) 23.1°C (74°F) 2.6 wind direction 108degESE
JUN 32.4°C (90°F) 24.3°C (76°F) 2.2 wind direction 125degSE
JUL 35.4°C (96°F) 24.6°C (76°F) 1.8 wind direction 71degENE
AUG 34.5°C (94°F) 25.3°C (77°F) 2.5 wind direction 96degE
SEP 33.5°C (92°F) 24.4°C (76°F) 2.3 wind direction 59degENE
OCT 31.8°C (89°F) 23.5°C (74°F) 0.9 wind direction 128degSE
NOV 30.4°C (87°F) 22.1°C (72°F) 0.6 wind direction 73degENE
DEC 28.2°C (83°F) 20.7°C (69°F) 0.5 wind direction 131degSE
* Weather information is based on the previous year's records at local weather stations.

Local Essentials

Language

The official language of Cuba is Spanish, with English being also spoken in the tourist areas.

Currency

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

Tipping in Cuba is standard practice and the typical amount is 10% of the bill.

Boat Types In Cuba

Is A Yacht Charter Right For For You

Unique Perspectives

See coastlines and islands from vantage points inaccessible to land-based travellers.

Freedom to Explore

On a yacht charter, you have the freedom to plan your own itinerary and visit multiple destinations, with the journeys between them being part of the fun.

Connection with Nature

A yacht charter allows you to experience the sea, wind, and sky up close, not to mention the chance to spot dolphins or other marine life native to your cruising area.

Water Sports

Enjoy activities like snorkelling, kayaking, and paddleboarding with equipment readily available and often supplied with your charter boat.

Wellbeing

If you're looking for a total break from your everyday routine, a sailing holiday provides a truly different experience. Being rocked gently by the waves while surrounded by stunning nature is guaranteed to lower your stress levels.

Access to Secluded Spots

On a yacht charter, you can reach tucked away coves, quiet beaches, and small islands which are inaccessible to land-based tourists.

Customisable Itinerary

The weather doesn’t always do what you want, but with a boat you can easily adjust your plans based on weather, preferences, or unexpected discoveries.

Cultural Immersion

On a yacht charter you tend to visit multiple ports and interact with locals, which is great for experiencing the cultural life of your destination country in more depth.

Value for Groups

When comparing costs for accommodations, meals, and activities for larger groups, yacht charters often provide better value than a land based holiday.

Foxtrot, Hanse 458

Relax

The rhythmic motion of waves and the peaceful marine environment are the perfect tonic for getting away from it all.

Charter Types In Cuba

Bareboat Yacht Charters

A bareboat 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 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 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.

Skippered Yacht Charters

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

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.

How To Book

How To Book Your Yacht Charter From Cuba

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 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.

Pure Thoughts

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 yacht charter will be a truly unforgettable experience.

Also Discover

FAQ's

What Are The Main Things To Consider Before I Charter A Yacht?

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.

How Do I Choose The Right Yacht?

When chartering a 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.

What Type Of Yacht Can I Charter From Cuba?

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.

How Do Charter Fees Work When Chartering A Yacht?

Once you've found your perfect 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.

When Is The Best Times To Charter A Yacht From Cuba?

You can sail all year in the Caribbean, but the high season is from December to May.

How Long Does A Yacht Charter Typically Last?

The typical times for a 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.

What Happens If There Is A Problem With My Yacht Charter?

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.