27 August, 2020
Pilotage: This is a deep-water port, absolutely no problem.
Clearance: We called “El Morro” as we approached and were answered in Spanish. As we got closer, Marina Marlin called in English. We were directed to a berth alongside a concrete wall where we were boarded by a multitude of officials covering everything except immigration. Immigration was at an office in the marina building after which we had a lecture on Cuba, mainly covering the use of the two currencies, given by the marina manager. It sounds terrible but was probably quite useful. With our clearance, we shifted out to anchor.
Anchorage: Good holding but we, and others, who anchored too far away from the marina office were instructed to move closer.
Ashore: Cuba is wonderful but the marina is about 10km from the town. Transport is easy by ferry, bus or taxi. The fort at El Morro is very interesting and on a trip to Cayo Granma we found a good but very unsophisticated restaurant on the western side. The restaurant at the ferry landing is full of tourists and we thought should be avoided.
Reported by Richard Kingsnorth of the RCCPF.
