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scuba0_1 · 03-04-2018, 14:33

We sailed to Cuba at the end of March and I wanted to write about our experience. We found that much of the information we were given was incorrect.

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We started the paperwork process about 5 months ago, getting our USCG 3300 form. *You will need this! Cuba did not ask for it, but US customs did when we returned to the States.*

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We chartered a Jeanneau 41 DS from Key West. We left on Thursday and sailed to the Dry Tortugas. From there we sailed to Cuba, this assisted with the Gulf Stream. We made the trip in 19 hrs. There was a Catamaran that left Key West and traveled straight to Cuba, their sail took 31 hours.*

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The sea buoy at the entrance of Hemingway Marina is not in the correct *spot on the charts. *Lat and Long said it was it was about a mile closer in shore. *In addition, most of the lights (on the channel markers) do not work.*

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We arrived*at 8am*and pulled up the the blue*customs dock.**

When we pulled up, a gentleman introduced himself and said he was going to help us thru the check in process/slip location. *He was extremely helpful and spoke great English. He also mentioned that he was able to assist with obtaining whatever you need during your stay.*

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*All agents were professional and polite. *Each agent asked permission to board and waited for me to board first.

The first custom agent that came on the boat asked for our passports, boat registration, and crew list.* She filled out all her paper work quickly and*asked me to sign her papers. She informed us that she would be getting our visa information and other agents would be boarding shortly.*

The next 2 agents were the K9 teams. *They quickly searched/walked thru the boat and left.

Next person was the Doctor, he asked us medical questions, took our temperature and filled*out his papers.* He asked us to sign his paperwork said thank you*and left.

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The original agent returned, filled out the rest of our paper work and asked that we remain on the boat.

Another agent then came to*the boat and asked for my 1 crew member to follow her to the customs office. In the office, she took my crew member’s photo and gave her the required visa. *My crew member was now legally in Cuba.*

I was than asked to go*to the office where my picture was taken. I had to sign a few extra forms stating that I was the captain of the boat and then given my visa.

After returning to the boat, we were given out slip assignment.* We motored to it and docked.

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At the slip there was a group of people; line handlers, boat washers, trash collectors*and an electrician.*

The only one you need to use is the electrician. He*hooks up the boat at no charge. As stated previously, the others are optional. *We had no trash and didn’t need the boat washed and politely*declined their services

At the slip there was a group of people; line handlers, boat washers, trash collectors*and an electrician.*

The only one you need to use is the electrician. He*hooks up the boat at no charge. As stated previously, the others are optional. *We had no trash and didn’t need the boat washed and politely*declined their services.*

At this point 2 department of Agriculture officers*boarded and asked us questions about food we had on board. *They itemized our fresh fruit/meat. *After answering, we received*our clearance and they departed.

The next and last official to*board was the harbor master.

He was very detailed and explained each charge for the marina and customs office. I believe the price per day for the slip was *27.00. *The price included water, electrical, and trash.* He went over the exit procedure and informed us that we would pay our entrance/visa*fee which was around$75 per person. *After he went over the charges, we signed and he left.*

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We were now cleared into the country.*

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As you can see, at no point did they ask for or expect tips.*

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Before we left the States, we purchased candy bars, cold beverages and office supplies. I offered each person that came on board anything on the table. That was it. There is no need to tip nor did they seem they would*take it. *The food, soda, toiletries, office supplies were much appreciated by the staff. *

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While we were there, we utilized the bus loop to travel to Havana. It picked us up at the marina and there are 2 bus loops/routes you can use. Cost about $11 dollars per day, per person. *It was great. Before we arrived, people told us you could get a driver for hundreds a day. This is not the case, nor is it necessary. We took a taxi into Havana the first day for $25. *We asked the*driver if he would assist us getting around the city the following day. He said he would do it for $45, all day in a car that had AC! Don’t get scammed!*

