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" New and exciting - Cuba Yacht
Sailing Tours" |
Last Frontier Expeditions is proud to announce that starting October 2005, we
will offer full service yacht sailing tours along the pristine south coast of
Cuba. We will use luxury sail boats and catamarans.
The primary vessel will be a catamaran sailing yacht with four double cabins
for passengers with en-suite bathrooms, bed linen, towels, and
air-conditioning. The crew will have separate cabins.
The excursions will include all meals on board, drink rations and gasoline for
the yacht and dingy. Wine and alcoholic beverages not included. A more
extensive and upgraded meal plan will also be available.
The captain and crew are all British citizens with many years of experience as
qualified RYA Yachtsmen with yacht charter management experience.
The excursions will sail along the South coast of Cuba from Cienfuegos/Trinidad
to the Garden of the Queen offshore of Santiago de Cuba. Absolutely pristine
and unspoiled waters long off limits to sailing excursion. Optional activities
may include, scuba, snorkeling and salt water fishing.
Program
CUBA ECO
SAILING SUGGESTED ITINERARIES
These
itineraries give examples for one- and two-week cruises from Cienfuegos, to
the cays and islands off the south coast of Cuba. Variations due to weather
may become necessary, and the interests and requirements of the guests aboard
should also be considered. It cannot be guaranteed that all points mentioned
here are accessible at all times. Temporary and permanent restrictions may
apply. Based on information as of October 2003.
CRUISE
1 - CANARREOS ARCHIPELAGO (1 WEEK)
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Day
1-2
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75
nm
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Cienfuegos
- Cayo Largo del Sur
Morning: Shopping for provisioning, visit of historical
city centre, tobacco factory and Punta Gorda residential area (Optional)
Embark
yacht at marina 1800 hrs and briefing with yacht skipper
Evening:
Dinner in stylish historical ‘Club Cienfuegos’ within walking
distance of marina (optional).
Depart
yacht berth for night cruise through the Caribbean tropical waters to
Cayo Largo
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Day
2
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Cayo
Largo del Sur
Arrive
Cayo Largo Marina morning to noon. Full Service Marina and Diving Center
with excellent beaches. On the way, as far as time permits, snorkelling
is possible at the two big coral reefs off Cayo Ingles or –close to
Cayo Largo – near Cayo Hijo de los Ballenatos.
Visit
to „Finca de Tortugas“, a sea turtle farm and breeding station. A
tour guide gives explanations about the animals’ life and habitat.
10.00 a.m. to 4 p.m., entrance fee 1 USD. (optional)
Afternoon:
Anchoring off and dinghy excursion to fine white beaches with natural
pools, snorkelling and diving spots on and near Cayo Largo.
Evening:
Nightlife of international Cayo Largo tourism resort (optional)
Night in the marina or anchoring near world-famous Playa
Sirena beach with protection to north, east and south.
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Day
3
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35
nm
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Cayo
Largo - Canal del Rosario
Morning:
Anchoring in narrow mangrove canal and dinghy excursion to Cayo Iguana (
2 nm from Cayo Largo). Feeding and petting of free-living iguanas. Early
morning hours recommended before tourism groups form Cayo Largo hotels
arrive.
Cruising
west with a stopover at the excellent beach of Playa Rosario with coco
palms, pine trees and a nearby coral reef for snorkelling.
Night:
Anchoring near Canal del Rosario, which offers protection against all
prevailing winds.
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Day
4
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40
nm
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Canal
del Rosario - Diego Pérez Lighthouse
Morning:
Visit to Cayo Cantiles biological reserve centre with monkeys and other
wildlife, managed by CITMA -Ciencia, Tecnología y Medio Ambiente
(optional)
Sailing
north via Canal del Rosario on shallow turquoise waters of Golfo de
Batabanó, on the way visit of lobster and fishing centres of Cayo
Travesia or Cayo Flamenco. Occasionally flamingos can be seen in the
Cayo Flamenco - Diego Pérez area.
Night:
Anchoring near Diego Pérez Lighthouse.
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Day
5
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35
nm
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Diego Pérez Lighthouse - Cayos Sal or Guano del Este
Morning:
Visit to nearby Cayo Ernesto Thaelmann and the memorial of the 1930s
German communist leader Ernst Thaelmann who was murdered in a nazi
concentration camp, untouched beaches and natural beauty of this
uninhabited island. Here you can find a beautiful beach with a lot of
pine trees around, also some free-living iguanas and birds that have
their habitat there.
