A Guide to Sailing in and Around Cuba

Palacio de Valle in Punta Gorda provides a charming blast from the past
Palacio de Valle in Punta Gorda provides a charming blast from the past | © Bildagentur-online/Schickert / Alamy
Damien Gabet

Cuba is incapable of doing things by halves. Its port cities are bursting with Latin drama: the salsa, the mojitos, those cigars. Of course, there’s a dramatic history to uncover in its crumbling colonial architecture, too. For the nature lovers? The most biodiverse spot in the Caribbean brings with it Unesco-protected coral reefs teeming with more shark species than you knew existed. World-class diving happens in topaz waters, and there are miles of untouched coastline to explore. In a word, thrilling.

Sail around the Cuban coast in style, or spend longer discovering the Ocean Atlas by joining us on a Sailing Trip in the Bahamas or British Virgin Islands.

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Uncover my top 3 recommended places from each continent on the map.
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CentralAmerica

GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini
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1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

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CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini
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2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
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CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini
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3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
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SouthAmerica

ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
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1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

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SouthAmerica

ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic
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2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
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Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic
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1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

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Europe

EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
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2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
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Europe

COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture
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3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
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Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic
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1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

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Asia

THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic
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2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.
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Asia

SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture
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3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
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Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic
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1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

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Africa

ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic
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2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
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Africa

IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic
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3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
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What to see and do

Before setting sail from Cienfuegos, it pays to have a look around. The Pearl of the South has some knockout architecture, best enjoyed with a stroll down waterfront Punta Gorda, followed by the neoclassical Paseo del Prado. Rum-infused sundowners at waterside Club Cienfuegos complete a special day.

Cienfuegos is home to a distinct architectural style

The largest of Cuba’s coral cays, Unesco-hotspot Cayo Largo is destination one for snorkelling. The prettiest of the reefs is just off Playa Sirena, where you’ll bump into rays and a hammerhead shark or two. Onshore, flamingos and hummingbirds are arresting, but it’s the noble turtle that steals the show, nesting on beaches whiter than your charter’s sails.

Playa Sirena beach is up there with Cuba’s finest

And, of course, the capital Havana. Walk towards the first vintage American car you see and enjoy a chauffeured cruise along the legendary Malecón esplanade. Have your driver drop you at Hamel Alley in central Havana. It’s the best spot to imbibe the Afro-Cuban culture through street art and live rumba.

Best mooring locations

Marlin Marina Cienfuegos is the launchpad for your Cuban yachting adventure. While you’re there, be sure to spend some time at Club Cienfuegos, whose ostentatious architecture and white-glove service lend a golden-age atmosphere.

Marlin Marina is a quality mooring locale in Cienfuegos

If you drop anchor anywhere, stop between Cayo Anclitas and the Los Jardines de la Reina archipelago. What’s known as the Galapagos of the Caribbean, is an uninhabited wilderness with over 50 diving sites. Otherwise, don’t miss paradisiacal Varadero on the Hicacos Peninsula, where you’ll find Cuba’s most beautiful beaches.

Where to eat and drink

Between food shortages, and the insipid meals of its state-run restaurants, Cuba was known for its dismal dining scene. Things improved dramatically when private restaurants or paladares were first permitted in the ‘90s, though, and now quality cocina criolla is out there. Just up the road from Marina Hemingway in Havana is the venerable old La Fontana. It serves the city’s best barbecue food (careful, as portions are huge) and pairs it with live jazz. Not far away is El Rum Rum, which does a lip-smacking seafood stew. It also has both a wine and cigar sommelier. On the south coast, Cienfuegos’s Doña Nora on the Prado, dishes French flavours with silver service.

Paladar La Fontana is a private restaurant established in 1995 in Havana’s Miramar district

Where to get groceries

If you’re looking to load up before setting off from Cienfuegos, the nearest minimarket is Punta Gordo on the Paseo, which stocks dry goods in bulk, depending on availability. For fresh fruit and veg, you’re best off heading to the farmer’s market near Plaza José Marti.

Key annual sailing events

The only sailing event of note in Cuba is the Conch Republic Cup, a one-way, week-long regatta every May, from Florida’s Key West to Havana. American political pressure forced a hiatus in 2003, but the race – which aims to foster good relations between the two countries – started up again in 2016.

A race in full swing during Key West Race Week

Climate and weather

Reliable trade winds blow from the east, with a tendency to the north in winter and south in summer. Wind speed averages at 10 to 15 knots in winter and 5 to 10 knots in summer. Cuba’s tropical climate makes it agreeable year-round, though for consistent blue skies visit in spring. Hurricane season in Cuba runs from June to November, though Cuba experiences the lowest frequency of hurricanes in the Caribbean.

How to get there

The quickest and easiest way to Cienfuegos from Havana’s José Martí international airport is by car, which takes about three hours. If you’re travelling relatively light and want to keep spending down, take the direct trains (seven hours) or buses (five hours). The latter runs twice daily (7am and 10:45am).

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