By Cruise Ship

Havana’s Terminal Sierra Maestra (Av. del Puerto, tel. 07/862-1925) is a natty conversion of the old customs building. Passengers step through the doorways directly onto Plaza de San Francisco, in the heart of Havana.

By Private Vessel

Private yachts berth at Marina Hemingway (Av. 5ta y Calle 248, Santa Fe, tel. 07/204-5088, fax 07/204-5280, www.nauticamarlin.com), 15 kilometers west of downtown. The harbor coordinates are 23° 5’N and 82° 29’W. You should announce your arrival on VHF Channel 16, HF Channel 68, and SSB 2790.

Visas are not required for stays of less than 72 hours. For longer stays you’ll need a tourist card (CUC20), issued at the harbormaster’s office (tel. 07/204-1150, ext. 2884) at the end of channel B.

Docking fees (CUC0.35 per foot per day) include water, electricity, and custodial services. Gasoline and diesel are available 8 a.m.–7 p.m. (tel. 07/204-1150, ext. 450).

The 24-hour medical post (ext. 737) is in Complejo Turístico Papa’s, as are a 24-hour launderette (ext. 451), bathrooms with showers, soda bar, and TV lounge, storage room (security boxes can be rented), ship chandler (ext. 2344), plus a beach volleyball court and tennis courts. The post office (ext. 448) is at the entrance of Intercanal C, where you’ll also find the Hemingway International Nautical Club (ext. 701), which offers fax and telephone facilities. The shopping mall is at the east end of Intercanal B (ext. 739).

Rental cars are also available (ext. 87), as are microbuses and taxis (ext. 85).

© Christopher P. Baker from Moon Cuba, 5th Edition