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When we left, we followed the check out process. *The*night prior to our departure,*we squared up our bill with the harbor master. The bill was exactly as he explained. There*is an optional tip on the bill. *He was very clear that it did not need paid. *The follow morning, we pulled up to the customs dock at 7am.* The custom agent came on board. She escorted me to the office with my passport. *She*signed off on the paper work, took my picture and cleared me out of the*country.*

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She then explained the boat would need checked. *We walked to the boat and she opened*all lockers and rooms. It appeared she was*looking for person(s)on board. The check out process took less than 30 min.*

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We left Cuba*and made it back to Key West*in 13 hrs. *Yes, the boat was flying!*

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We called into the Coast Guard*station, answered the questions and received our confirmation number. Later we visited the customs office to complete the check in process. The customs office was extremely professional. *They*asked us if we had our 3300 form, if we brought anything back from Cuba and some other additional questions. *The entered some information*on the computer and checked us back in. Very efficient*and quick. There was no back rooms with spot lights or persons in black suits with dark glasses.*

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Please understand the Cuban*people are very poor. *It was* amazing* to meet all the*people. It was very frustrating that we were told and anticipated tipping, scams and bribes. *None of this is true! The Cuban people were kind and in no way expecting hand outs. *If you go there, *help them. *They need basic personal items. *For example, toilet paper is rationed in Cuba. *Small items like pens, soda, travel shampoo/conditioner can go a long way

Steadman Uhlich · 03-04-2018, 15:06

Very good post!
Thanks for sharing your experience and observations in detail.
I would like to make it to Cuba, as crew on a boat.
Your post is helpful

chris mac · 03-04-2018, 15:58

Great post. It sounds like you had a good time.
I've been twice now and it remains one of my favorite places because of the people. They are very kind, honest and friendly.
They are poor financially, but have a rich culture. It is also one of the safest destinations for travellers.

john61ct · 03-04-2018, 18:37

Wonderful report, good news, and inspiring!

Thanks so much for taking the time.

Seymore · 03-04-2018, 19:05

What was the hurricane damage like? Instead of shampoo and soap, you might consider carrying in things like several dozen electrical receptacles and switches.

Seymore · 03-04-2018, 19:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by scuba0_1

Please understand the Cuban*people are very poor. *It was* amazing* to meet all the*people. It was very frustrating that we were told and anticipated tipping, scams and bribes. *None of this is true! The Cuban people were kind and in no way expecting hand outs. *If you go there, *help them. *They need basic personal items. *For example, toilet paper is rationed in Cuba. *Small items like pens, soda, travel shampoo/conditioner can go a long way

It's a totally different economic system. They get "free" housing, free medical care, free university, free (I think) groceries, free etc.--for example 'toilet paper is rationed', because coupons are the system of distribution.

They're not poor, like in United States poor. This being said, I'll make a stretch and point out that their "equivalent income" is about a little more than twice Social Security....

denverd0n · 04-04-2018, 05:13

Curious who you chartered the boat from. I am a little surprised that they would let you take a chartered boat to Cuba. Did the charter company check out your paperwork ahead of time?

leboyd · 04-04-2018, 05:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by denverd0n

Curious who you chartered the boat from. I am a little surprised that they would let you take a chartered boat to Cuba. Did the charter company check out your paperwork ahead of time?

I'm interested in this question also.

Lake-Effect · 04-04-2018, 06:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by scuba0_1

We sailed to Cuba at the end of March and I wanted to write about our experience. We found that much of the information we were given was incorrect.

Thanks for sharing your experience.

TheOffice · 04-04-2018, 06:40

Great write-up!

We flew to Cuba January 2017 and had a great experience. Cabs are expensive, everything else is cheap. US credit cards and ATM cards are useless.

scuba0_1 · 04-04-2018, 07:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by leboyd

I'm interested in this question also.

Yes they knew and had the correct issuance

scuba0_1 · 04-04-2018, 07:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by denverd0n

Curious who you chartered the boat from. I am a little surprised that they would let you take a chartered boat to Cuba. Did the charter company check out your paperwork ahead of time?

You have to turn in a float plan to the charter company so they were aware of where we were going and they had the correct insurance. Also had to get permission from the owners which they were fine with.