|
|
These route suggestions by our Skipper,
Jesus Rodriguez Aguilar give examples for one and two-week cruises from Cienfuegos to the cayos and islands off the south coast of Cuba. Variations due to weather may become necessary and the interests and requirements of the guests aboard should also be considered. It can not be guaranteed that all points mentioned here are accessible at all times. Temporary and permanent restrictions may apply.
|
| |
| Detailed tours:
|
| |
 |
| |
| |
1- Cienfuegos
Historical city center theater, cathedral, museums shops, protected national heritage area Punta Gorda, Palacio de Valle and ancient wooden villas Surroundings Castillo de Jagua, Delphinarium, beaches, botanical garden, Excursions Trinidad Escambray mountains, El Nicho.
2- Cayo Guano del Este, Cayo de Dios
Lighthouse, beaches, breeding area of„ bobo" birds snorkeling the reef with a wide variety of fish and coral
3- Cayo Largos
Fine white sand beaches, natural pools, very clear water. International tourism resort with many shops hotels, restaurants, nightlife, diving center
4- Cayo Rosario and Cayo Cantiles
Beaches, snorkeling. Biological reserve center of Cayo Cantiles with monkeys and iguanas. The warden will be happy to give explanations
5- Cayo Campos
Natural reserve with lush vegetation. Observation of animal life, beach, snorkeling
6- Cayo Matias
Wide variety offish and coral at the reef. Visit of lobster collection center and see the everyday life of the fishermen
7- Isla de la Juventud - Punta del Este
Prehistoric cave and rock paintings, which were discovered by a shipwrecked in 1910. (Restricted area as of 2003)
8- Isla de la Juventud - South Coasts
Varied, mountainous and forested stretch of coast with interesting geological formations. Carapachibeik - the highest lighthouse of Cuba This island of pirates and exiled is supposed to be the model for R. L. Stevenson's, Treasure Island"
9- Isla de la Juventud - Punta Frances
One of the world's most significant diving areas with 56 designated diving zones. International diving center
10- Nueva Gerona
The capital of Isla de la Juventud is an excellent starting point for all other sights and attractions of the island (Presidio Modelo, Playa Bibijagua with dark marble sand, Finca El Abra, La Fe, Punta del Este)
11- Cayo Traviesa - Cayo Flamencos
These islands are home of a fishing and lobstering center, occasionally famigos can be seen here
12- Diego Perez LT - Ernst-Thslmann-Insels
Anchorage near Diego Perez lighthouse, the a visit to Ernst Thaelmann island, symbolically donated to East Germany in 1972 by Fidel Castro. Pristine beaches surrounded by pine trees, free-living iguanas and birds
13- Guajimicos
Narrow cove in mountainous setting with a lovely small hotel village. Restaurant, swimming pool diving canter and natural path to caves
14- Sierra del Escambray
Tropical mountain forest with cascades, finca's, k horseback riding and more. Excursions from Trinidad or Cienfuegos.
15- Trinidad
One of Cuba's oldest cities and UNESCO world heritage site. The marina is about 15 km out of town.
16- Cayo Blanco
Small islet with daytime restaurant
17- Cayo Breton - Jardines de la Reina
Small channels separate this island, which is the beginning of the „Jardines de la Reina" natural park a virtually untouched area of exceptional beauty stretching a hundred miles southeast. Flamingos turtles, iguanas and lobster are found here as well ask pirates' treasures.
1, 3, 10, 15: Places with provisioning opportunities (fuel, water, electricity, food, hotels, restaurants) |
|
|
CRUISE 1 |
| CANARREOS ARCHIPELAGO (1 WEEK, CA. 245 NM) |
top ▲ |
| |
|
 |
| |
| 1 |
Cienfuegos - Cayo Largo del Sur
Morning: Shopping for provisioning, visit of historical city center, tobacco factory and Punta Gorda residential area
Late afternoon: check-in
Evening: Leaving for night cruise to Cayo Largo |
| |
|
| 3 |
Cayo Largo del Sur
Arriving at Cayo Largo Marina morning to noon. Full Service Marina and Diving Center with excellent beaches. On the way, as far as time permits, snorkeling is possible at the two big coral reefs off Cayo Ingles or -close to Cayo Largo - near Cayo Hijo de los Ballenatos.
