CUBA SELECT TRAVEL SUGGESTED ITINERARIES
These itineraries give examples for one- and two-week cruises from Cienfuegos,
to the cays and islands off the south coast of Cuba. Variations due to weather
may become necessary, and the interests and requirements of the guests aboard
should also be considered. It cannot be guaranteed that all points mentioned
here are accessible at all times. Temporary and permanent restrictions may
apply. Based on information as of October 2003.
CRUISE 1 - CANARREOS ARCHIPELAGO (1 WEEK)
Day 1-2
75 nm Cienfuegos - Cayo Largo del Sur
Morning: Shopping for provisioning, visit of historical city centre, tobacco
factory and Punta Gorda residential area (Optional)
Embark yacht at marina 1800 hrs and briefing with yacht skipper
Evening: Dinner in stylish historical ‘Club Cienfuegos’ within
walking distance of marina (optional).
Depart yacht berth for night cruise through the Caribbean tropical waters to
Cayo Largo
Day 2
Cayo Largo del Sur
Arrive Cayo Largo Marina morning to noon. Full Service Marina and Diving Center
with excellent beaches. On the way, as far as time permits, snorkelling is
possible at the two big coral reefs off Cayo Ingles or –close to Cayo
Largo – near Cayo Hijo de los Ballenatos.
Visit to „Finca de Tortugas“, a sea turtle farm and breeding
station. A tour guide gives explanations about the animals’ life and
habitat. 10.00 a.m. to 4 p.m., entrance fee 1 USD. (optional)
Afternoon: Anchoring off and dinghy excursion to fine white beaches with
natural pools, snorkelling and diving spots on and near Cayo Largo.
Evening: Nightlife of international Cayo Largo tourism resort (optional)
Night in the marina or anchoring near world-famous Playa Sirena beach with
protection to north, east and south.
Day 3
35 nm Cayo Largo - Canal del Rosario
Morning: Anchoring in narrow mangrove canal and dinghy excursion to Cayo Iguana
( 2 nm from Cayo Largo). Feeding and petting of free-living iguanas. Early
morning hours recommended before tourism groups form Cayo Largo hotels arrive.
Cruising west with a stopover at the excellent beach of Playa Rosario with coco
palms, pine trees and a nearby coral reef for snorkelling.
Night: Anchoring near Canal del Rosario, which offers protection against all
prevailing winds.
Day 4
40 nm Canal del Rosario - Diego Pérez Lighthouse
Morning: Visit to Cayo Cantiles biological reserve centre with monkeys and
other wildlife, managed by CITMA -Ciencia, Tecnología y Medio Ambiente
(optional)
Sailing north via Canal del Rosario on shallow turquoise waters of Golfo de
Batabanó, on the way visit of lobster and fishing centres of Cayo
Travesia or Cayo Flamenco. Occasionally flamingos can be seen in the Cayo
Flamenco - Diego Pérez area.
Night: Anchoring near Diego Pérez Lighthouse.
Day 5
35 nm Diego Pérez Lighthouse - Cayos Sal or Guano del Este
Morning: Visit to nearby Cayo Ernesto Thaelmann and the memorial of the 1930s
German communist leader Ernst Thaelmann who was murdered in a nazi
concentration camp, untouched beaches and natural beauty of this uninhabited
island. Here you can find a beautiful beach with a lot of pine trees around,
also some free-living iguanas and birds that have their habitat there.
Sailing onto Cayos de Dios, Sal or Guano del Este. Snorkelling/diving at coral
reef with wide variety of fish and shellfish. Breeding area of Bobo and other
birds. Anchoring for the night near Guano del Este lighthouse. Formerly, the
lighthouse could be visited; we expect such permission again in the near
future.
In the northwest of Cayo Guano there is a small beach and coral reef for
snorkelling. Anchorage protected to the east.
Cayo Sal anchorage is protected to the southeast and east, if necessary go to
the other side of the island, which is safe in northerly winds. Off a small
beach are two “cabezos“, or coral heads, for underwater
exploration.
Day 6
45 nm Cayo Guano del Este - Guajimico
Weighing anchor in early morning hours, sailing east across excellent fishing
waters near Jagua Reef to Guajimico, a narrow cove with a small hotel village
of about 50 cabins in wonderful mountainous setting. Restaurant, swimming pool,
diving.
Day 7
15 nm Guajimico - Cienfuegos
Morning: Walking excursion on natural path to caves (optional)
Sailing back to Cienfuegos, arriving in late morning hours. Disembark yacht.
