As the largest island in the Caribbean, a visit to Cuba offers a wide array of destinations, including historic locations and UNESCO World Heritage sites. Cuba attracts more than a million visitors each year and over the last couple of decades, the tourism industry has risen spectacularly to meet demand.
Often thought of as the rebellious pearl of the Caribbean, Cuba is not your usual Latin American destination. It is an island that spans many traditions and trends. Cubans are modern, proud of their country's history and have been regarded as ‘the friendliest people in the world’. With fabulous 1950s American cars, mind-blowing mojitos and a real sense of stepping back in time, Cuba is a Caribbean destination with a difference.
Cuba’s luxury yacht cruising options are as exciting as they are enigmatic. There is a unique draw to this tropical island that combines salsa and rum-filled nights with days exploring Cuba’s lush green forests, 289 beaches and spectacular dive sites. Cuba is also a great stepping stone as a yacht charter spot due to its proximity with The Bahamas, Belize, Honduras and Florida.
No Cuban yacht charter is complete without a stop in Havana, the bustling capital. Dilapidated charm and historical gravitas aside, it is a hotbed of Latin American culture, set in a jumble of colonial-meets-Soviet-brutalist architectures. A new generation of music is springing up and representing Havana’s modern aspirations, including urban soul, electronica and jazz. Don’t miss out on Hemingway’s two favourite watering holes - La Floridita for a daiquiri and La Bodeguita del Medio for a mojito.
From Havana, head to the island’s far western tip, the least developed part of Cuba, where one can enjoy superb snorkelling and diving for all abilities. Find an anchorage in the bright turquoise waters of the Bahía de Corrientes bay or nestled in the Guanahacabibes National Park. Then, head east to the Isla de la Juventude for the untouched beaches of Cayo Largo and Cayo Rosario.
As an island country, Cuba is actually an archipelago of 1,600 islands and 4,000 islets with huge potential for exploration and adventure. Exploring the Cuban islands by luxury superyacht is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.