Visit to "Finca de Tortugas", a seaturtle farm and breeding station with turtles from small to big. A tour guide gives explanations about the animals' life and habitat. (10.00 a.m. to 4 p.m., entrance fee 1 USD)
Afternoon: Anchoring off and dinghy excursion to fine white beaches with natural pools, snorkeling and diving spots on and near Cayo Largo.
Evening: Nightlife of international Cayo Largo tourism resort
Night in the marina or anchoring near world-famous Playa Sirena beach
with protection to north, east and south.
Cayo Largo - Canal del Rosario
Morning: Anchoring in narrow mangrove canal and dinghy excursion to
Cayo Iguana (ca. 2 nm from Cayo Largo). Feeding and petting of free
living iguanas. Early morning hours recommended before tourism groups
form Cayo Largo hotels arrive.
Cruising west with a stopover at the excellent beach of Playa
Rosario with cocos palms, pine trees and a nearby coral reef for
snorkeling
Night: Anchoring near Canal del Rosario, which offers protection against
all prevailing winds.
|
| |
|
| 4 |
Canal del Rosario - Diego Pérez Lighthouse
Morning: Visit to Cayo Cantiles biologiocal reserve centre with monkeys and other wildlife, managed by CITMA (Ciencia, Tecnologia y Medio Ambiente). |
| |
|
| 11 |
Sailing north via Canal del Rosario on shallow turquoise waters of Golfo de Bataband, on the way visit of lobster and fishing centres of Cayo Travesia or Cayo Flamenco. Occasionally flamingos can be seen in the Cayo Flamenco - Diego Pérez area.
Night: Anchoring near Diego Perez Lighthouse. |
| |
|
| 12 |
Diego Pérez Lighthouse - Cayos Sal or Guano del Este
Morning: Visit to nearby Cayo Ernesto Thaelmann and the memorial of the 1930s German communist leader Ernst Thalmann who was murdered in a nazi concentration camp, untouched beaches and natural beauties of this uninhabited island. Here you can find a beautiful beach with a lot of pine trees around, also some free-living iguanas and birds that have their habitat there. |
| |
|
| 2 |
Sailing on to Cayos de Dios, Sal or Guano del Este.
Snorkellingldiving at coral reef with wide variety of fish and shellfish. Breeding area of"Bobo" and other birds. Anchoring for the night near Guano del Este lighthouse. Formerly, the lighthouse could be visited, we expect such permission again in the near future.
In the northwest of Cayo Guano there is a small beach and coral reef for snorkeling Anchorage protected to the east.Cayo Sal anchorage is protected to the southeast and east, if necessary go to the other side of the island, which is safe in northerly winds. Off a small beach are two „cabezos`, or coral heads, for underwater exploration. |
| |
|
| 13 |
Cayo Guano del Este - Guajimico
Weighing anchor in early morning hours, sailing east across excellent
fishing waters near Jagua Reef to Guajimico, a narrow cove with a small hotel village of about 50 cabins in wonderful mountainous setting.
Restaurant, swimming pool, diving.
Leuchtturm Diego Pérez
Morning: Walking excursion on natural path to caves.
Sailing back to Cienfuegos, arriving in late morning hours. Check-out.
|
| |
|
| 1 |
Excursion by bus or taxi to the Delphinarium, dolphin and sea lion show, swimming with dolphins possible
Evening: Dinner in stylish historical "Palacio del Valle" or , Club Cienfuegos" within walking distance of marina.
Additional nights in modern five-star "Hotel Jagua" near marina or fourstar, historical (1869) „Hotel Union" in city centre.
Visit to Havana recommended. |
| |
|
|
CRUISE 2 |
CANARREOS ARCHIPELAGO AND ISLAND OF YOUTH (2 WEEKS, CA. 395 NM)
|
top ▲ |
| |
|
 |
| |
| 1 |
Cienfuegos - Cayo Largo del Sur
Morning: Shopping for provisioning, visit of historical city center, tobacco factory and Punta Gorda residential area
Late afternoon: check-in
Evening: Leaving for night cruise to Cayo Largo
|
| |
|
| 3 |
Cayo Largo del Sur
Arriving at Cayo Largo Marina morning to noon. Full Service Marina and Diving Center with excellent beaches. On the way, as far as time permits, snorkeling is possible at the two big coral reefs off Cayo Ingles or-close to Cayo Largo - near Cayo Hijo de los Ballenatos.
