Cuba Yacht Charter Itinerary

A Cuba yacht charter will allow you to experience all that the country has to offer. Towns with colorful buildings and cobblestone streets await you, filled with antique cars, lively music, delicious food, open air markets, and captivating historical landmarks.

Days 1 & 2: Old Havana, the Havana Rum Factory, and Hemingway House

Begin your yacht charter in Havana and step back in time. Venture through the streets of Old Havana, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and stroll through its four plazas – Plaza de Armas, Plaza San Francisco de Asis, Plaza Vieja, and Plaza de la Catedral – while admiring the old buildings. Visit El Morro, the beautiful fortress at the mouth of Havana harbor. Stop by the impressive La Cabaña fortress on the east side of Havana Bay for the “gunshot of the nine,” when soldiers dressed in historic uniforms fire the cannon at 9pm. Experience an evening at the Great Theater of Havana, home to the National Ballet of Cuba and the National Opera. To discover more about Cuba’s history, head to the Museum of the Revolution, located in the former Presidential Palace.

No visit to Havana is complete without a tour of the Havana Club Rum Factory. You’ll see a reconstruction of the rum distillery process, including the coopers who make the casks to the sugar cane harvesters. When your tour concludes, visit their boutique to purchase some rum and other signature items for yourself or as gifts. You can also visit their bar to sample some of the rums available, sip on a daiquiri or mojito, dine on international and Creole dishes, and enjoy live music.

One of Havana’s most famous residents was Ernest Hemingway, and his Cuban home, the Finca la Vigia, is now a museum where you can learn more about the author. Hemingway purchased the modest home in 1940, and wrote two of his most acclaimed novels — For Whom the Bell Tolls and The Old Man and the Sea. The Hemingway Museum is located here, where you can learn more about his life while he lived on the island, and see his wooden fishing boat, Pilar.

Day 3: Bahia de Cabanas

Experience a taste of true Cuban life in Cabanas, a quaint fishing village. After sailing into Bahia de Cabanas, relax on the lush, sandy beach and take a dip in the warm waters. Stroll through the village and stop by the beautiful local church, decorated in blue and white. For a snack, visit one of the family-run cafes and sample local delicacies. Meet some of the local fishermen and buy freshly caught seafood that your chef can prepare to perfection.

Day 4: Cayo Levisa

Cayo Levisa is a small cay located along the northern coast of Cuba with pristine white sand beaches and surrounded by crystal clear water. This tranquil spot is popular with yachters year-round, especially for snorkeling, diving, and fishing. Visibility is great so you’ll want to remember your underwater camera to snap some photos of the vibrant sea life.

Day 5: Viñales

Travel inland to Viñales, a town known for its mountains and valleys with farms, caves, gardens, museums and more. The Viñales Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage site that highlights the cultural development of the Caribbean and its multi-ethnic society. Take a tour through limestone caves at Cueva del Indio, Cueva de José Miguel, and Cueva de Santo Tomás. Other attractions include the Viñales Municipal Museum, Casa de Caridad Botanical Gardens, and the Museo Paleontológico.

Day 6: Cayo Jutias

Located at the western tip of Cuba in the Colorados Archipelago, Cayo Jutias is best known for its 3km stretch of white sand known as Cuba’s most undiscovered beach. It’s the perfect spot for sunbathing, swimming, and long walks. If you’d rather get the adrenaline pumping rather than relaxing, hit the waves for some jet skiing. Below the surface of the water are coral reefs teeming with life and shipwrecks. Divers will love exploring the sunken Spanish galleons.

Day 7: Return to Havana

Upon your return to Havana, cruise through the port and take the in view of the houses, beaches, and remnants of the private clubs that once lined its shores. Once docked, head into Central Havana for some last-minute shopping, or explore the University of Havana campus that sits on a hill overlooking the city.