Sailing
onto Cayos de Dios, Sal or Guano del Este. Snorkelling/diving
at coral reef with wide variety of fish and shellfish. Breeding area of Bobo and other birds. Anchoring for the night near Guano del Este lighthouse. Formerly,
the lighthouse could be visited; we expect such permission again in the
near future.
In
the northwest of Cayo Guano there is a small beach and coral reef for
snorkelling. Anchorage protected to the east.
Cayo Sal anchorage is protected to the southeast and
east, if necessary go to the other side of the island, which is safe in
northerly winds. Off a small beach are two “cabezos“, or coral
heads, for underwater exploration.
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Day
6
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45
nm
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Cayo
Guano del Este - Guajimico
Weighing anchor in early morning hours, sailing east
across excellent fishing waters near Jagua Reef to Guajimico, a narrow
cove with a small hotel village of about 50 cabins in wonderful
mountainous setting. Restaurant, swimming pool, diving.
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Day
7
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15
nm
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Guajimico - Cienfuegos
Morning:
Walking excursion on natural path to caves (optional)
Sailing
back to Cienfuegos, arriving in late morning hours. Disembark yacht.
Excursion
by bus or taxi to the Dolphinarium, dolphin and sea lion show, swimming
with dolphin’s possible (optional)
Evening:
Dinner in stylish historical ‘Club
Cienfuegos’ within walking distance of marina (Optional)
Additional
nights in modern five-star ‘Hotel Jagua’ near marina or four-star,
historical (1869) ‘Hotel Unión’ in city centre (optional)
Visit
to Havana recommended (optional)
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CRUISE
2 - CANARREOS ARCHIPELAGO AND ISLAND OF YOUTH (2 WEEKS)
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Day
1-2
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75
nm
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Cienfuegos - Cayo Largo del Sur
Morning:
Shopping for provisioning, visit of historical city centre, tobacco
factory and Punta Gorda residential area (optional)
Embark
yacht at 1800 hrs and briefing with yacht skipper
Evening:
Depart yacht berth for night cruise through the Caribbean tropical
waters to Cayo Largo
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|
Day
2
|
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Cayo Largo del Sur
Arrive
at Cayo Largo Marina morning to noon. Full Service Marina and Diving
Center with excellent beaches. On the way, as far as time permits,
snorkelling is possible at the two big coral reefs off Cayo Ingles or
–close to Cayo Largo – near Cayo Hijo de los Ballenatos.
Visit
to ‘Finca de Tortugas’, a sea turtle farm and breeding station with
turtles. A tour guide gives explanations about the animals’ life and
habitat - 10.00 a.m. to 4 p.m., entrance fee 1 USD (optional)
Afternoon:
Anchoring off and dinghy excursion to fine white beaches with natural
pools, snorkelling and diving spots on and near Cayo Largo.
Evening:
Nightlife of international Cayo Largo tourism resort (optional)
Night
in the marina or anchoring near world-famous Playa Sirena beach with
protection to north, east and south.
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Day
3
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35
nm
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Cayo Largo - Canal del Rosario
Morning:
Anchoring in narrow mangrove canal and dinghy excursion to Cayo Iguana
(ca. 2 nm from Cayo Largo). Feeding and petting of free-living iguanas.
Early morning hours recommended before tourism groups form Cayo Largo
hotels arrive.
Cruising west with a stopover at the excellent beach of
Playa Rosario with coco palms, pine trees and a nearby coral reef for
snorkelling.
Night: Anchoring near Canal del Rosario, which offers
protection against all prevailing winds.
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Day
4
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30
nm
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Canal
del Rosario - Cayo Campos or Cayo Matías
Morning:
Visit to Cayo Cantiles biological reserve centre with monkeys and other
wildlife, managed by CITMA - Ciencia, Tecnología y Medio Ambiente
(optional).
Sailing
via Cayo Avalos (small beach and lighthouse, anchorage), Cayo Campos
(Natural reserve with lush vegetation, observation of animal life,
beach, snorkelling/diving) to Cayo Matías (lobster and fishing centre
with dock), in good weather diving opportunity at a shipwreck near
Cabezo del Sambo.
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Day
5
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50
nm
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Cayo Matías to Punta Francés (Isle of Youth)
Leaving
early to sail along the scenic south coast of Isle of Youth. In the
centre of this forested and mountainous stretch with interesting
geological formations is the highest lighthouse of Cuba, Carapachibei.
