A yacht charter to Cuba is very much like taking a step back in time. It’s a country that, at least in appearance, has remained largely unchanged since the mid-20th century. 1950s-era Chevrolets abound and Ché Guevara posters are still prevalent. It’s also an incredibly charming country – and one that until recently has largely been forbidden for Americans to explore.
Your luxury charter experience will start in Cuba’s world-renowned capital of Havana. Explore the sights and sounds of Old Havana, a UNESCO World Heritage site, while meandering through its four plazas – Plaza San Francisco de Asis, Plaza de la Catedral, Plaza de Armas, and Plaza Vieja. You will find centuries-old buildings, including some of the most celebrated architecture in North America.
One “must-see” site is El Morro, a stunning fortress located at the mouth of Havana harbor. La Cabaña fortress on the seaside of the bay features “gunshot of the nine”, another highly recommended attraction – soldiers dressed in historic military uniforms fire a cannon at 9 pm sharp. There is almost too much history to take in in Old Havana – from the Great Theater of Havana, where the National Ballet of Cuba and the National Opera continue to wow audiences, to the Museum of the Revolution, which can be found in the Presidential Palace.
No trip to Havana would be complete without dropping by the Havana Club Rum Factory. You’ll be able to watch the highly skilled workers there as they move through the rum distillery process – and when you’re tour is all wrapped up, there will be ample opportunity to purchase some of the rum (which is among the best in the world). We would highly recommend also stopping by the distillery’s bar, where an expertly-made daiquiri or mojito awaits. If you’re feeling peckish, the Creole dishes are absolutely delicious!
Of course, many people associate Havana with one of its most famous residents – the late, great Ernest Hemingway, whose Cuban home, Finca la Vigia, is now a museum where you can learn everything you’ve ever wanted to know about this legendary author. You’ll be standing on hallowed ground at the Hemingway’s home – after all, two of his most celebrated novels – “For Whom the Bell Tolls” and “The Old Man and the Sea” were written there. While you and your guests are there, we advise checking out Hemingway’s old wooden fishing boat, “Pilar” – it’s not going to seem like much of a boat compared to your luxury motor yacht, but it’s still pretty cool.
After the big city experience of Havana, Bahia de Cabana, an ultra-charming fishing village, is the perfect next destination for you & your guests. This tiny town will give you a taste of true Cuban life. The local beach is absolutely breathtaking, and the water is always warm. After some beach time, the perfect next stop is at the gorgeous local church, decorated in white and blue, in the middle of town. The local delicacies are impossibly sumptuous, and the best place to sample them is at one of the many family-run cafes in town. The freshly-caught local seafood is among the best in the world.
The mid-point of your trip will bring you to Cayo Levisa, a small cay along the northern coast of Cuba. This island is a popular destination for yachts, and with good reason – you really can’t beat the white sand beaches and crystal clear water found here. The fishing, snorkeling, and diving are flat-out superb. We highly recommend bringing along an underwater camera – you’ll likely never have a better opportunity for photographing the coral reefs and thriving marine life found along Cayo Levisa.
While much of your yacht charter will involve exploring Cuba’s vast coastline, the fifth day of your trip is an opportune time to travel inland, to Viñales. This town is known far and wide for its gardens, museums, farms, caves, and above all, its mountains & valleys. The topography is beyond dramatic.
Perhaps not surprisingly the Viñales Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It was designated so in order to highlight the Caribbean’s cultural development and its multi-ethnic society. The limestone caves at Cueva de José Miguel and Cueva de Santo Tomás are well wroth a visit. Other sites to visit include the Viñales Municipal Museum and Casa de Caridad Botanical Gardens.
Found at the western end of Cuba, Cayo Jutias is home to Cuba’s least visited beach – not because the beach is not extraordinary (it most certainly is), but because it is quite remote. Thankfully you have a motor yacht to bring you there. It’s the perfect spot to soak in sun rays, swim in azure blue waters, and traverse the 3km of soft white sand. The beach is also an ideal spot to break out the jet skis and other water toys. For divers, there’s a sunken Spanish galleon that’s absolutely incredible to see up-close-and-personal.
Back where it all started. You’ll cruise Havana’s port, providing a terrific opportunity to view the houses & beaches dotting the shore. You’ve already explored Old Havana, so we recommend heading over to Central Havana for some shopping. The University of Havana is also well worth a visit – it sits on a picturesque hill overlooking the city that, by now, must be pretty familiar to you.
