The 2015 Superyacht Summit organised by the U.S. Superyacht Association, held in West Palm Beach, Florida in March, saw a great discussion regarding the current and future state of the Cuban tourism industry in relation to Cuba yacht charter and yachting tourism in general. Although the non-American crew and private yachts can travel to Cuba, the recent announcement of the changes in travel restrictions for Americans are expected to increment the amount of charter yachts visiting Cuba in he future.
Cuba – Image credit to Cuba Tourist Board – Yachting
As reported by The Triton, during a Superyacht Summit session entitled “Cuba:The Last Frontier” a panel of yachting industry professionals suggested a rise in yachts visiting Cuba, aiding not only the local yachting industry but the local economy as well. It seems that the biggest impact is expected in the Cuban yacht charter industry. There are number of private yachts visiting Cuba each year, however charter yachts are limited due to the legal restrictions on Americans.
Cuba – Image credit to Cuba Tourist Board
Once the restrictions have been dropped, Cuba has a great potential of becoming a popular destination for American charter clients. Although the island is currently able to accommodate yachts up to about 150 feet only, there is plenty of areas to anchor out, not to mention the various areas to explore. Cuba represents a fantastic destination for charter guests seeking adventure and excitement, and something new to discover in addition to the popular Caribbean.
Cuba holidays – Image credit to Cuba Tourist Board
A law to eliminate tourism restrictions for the American travellers to Cuba has been proposed, however it still needs to be voted on. Currently all Americans can travel legally to Cuba, however with some limitations. When it comes to visiting Cuba aboard a boat/yacht, the vessel must have less than 10% American components, has to be registered outside of the U.S.; and there has to be a reason for its visit such as an environmental or professional research, or attendance of an event. Some expect the restriction to be dropped in about a year’s time, some longer. One thing is for sure, eliminating these restrictions will have a positive effect on the Cuban yacht charter industry as well as the local tourism industry in general.
Cuba – Image credit to Cuba Tourist Board
About Cuba Yacht Charter
“The most beautiful land eyes have ever seen” Christopher Columbus, 1492.
What better way to explore this fascinating island, situated between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, than on a luxury Cuba yacht charter? Cuba represent the largest country in the Caribbean, offering plenty of interesting destinations and a colourful culture. The island offers a beautiful array of landscapes, from green valleys to imposing mountains. It has hundreds of spectacular sandy beaches and crystal clear waters to cruise through.
Cuba – Aerial – Image credit to Cuba Tourist Board
One of the many places to visit in Cuba include the province of Holguin. It is a breath-taking rugged mountainous region, renowned for its undulating hills and exquisite beaches and a fantastic place for diving enthusiast with lovely diving sites and a variety of beaches, lagoons and bays waiting to be explored. The city of Holguin is also well worth a visit with La Periquerra (parrot cage) being one of its highlights. It is a historical museum where Spanish colonial troops hid behind the building’s barred windows during a native attack in 1868. Visitors on a Cuba charter yacht have the exclusive opportunity to visit Cayo Saetia, a tiny island, approachable by sea or helicopter only, which is home to imported animals like antelopes, buffalo or zebras.
Cuba – Image credit to Cuba Tourist Board
Travellers on a Cuba yacht holiday should not miss a visit to Havana. Havana represents the largest city in the Caribbean and for centuries it served as a gateway to the Gulf of Mexico. Havana’s historic centre, Old Havana was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1982, with the city’s firs building dating back to 1519.
Cuba – Image credit to Cuba Tourist Board
Trinidad de Cuba is another destination with ancient palaces and colonial architecture which has remained unchanged. It offers magnificent Caribbean beaches contrasted by the Escambray mountain range. Another UNESCO World Heritage Site from 1983 is the colonial town and nearby Valle de los Ingenios (Valley of the Sugar Mills).
Said to be one of the most Caribbean cities on the island of Cuba is the second largest city, Santiago de Cuba. The city saw a large influence by immigration and trade from the Caribbean islands and is particularly known for its carnival .
Cuba – Image credit to Cuba Tourist Board
Cuba’s almost 6000-kilometre coastline is dotted with about 200 sheltered bays, more than 4,000 keys and islets and 588 kilometres of beaches. Both the Atlantic and Caribbean sides of the island are sheltered by coral reefs, one of which belongs to the second-largest reef, originating in South America. When it comes to sailing and waters sports, Cuba has it all!
Cuba – Beaches – Image credit to Cuba Tourist Board
When planning for your next Cuba yacht vacation, make sure to choose a yacht broker that has access to all the yachts… And choose a company that works for you personally (not the yacht owner) and has your best interests at heart – like CharterWorld. We are the largest professional broker specialising in luxury yacht charters and we are the most dedicated – as evidenced by our happy customers here.
For additional information on Cuba yacht availability and personalised itineraries, please get in touch with our experienced charter agents who will be pleased to assist you in planning your next dream holiday.
