Clearance in Cuba

[Jack_Sparrow]

Dear Sailors,

I am on my way to Cuba and I have just been informed that I can do check in and clearance in specific ports of Cuba. I would be cruising from Puerto Rico throught Dominican Rep., Haiti to Havana. I am cruising power boat so diesel is very important thing for me. I have found in 2 cruising guides that I can buy diesel and do check in in Baracoa, east end of Cuba. That place is perfect for me to prepare for rest of my trip but just recived info from one of sailors that the closests port for me would be Puerto de Vita. Can you confirm that for me or give me some info how to do that in Baracoa ?

Regards

[Dave852]

Your first port of entry on the north coast is Puerto de vita. You can not stop anywhere before that. A lot of rules can be bent in Cuba but that's not one of them.


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[Sailormantx]

Diesel is usually available in Puerto de Vita. Formalities are not difficult, just time consuming. They are friendly, but take their paperwork very seriously. You will not step off the boat, not even to put a line on the dock until the doctor gives you pratique. On arriving, leave the last bouy to port as you make the right turn towards the marina or you will come to an abrupt stop:-). You may not want to admit to arriving from Haiti, they are absolutely paranoid about anyone arriving from there with cholera. Two years ago this was a big issue, I don't know if it still is.

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[gtpinhei]

I only docked in Marina Gaviota in Varadero and travelled around mostly by car. So don't know where would be your entry port.

We came from Nassau, so chosen Varadero do dock. I heard other cruisers sailed around areas supposedly not open for cruising and there is not much control, but would recommend checking in before and maybe bringing a local who can tell you where to go, specially if interested in fishing.

We were very welcomed by the doctor and customs officials, as well as very well cared by all staff at Marina Gaviota. Diesel, water and food supplies available there. I didn't shop for parts or any maintenance related products there, but would guess it may be more of an issue. Professional services are widely available f you need to, although I didn't use anything.

25 USD for the visa may be paid at arrival.

[Jack_Sparrow]

Originally Posted by Dave852

Your first port of entry on the north coast is Puerto de vita. You can not stop anywhere before that. A lot of rules can be bent in Cuba but that's not one of them.Attachment 125655


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You are another person that tells me this bad news :/ What do you suggest for me to get to Puerto de Vita ( this place would be out of my range with my diesel tank )

[Jack_Sparrow]

Originally Posted by gtpinhei

I only docked in Marina Gaviota in Varadero and travelled around mostly by car. So don't know where would be your entry port.

We came from Nassau, so chosen Varadero do dock. I heard other cruisers sailed around areas supposedly not open for cruising and there is not much control, but would recommend checking in before and maybe bringing a local who can tell you where to go, specially if interested in fishing.

We were very welcomed by the doctor and customs officials, as well as very well cared by all staff at Marina Gaviota. Diesel, water and food supplies available there. I didn't shop for parts or any maintenance related products there, but would guess it may be more of an issue. Professional services are widely available f you need to, although I didn't use anything.

25 USD for the visa may be paid at arrival.

Can I inform Baracoa by phone that I am running out of diesel and I need to take diesel from them?

Can I do check in other way them regular way?

[Jack_Sparrow]

Originally Posted by Dave852

Your first port of entry on the north coast is Puerto de vita. You can not stop anywhere before that. A lot of rules can be bent in Cuba but that's not one of them.Attachment 125655


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Can I buy a diesel without a clearance in Baracoa?

[Dave852]

It's not that far, have you considered extra tanks or going slower?


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[gtpinhei]

Originally Posted by Jack_Sparrow

Can I inform Baracoa by phone that I am running out of diesel and I need to take diesel from them?

Can I do check in other way them regular way?

Best would be getting some sails ;-)

Call Havanatur and verify with them. They are very helpful.

Cheers

[Jack_Sparrow]

Originally Posted by gtpinhei

Best would be getting some sails ;-)

Call Havanatur and verify with them. They are very helpful.

Cheers

Would be bit hard with sails but will think about that

I will call them thanks