Anchoring: 

Yachts may only anchor in the designated area to the west of the marina and may only land at the marina. Good holding, but exposed to wind and tide. It’s possible to get internet at anchor.

The cost of anchoring is $.30/ft, charged by the marina.

When going ashore, dinghies can be left on the beach inside the Marina fenced perimeter, which is secure, or at a rather wobbly dinghy dock. The anchoring fee includes use of the marina bathroom facilities (which are basic) and has a security patrol through the anchored boats at night.

Marina

The marina here is open to transient boats but is very small and active with four charter companies operating there. Generally, a berth can be found during the week, Monday to Friday (and perhaps at weekends too, although this is when the charter companies turn around) – best to call the marina in advance to check for space.

The marina has good solid concrete berths and new floating pontoons, however, with a strong Southerly wind, there tends to be some swell. All personnel speak good English. The channel to the marina is well marked.

The Yacht Club is used exclusively by charter boats and is closed to transient vessels.

A short walk from the marina is the place where everybody goes out in the evening and there is music playing here. In addition, right next to the marina and Anchorage is the Cienfuegos Club which plays very loud music at night, making it difficult to sleep.

Security

Whilst marina staff do make security patrols of the pontoons and anchorage day and night, there have unfortunately been incidents of theft around the marina and anchored yachts (last report February 2022 when snorkelling gear was stolen from an unlocked cockpit locker while the owners were absent). As with everywhere, secure your valuables. Be sure to lift and lock your dinghy at night, secure your outboard and carry a minimum amount of gas in your dinghy tank.

Photos courtesy of Mary Buchanan who visited Cienfuegos in 2015.

Last updated:  February 2022