Excursion by bus or taxi to the Dolphinarium, dolphin and sea lion show,
swimming with dolphin’s possible (optional)
Evening: Dinner in stylish historical ‘Club Cienfuegos’ within
walking distance of marina (Optional)
Additional nights in modern five-star ‘Hotel Jagua’ near marina or
four-star, historical (1869) ‘Hotel Unión’ in city centre
(optional)
Visit to Havana recommended (optional)
CRUISE 2 - CANARREOS ARCHIPELAGO AND ISLAND OF YOUTH (2 WEEKS)
Day 1-2
75 nm Cienfuegos - Cayo Largo del Sur
Morning: Shopping for provisioning, visit of historical city centre, tobacco
factory and Punta Gorda residential area (optional)
Embark yacht at 1800 hrs and briefing with yacht skipper
Evening: Depart yacht berth for night cruise through the Caribbean tropical
waters to Cayo Largo
Day 2
Cayo Largo del Sur
Arrive at Cayo Largo Marina morning to noon. Full Service Marina and Diving
Center with excellent beaches. On the way, as far as time permits, snorkelling
is possible at the two big coral reefs off Cayo Ingles or –close to Cayo
Largo – near Cayo Hijo de los Ballenatos.
Visit to ‘Finca de Tortugas’, a sea turtle farm and breeding
station with turtles. A tour guide gives explanations about the animals’
life and habitat - 10.00 a.m. to 4 p.m., entrance fee 1 USD (optional)
Afternoon: Anchoring off and dinghy excursion to fine white beaches with
natural pools, snorkelling and diving spots on and near Cayo Largo.
Evening: Nightlife of international Cayo Largo tourism resort (optional)
Night in the marina or anchoring near world-famous Playa Sirena beach with
protection to north, east and south.
Day 3
35 nm Cayo Largo - Canal del Rosario
Morning: Anchoring in narrow mangrove canal and dinghy excursion to Cayo Iguana
(ca. 2 nm from Cayo Largo). Feeding and petting of free-living iguanas. Early
morning hours recommended before tourism groups form Cayo Largo hotels arrive.
Cruising west with a stopover at the excellent beach of Playa Rosario with coco
palms, pine trees and a nearby coral reef for snorkelling.
Night: Anchoring near Canal del Rosario, which offers protection against all
prevailing winds.
Day 4
30 nm Canal del Rosario - Cayo Campos or Cayo Matías
Morning: Visit to Cayo Cantiles biological reserve centre with monkeys and
other wildlife, managed by CITMA - Ciencia, Tecnología y Medio Ambiente
(optional).
Sailing via Cayo Avalos (small beach and lighthouse, anchorage), Cayo Campos
(Natural reserve with lush vegetation, observation of animal life, beach,
snorkelling/diving) to Cayo Matías (lobster and fishing centre with
dock), in good weather diving opportunity at a shipwreck near Cabezo del Sambo.
Day 5
50 nm Cayo Matías to Punta Francés (Isle of Youth)
Leaving early to sail along the scenic south coast of Isle of Youth. In the
centre of this forested and mountainous stretch with interesting geological
formations is the highest lighthouse of Cuba, Carapachibei.
This island - earlier Pine Island or ‘Isla de Pinos’ and originally
named ‘La Evangelista’ by Columbus upon it’s 1494 discovery -
was a hiding place for pirates of the 16th to 18th centuries. Celebrities like
Anne Bonney, Sir Henry Morgan and Sir Francis Drake, who possibly died here,
are connected to the island, which is supposed to be the model for
R.L.Stevenson’s ‘Treasure Island’.
Night anchoring near the Punta Francés diving centre, which also has a
dock, restaurant and rustic ‘Ranchon’ bar near the beach. Coral
reef for snorkelling. One of the world’s most significant diving areas
with 56 designated diving zones. Co-ordination of diving activities for the
next morning (optional).
Nearby is a nice beach with a lot of vegetation, and guided explorations on a
hiking trail in the area declared a National Park. Watching birds and other
animals (optional)
Day 6
30 nm Punta Francés - Ensenada de los Barcos
If interested in diving, in the morning explore various spots of the Punta
Francés diving area with a diving instructor, who can be booked at the
site (optional).
Continue to Ensenada de los Barcos, a large bay with excellent protection on
the way to Nueva Gerona.
Day 7
20 nm Ensenada de los Barcos - Nueva Gerona Harbour
Sailing along the west and north coasts of Youth Island leads to the
island’s capital, Nueva Gerona. A typical, unspoiled small Cuban city
with restaurants and other facilities. Excellent starting point to explore the
island’s sights, museums and National Parks, guided tours by Rumbos and
Transtur travel organizations (optional).
Night docking in the commercial port of Nueva Gerona (no marina services and
facilities). Shopping for provisioning is possible in the city, diesel
available at a Cupet gas station.
Day 8
Isla de la Juventud (optional excursion)
Guided tour of the Island (Presidio Modelo, Finca El Abra, La Fé, Punta
del Este with prehistoric cave paintings), late afternoon relaxing at black
marble beach of Playa Bibijagua.
Day 9-10
60 nm Nueva Gerona - Diego Pérez Lighthouse
Sailing on shallow turquoise waters of Golfo de Batabanó, on the way
visit of lobster and fishing centres of Cayo Traviesa or Cayo Flamenco.
Occasionally flamingos can be seen in the Cayo Flamenco - Diego Pérez
area.