Visit to „Finca de Tortugas", a seaturtle farm and breeding station with turtles from small to big. A tour guide gives explanations about the animals' life and habitat. (10.00 a.m. to 4 p.m., entrance fee 1 USD)
Afternoon: Anchoring off and dinghy excursion to fine white beaches with natural pools, snorkeling and diving spots on and near Cayo Largo.
Evening: Nightlife of international Cayo Largo tourism resort. Night in the marina or anchoring near world-famous Playa Sirens beach with protection to north, east and south.
Cayo Largo - Canal del Rosario
Morning: Anchoring in narrow mangrove canal and dinghy excursion to Cayo Iguana (ca. 2 nm from Cayo Largo). Feeding and petting of free living iguanas. Early morning hours recommended before tourism groups form Cayo Largo hotels arrive.
Cruising west with a stopover at the excellent beach of Playa Rosario with cocos palms, pine trees and a nearby coral reef for snorkeling Night: Anchoring near Canal del Rosario, which offers protection against all prevailing winds. |
| |
|
| 4 |
Canal del Rosario - Cayo Matias
Morning: Visit to Cayo Can tiles biologiocal reserve centre with monkeys and other wildlife, managed by CITMA (Ciencia, Tecnologia y Medio Ambiente). |
| |
|
| 5 |
Sailing via Cayo Avalos (small beach and lighthouse, anchorage), Cayo Campos (Natural reserve with lush vegetation, observation of animal life, beach, snorkellingidiving) to Cayo Matias (lobster and fishing centre with dock), in good weather diving opportunity at a shipwreck near Cabezo del Sambo |
| |
|
| 6 |
Cayo Matias to Punta Frances (isle of Youth)
Leaving early to sail along the scenic south coast of Isle of Youth. In the centre of this forested and mountainous stretch with interesting geological formations is the highest lighthouse of Cuba, Carapachibei. |
| |
|
| 8 |
This island- earlier Pine Island or, Isla de Pinos" and originally named, La Evangelista" by Columbus upon it's 1494 discovery - was a hiding place for pirates of the 16" to 1 ell centuries. Celebrities like Anne Bonney, Sir Henry Morgan and Sir Francis Drake, who possibly died here, are connected to the island, which is supposed to be the model for R. L. Stevenson's ,, Treasure Island" |
| |
|
| 9 |
For the night anchoring near the Punta Frances diving centre, which also has a dock, restaurant and rustic „Ranchon" bar near the beach. Coral reef for snorkeling One of the world's most significant diving areas with 56 designated diving zones. Coordination of diving activities for the next morning.
Nearby is a nice beach with a lot of vegetation, and guided explorations on a hiking trail to the area declared a National Park are possible Watching birds and other animals.
Punta Frances - Ensenada de los barcos
If interested in diving, in the morning explore various spots of the Punta Frances diving area with a diving instructor, who can be booked locally. Then continue to Ensenada de los barcos, a large bay with excellent protection on the way to Nueva Gerona. |
| |
|
| 10 |
Ensenada de los barcos - Nueva Gerona Harbor
Sailing along the west and north coasts of Youth island leads to the island's capital, Nueva Gerona. A typical, unspoiled small Cuban city with restaurants and other facilities. Excellent starting point to explore the island's sights, museums and National Parks, guided tours by Rumbos and Transtur travel organizations.
For the night docking in the commercial port of Nueva Gerona (no marina services and facilities). Shopping for provisioning is possible in the city, diesel available at a Cupet gas station.
Excursion: Isla de la Juventud
Guided tour of the Island (Presidio Modelo, Finca El Abra, La Fe, Punta del Este with prehistoric cave paintings), late afternoon relaxing at black marble beach of Playa Bibijagua. |
| |
|
| 11 |
Nueva Gerona - Diego Perez Lighthouse
Sailing east via Canal del Rosario on shallow turquoise waters of Golfo de Bataband, on the way visit of lobster and fishing centres of Cayo Travesia or Cayo Flamenco. Occasionally flamingos can be seen in the Cayo Flamenco - Diego Perez area.
