Grand Cayman Sailing Holiday to Cuba

CUBA is a fascinating island with outstanding natural beauty and an incredibly rich and historical cultural background. The culture derives bizarre from a combination of its colonial past and its Amerindian / African roots.

Close off of the South Coast of Cuba lies the Archipelago of Los Canarreos. Consisting of more than three hundred cayos (islands) ,the islands are surrounded by a reef. This is a paradise for scuba divers, snorkeler and for those who love to sail and explore. You will land on the most beautiful Caribbean beaches. Some cayos are deserted, while others are inhabited only by lobster fishermen, lighthouse keepers, or maybe just by iguanas and turtles. Cayo Largo is the only cayo with a significant tourist infrastructure and a marina.

Shown below is an example itinerary.

DAY 1 : Grand Cayman to Cayo Largo (140nm)

Embark at the Cayman Islands Yacht Club. Depart the marina for a night cruise, heading north through the Caribbean tropical waters to Cayo Largo.

DAY 2 : Cayo Largo

An opportunity to explore Cayo Largo. There are two big coral reefs off Cayo Ingles or Cayo Hijo de los Ballenatos. You can anchor off and explore in your dinghy. There are plenty of beautiful white sand beaches, plus snorkelling and diving spots on and near Cayo Largo. Nightime can be spent in the marina or anchored near Playa Sirena beach.

DAY 3 : Canal del Rosario (34nm)

A brief 2nm sail will bring you to Cayo Iguana for a morning swim. Then a westward cruise with a stopover at the beach of Playa Rosario. There is a nearby coral reef with good snorkelling. The overnight anchorage at Canal del Rosario, offers good sheltered protection from the winds.

DAY 4 : Golfo de Batabano (42nm)

An opportunity to visit the Cayo Cantiles reserve to see the monkeys and other wildlife. Sail north via Canal del Rosario on the unspoiled turquoise waters of Golfo de Batabanó, on the way you can visit the lobster and fishing villages of Cayo Travesia and Cayo Flamenco. Overnight, anchor near the Diego Pérez Lighthouse.

DAY 5 : Guano del Este (34nm)

Sail the breeze to Guano del Este or Cayos de Dios. Snorkel on the coral reefs with abundant fish, hard and soft corals. Anchor for the night near Guano del Este lighthouse. In the northwest of Cayo Guano there is a small beach and coral reef for snorkelling.

DAY 6 : Cayo Largo (38 nm)

Weighing anchor in early morning and sail east to Cayo Largo. Stop and snorkel at one of the reefs. Enjoy dinner ashore.

DAY 7 : Grand Cayman (140 nm)

Leave in the afternoon and enjoy a brisk sail south towards Grand Cayman, with fishing along the way. There is a good chance of catching some mahi mahi to be enjoyed as fresh as it comes. Arrive back in Grand Cayman around breakfast time.