Night: Anchoring near Diego Pérez Lighthouse.
Day 11
35 nm Diego Pérez Lighthouse - Cayos Sal or Guano del Este
Morning: Visit to nearby Cayo Ernesto Thaelmann and the memorial of the 1930s
German communist leader Ernst Thaelmann who was murdered in a nazi
concentration camp, untouched beaches and natural beauties of this uninhabited
island. Here you can find a beautiful beach with a lot of pine trees around,
also some free-living iguanas and birds that have their habitat there.
Sailing on to Cayos de Dios, Sal or Guano del Este. Snorkelling/diving at coral
reef with wide variety of fish and shellfish. Breeding area of
„Bobo“ and other birds. Anchoring for the night near Guano del Este
lighthouse. Formerly, the lighthouse could be visited; we expect such
permission again in the near future.
In the northwest of Cayo Guano there is a small beach and coral reef for
snorkelling. Anchorage protected to the east.
Cayo Sal anchorage is protected to the southeast and east, if necessary go to
the other side of the island, which is safe in northerly winds. Off a small
beach are two „cabezos“, or coral heads, for underwater
exploration.
Day 12
45 nm Cayo Guano del Este - Guajimico
Weighing anchor in early morning hours, sailing east across excellent fishing
waters near Jagua Reef to Guajimico, a narrow cove with a small hotel village
of about 50 cabins in wonderful mountainous setting. Restaurant, swimming pool,
diving.
Day 13
15 nm Guajimico - Cienfuegos
Morning: Walking excursion on natural path to caves (optional).
Sailing back to Cienfuegos, arriving in late morning hours. Disembark yacht.
Excursion by bus or taxi to the Dolphinarium, dolphin and sea lion show,
swimming with dolphin’s possible (optional).
Evening: Dinner in stylish historical ‘Club Cienfuegos’ within
walking distance of marina (optional).
Additional nights in modern five-star ‘Hotel Jagua’ near marina or
four-star, historical (1869) ‘Hotel Unión’ in city center
(optional).
Visit to Havana recommended (optional).
CRUISE 3 - JARDINES DE LA REINA AND TRINIDAD (1 WEEK)
Day 1
15 nm Cienfuegos - Guajimico
Morning: Shopping for provisioning, visit of historical city centre, tobacco
factory and Punta Gorda residential area (optional)
Embark yacht at 1800 hrs and briefing with yacht skipper
Evening: Dinner in stylish historical ‘Club Cienfuegos’ within
walking distance of marina (optional).
Depart yacht berth for night cruise through the Caribbean tropical waters to
nearby Guajimico arriving in the morning. Guajimico is a narrow cove with a
small hotel village of about 50 cabins in wonderful mountainous setting.
Restaurant, swimming pool, beach, diving.
Day 2
40 nm Guajimico - Cayo Blanco
Morning: Walking excursion on natural path to caves (optional).
Late Morning: Sailing southeast to Cayo Blanco
Day 3
20 nm Cayo Blanco – Cayo Zaza de fuera
Sailing on the way to Cayo Zaza de Fera you can visit Cayo Machos de Afuera,
where it is possible to find some iguanas and a small restaurant.
Day 4
20 nm Cayo Zaza de Fuera – Cayo Breton
A short day’s cruise leads to Cayo Bretón, separated by several
narrow channels and marked by a lighthouse. Here begins the ‘Gardens of
the Queen’, a natural reserve area of exceptional beauty and almost
untouched. You will find the Caribbean unchanged to how Columbus once
discovered it, thus becoming a paradise for sailors, divers and fishermen.
Flamingos, turtles and iguanas roam here, and lobsters are numerous enough to
be your daily diet. Treasures from old day pirates are said to be scattered on
the seafloor as well as hidden on the cays.
Day 5
50 nm Breton – Trinidad.
Back to civilization in full-facilities Marina Trinidad
Day 6
Trinidad (optional excursion)
Discover the best-preserved historical city of Cuba, restored to its 16th
century apparel and ranked World Heritage Site by the UNESCO. A must when in
Cuba! Combine this with a tour to the tropical forests, cascades and natural
pools of the Escambray mountains.
Leave in the late evening hours for the way back to Cienfuegos sailing through
the tropical night.
Alternatively, the excursion to Trinidad can be organized from Cienfuegos by
car or bus (100 km) on the following day. In this case, sail back to Cienfuegos
during the day.
Day 7
60 nm Trinidad – Cienfuegos
Sailing back to Cienfuegos through the tropical night, arriving in the early
morning hours. Disembark yacht.
Excursion by bus or taxi to the Dolphinarium, dolphin and sea lion show,
swimming with dolphin’s possible (optional).
Evening: Dinner in stylish historical ‘Club Cienfuegos’ within
walking distance of marina.
Additional nights in modern five-star ‘Hotel Jagua’ near marina or
four-star, historical (1869) ‘Hotel Union’ in city centre
(optional).
Visit to Havana recommended (optional).
