Sailing to Cuba

yousmc · #1 (**permalink**) 09-03-2008

Does anyone know what the regulations are for sailing to Cuba (tourist)? What is the best way to get there from the US?

Slayer · #2 (**permalink**) 09-04-2008

Unauthorized travel to Cuba is unlawful under the Trading With the Enemy Act and the Cuban Democracy Act. The US prohibits its citizens from traveling to Cuba unless you qualify for one of a limited number of licenses. The US Treasury Dept. will fine you up to $7,500 if you are caught traveling there.

tdw · #3 (**permalink**) 09-04-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by yousmc

Does anyone know what the regulations are for sailing to Cuba (tourist)? What is the best way to get there from the US?

If I was sailing to Cuba I wouldn't start from there.

But then I'm Australian.

You could try taking out Canadian citizenship.

sailingdog · #4 (**permalink**) 09-04-2008

Going there from a US port or coming from there to a US port is probably a really bad idea, regardless of the flag you fly on your boat.

Allanbc · #5 (**permalink**) 09-04-2008

When returning, you could probably load up your boat with people and make some money. I doubt that you could make enough to cover your prison time, however.

Cruisingdad · #6 (**permalink**) 09-04-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by yousmc

Does anyone know what the regulations are for sailing to Cuba (tourist)? What is the best way to get there from the US?

If you are an American, that verges from dumb to insane. Steer clear. Go down to Hispanola or somewhere else.

If you are not an American, maybe go to the Tortugas first, rest up, and head south from there. I have not been to CUba but have been to the TOrtugas.

Honestly, I do not understand the drive and interest in going to Cuba with the current regime there. Would I love to go there one day? SUre... but not when big or little Castro runs the place. What's the point? Isn't worth the very possible and likely reprocussions. Besides, I wouldn't do a thing to help that regime survive and since they are not in the business of letting you "visit" for free, that creates an ethical conflict.

Here you go. Read this and after reviewing all the info, explain to me why it is worth the hassle? Cuba

- CD

anchorsaweigh · #7 (**permalink**) 09-04-2008

I would love to be able to cruise to Cuba, but my government would rather I do business with China.

Cheers,

Bob

Gehres · #8 (**permalink**) 09-04-2008

Has anyone done this, and not been caught? People do it by plane all of the time. What about from Puerto Rico?

jldooley · #9 (**permalink**) 09-04-2008

hi,
Tampa / St. Pete's FL. newspaper (has a searchable site) had a story a few years ago where someone sailed to Cuba came back. dude was arrested, boat impounded, legal issues were detailed ; vaguely remember it was settled don't remember the outcome, but it was not cheap.
there were cruisers who went yearly this case stopped them from going.

Pepsi Cola and Kentucky Fried Chicken did more to break the USSR than Raygun ever could. When we learn from History...

cardiacpaul · #10 (**permalink**) 09-04-2008

You wanna go... go, knock yourself out, I ain't sayin nuttin' more.