Night: Anchoring near Diego Perez Lighthouse. |
| |
|
| 12 |
Diego Perez Lighthouse - Cayos Sal or Guano del Este
Morning: Visit to nearby Cayo Ernesto Thaelmann and the memorial of the 1930s German communist leader Ernst Thalmann who was murdered in a nazi concentration camp, untouched beaches and natural beauties of this uninhabited island. Here you can find a beautiful beach with a lot of pine trees around, also some free-living iguanas and birds that have their habitat there. |
| |
|
| 2 |
Sailing on to Cayos de Dios, Sal or Guano del Este. Snorkellingidiving at coral reef with wide variety of fish and shellfish. Breeding area of „Bubo" and other birds. Anchoring for the night near Guano del Este lighthouse. Formerly, the lighthouse could be visited, we expect such permission again in the near future.
In the northwest of Cayo Guano there is a small beach and coral reef for snorkeling Anchorage protected to the east.Cayo Sal anchorage is protected to the southeast and east, if necessary go to the other side of the island, which is safe in northerly winds. Off a small beach are two ,,cabezos", or coral heads, for underwater exploration. |
| |
|
| 13 |
Cayo Guano del Este - Guajimico
Weighing anchor in early morning hours, sailing east across excellent fishing waters near Jagua Reef to Guajimico, a narrow cove with a small hotel village of about 50 cabins in wonderful mountainous setting. Restaurant, swimming pool, diving.
Guajimico - Cienfuegos
Morning: Walking excursion on natural path to caves.
Sailing back to Cienfuegos, arriving in late morning hours. Check-out. |
| |
|
| 1 |
Excursion by bus or taxi to the Delphinarium, dolphin and sea lion show, swimming with dolphins possible
Evening: Dinner in stylish historical ,,Palacio del Valle" or , Club Cienfuegos" within walking distance of marina.
Additional nights in modern five-star „Hotel Jagua" near marina or fourstar, historical (1869) „Hotel Union" in city centre.
Visit to Havana recommended. |
|
CRUISE 3 |
JARDINES DE LA REINA AND TRINIDAD (1 WEEK, CA. 185 NM)
|
top ▲ |
| |
|
 |
| |
| 1 |
Cienfuegos - Guajimico
Morning: Shopping for provisioning, visit of historical city centre, tobacco factory and Punta Gorda residential area
Afternoon: check-in
Late Afternoon: Sailing to nearby Guajimico, a narrow cove with a small hotel village of about 50 cabins in wonderful mountainous setting. Restaurant, swimming pool, beach, diving.
Guajimico - Cayo Blanco
Morning: Walking excursion on natural path to caves. Late Morning: Sailing southeast to Cayo Blanco
|
| |
|
| 16 |
Cayo Blanco - Cayo Zaza de Fuera
Sailing on the way to Cayo Zaza de Fera you can visit Cayo Machos de Afuera, where is possible to find some iguanas and an small restaurant. |
| |
|
| 17 |
Cayo Zaza de Fuera - Cayo Breton
A short Day's cruise leads to Cayo Breton, separated by several narrow channels and marked by a lighthouse. Here begin the „Gardens of the Queen", a natural reserve area of exceptional beauty and almost untouched. You will find the Caribbean unchanged to how Columbus once discovered it, thus becoming a paradise for sailors, divers and fishermen. Flamingos, turtles and iguanas roam here, and lobsters are numerous enough to be your daily diet. Treasures from old day pirates are said to be scattered on the seafloor as well as hidden on the cays.
Cayo Breton - Trinidad
Back to civilization in full-facilities Marina Trinidad |
| |
|
| 15 |
Excursion: Trinidad
Discover the best-preserved historical city of Cuba, restored to it's 16' century apparel and |
| 14 |
ranked World Heritage Site by the UNESCO. A must when in Cuba! Combine this with a tour to the tropical forests, cascades and natural pools of the Escambray mountains. |
| |
|
| 1 |
Leaving in the late evening hours for the way back to Cienfuegos sailing through the tropical night.
Alternatively, the excursion to Trinidad can be organized from Cienfuegos by car or bus (ca. 100 km) on the following day. In this case, sailing back to Cienfuegos during the day.
Trinidad - Cienfuegos
Sailing back to Cienfuegos through the tropical night, arriving in the early morning hours. Check-out.
Excursion by bus or taxi to the Deiphinarium, dolphin and sea lion show, swimming with dolphins possible.
Evening: Dinner in stylish historical „Palacio del Valle" or , Club Cienfuegos" within walking distance of marina.
Additional nights in modern five-star,,Hotel Jagua" near marina or fourstar, historical (1869) „Hotel Union" in city centre.
Visit to Havana recommended. |
|
| |
| |
|
|
