Marina Marlin, Punta Gorda

The guide book says to call the Morro de Santiago De Cuba at 12 miles out, we radioed nearer than that but no response. In the reports I’ve read nobody seems to have received a reply to their calls. We radioed the marina on approach but again no response until the marina was in full sight. They call themselves Marina Marlin.

Alex from Marina Marlin was on the radio telling me he was standing on the East pontoon waving to us. I quickly readied fenders (very high) to our port side and put lines on. By this time there were 3 men on the pontoon ready to take our lines. They were very welcoming and Alex spoke good English. He said that there were radio issues today in this area.

We had to wait on the boat for the officials. 10 minutes later and the doctor arrived, he spoke reasonable English, a few questions, a beer and a thermometer later we were given the all clear. We could take down the Q flag and put up the Cuba flag. The doctor said, do not drink the water in the marina.

There was another boat clearing in so we had to wait a few hours for the customs and immigration but they sent someone to explain there would be a wait and they took our passports. So 2 hours after arrival we were escorted from the boat to the office along with our boat papers.

The radio was sat on the side of the desk but not switched on. The process took about 45 minutes and they also issued our visas, they offered to stamp our ( British) passports, but when he saw our US visa’s he said it was best not to do so. The cost was 75 CUC each for the visas and 55 CUC for the process.

Alex in the marina said that this should be paid upon the issue so we told him that as soon as we get to the ATM we will pay. Nobody came aboard our boat to inspect it, although there were sniffer dogs around.

The hotel is right next door and the security guards will unlock the gate for you to go through to the hotel. Go past the bar and up the stairs to the reception, we managed to exchange euros for CUC and CUP.

We ate in the hotel restaurant a few times, limited menu but the food was excellent. There is also a small bar in the marina, run by Wilson.

We were told there is diesel available but only by Jerry can, this is because the pontoon has been destroyed. 1 CUC per litre and has to be paid for at the time of issue, can’t be added to your bill.

The “officials” walking around were marina staff, security guards and some customs and immigration staff who were mostly at a loose end. All lovely friendly people.

Toilets were clean, but no toilet paper or soap. Only one shower with a shower head in the ladies. No charge for rubbish.

Taxi to the city was 10 CUC, but you can also get the ferry for 1 CUC but the ferry leaves the marina at 6a m, 12 noon and then returns from the city docks at 6 pm.

We removed all the brown spot stains from the boat by washing with oxalic acid diluted with water and leaving for 5 mins, they came off quite easily.

Clearing out took about 25 minutes and we were ready to leave at our allotted time. All very efficient and pleasant. Definitely worth a visit.

Posted on behalf of SY Calliope:

In Santiago, there is a family who lives just outside the marina who promise all sorts of things, but when they tried to overcharge us for a trip into town, we realised they were not to be trusted.