Description:
One of the most popular Cuban ports of entry for boats arriving from the north is Marina Hemingway. The harbor for the marina is in fact called Santa Fe, and whilst it's the closest marina to Havana, it is nine miles west along the coast from the city.
Marina Hemingway was built in the 1950s and not a huge amount has been invested since, however in the last couple of years more funds have become available and at long last, the marina is experiencing a revival. Facilities do still appear very tired.
More than 50% of the berths are permanently occupied, the rest are for transients. As there is no alternative port within 112 kms (70 miles) east or west, be sure to check there is available space prior to arrival.
Havana's architecture reflects three principal periods in Cuba's history: Spanish colonial, American neo-colonial and revolutionary. The core of Old Havana (Habana Vieja), which occupies the western side of the long narrow entrance to Havana harbor, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982.
The restoration of Old Havana continues and many of the old narrow streets have now been pedestrianized making a stroll around the old city much more enjoyable.
Entrance Notes and Cautions:
From Marathon or Key West, one passes Havana itself, angling into the coast and approaching Marina Hemingway which is some 14.4 kms (nine miles) further West of the City. There is a sea-buoy off the entry-channel to the marina which can be hard to find visually against the back-drop of low buildings, trees and the white-water surf along the beach.
There are reefs on either side of the entrance, which is difficult to identify until fairly close in. With an onshore wind, which is the usual direction during winter months, entering the marina is not easy and in strong winds and breaking seas, should not be attempted.
A night entry is not recommended as quite often marker lights don't work.
Contact the marina on VHF Channel 77 for entry instructions.
Note:
Position:
23°05.3'N, 82°30.6'W (sea buoy)
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From Cuba Land & Sea Facebook Page:
Hazard warning for canal #1 in Marina Hemingway ⚠️
If avoidable don’t use the turning basin at the bottom of canal #1.
There is a sunken sailboat lying on its side at the height of the rent-a-car place with its mast towards the channel centre – marked with a white fender. When passing, keeping to starboard you should be ok.
There is an abandoned ketch moored on the other side.
Berthing tip from Cruising Cuba Facebook page:
To be closest to the marina store, showers and laundry ask for the north side of canal #2 or the south side of canal #1. If its really busy or if you request it the marina will also put vessels on the south side of canal #2, which means either a very long walk to the facilities or you can launch your dinghy to cross the canal.
Update posted on Sailing and Cruising Cuba Facebook page:
A little update from Marina Hemingway. Quite a number of improvements were made for the Hemingway Billfishing competition. Firstly they moved all the abandoned boats out of channel 2, making more berths available.
In conjunction 6 new power/ water torrents were installed on the east side of C2 and the whole west side of C1 now also has water and electricity. Capacity has so been increased by nearly 50 slips.
There now is a new bus service available to cruisers, they don’t want us to use the hotel bus anymore, that takes you for 1cuc from the marina to “Playa” from where you can then get the double-decker tourist bus to Old Havana for 5cuc. Both are hop-on-hop-off and tickets are valid all day.
There now is wifi available at the Acuario Hotel, half hour for 2.50 cup and 1 hr for 4.50 cup, the day I tested it worked very good …
As far as entertainment is concerned the popular Friday night BBQ at the Yacht Club is still on and a good deal for 5 cups. For late night parties, the Cova now opens nightly as a discotheque from 10 pm. Sun-Thurs entrance is free, Fri & Sat its 3cuc … busier during the week.