This
island - earlier Pine Island or ‘Isla de Pinos’ and originally named
‘La Evangelista’ by Columbus upon it’s 1494 discovery - was a
hiding place for pirates of the 16th to 18th
centuries. Celebrities like Anne Bonney, Sir Henry Morgan and Sir
Francis Drake, who possibly died here, are connected to the island,
which is supposed to be the model for R.L.Stevenson’s ‘Treasure
Island’.
Night
anchoring near the Punta Francés diving centre, which also has a dock,
restaurant and rustic ‘Ranchon’ bar near the beach. Coral reef for
snorkelling. One of the world’s most significant diving areas with 56
designated diving zones. Co-ordination of diving activities for the next
morning (optional).
Nearby
is a nice beach with a lot of vegetation, and guided explorations on a
hiking trail in the area declared a National Park. Watching birds and
other animals (optional).
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Day
6
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30
nm
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Punta Francés - Ensenada de los Barcos
If
interested in diving, in the morning explore various spots of the Punta
Francés diving area with a diving instructor, who can be booked at the
site (optional).
Continue
to Ensenada de los Barcos, a large bay with excellent protection on the
way to Nueva Gerona.
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Day
7
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20
nm
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Ensenada de los Barcos - Nueva Gerona Harbour
Sailing
along the west and north coasts of Youth Island leads to the island’s
capital, Nueva Gerona. A typical, unspoiled small Cuban city with
restaurants and other facilities. Excellent starting point to explore
the island’s sights, museums and National Parks, guided tours by
Rumbos and Transtur travel organizations (optional).
Night
docking in the commercial port of Nueva Gerona (no marina services and
facilities). Shopping for provisioning is possible in the city, diesel
available at a Cupet gas station.
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Day
8
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Isla de la Juventud (optional excursion)
Guided
tour of the Island (Presidio Modelo, Finca El Abra, La Fé, Punta del
Este with prehistoric cave paintings), late afternoon relaxing at black
marble beach of Playa Bibijagua.
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Day
9-10
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60
nm
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Nueva Gerona - Diego Pérez Lighthouse
Sailing
on shallow turquoise waters of Golfo de Batabanó, on the way visit of
lobster and fishing centres of Cayo Traviesa or Cayo Flamenco.
Occasionally flamingos can be seen in the Cayo Flamenco - Diego Pérez
area.
Night:
Anchoring near Diego Pérez Lighthouse.
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Day
11
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35
nm
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Diego Pérez Lighthouse - Cayos Sal or Guano del Este
Morning:
Visit to nearby Cayo Ernesto Thaelmann and the memorial of the 1930s
German communist leader Ernst Thaelmann who was murdered in a nazi
concentration camp, untouched beaches and natural beauties of this
uninhabited island. Here you can find a beautiful beach with a lot of
pine trees around, also some free-living iguanas and birds that have
their habitat there.
Sailing
on to Cayos de Dios, Sal or Guano del Este. Snorkelling/diving
at coral reef with wide variety of fish and shellfish. Breeding area of „Bobo“ and other birds. Anchoring for the night near Guano del Este lighthouse. Formerly,
the lighthouse could be visited; we expect such permission again in the
near future.
In
the northwest of Cayo Guano there is a small beach and coral reef for
snorkelling. Anchorage protected to the east.
Cayo Sal anchorage is protected to the southeast and
east, if necessary go to the other side of the island, which is safe in
northerly winds. Off a small beach are two „cabezos“, or coral
heads, for underwater exploration.
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Day
12
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45
nm
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Cayo Guano del Este - Guajimico
Weighing
anchor in early morning hours, sailing east across excellent fishing
waters near Jagua Reef to Guajimico, a narrow cove with a small hotel
village of about 50 cabins in wonderful mountainous setting. Restaurant,
swimming pool, diving.
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Day
13
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15
nm
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Guajimico - Cienfuegos
Morning:
Walking excursion on natural path to caves (optional).
Sailing
back to Cienfuegos, arriving in late morning hours. Disembark yacht.
Excursion
by bus or taxi to the Dolphinarium, dolphin and sea lion show, swimming
with dolphin’s possible (optional).
Evening:
Dinner in stylish historical ‘Club Cienfuegos’ within walking
distance of marina (optional).
Additional
nights in modern five-star ‘Hotel Jagua’ near marina or four-star,
historical (1869) ‘Hotel Unión’ in city center (optional).
Visit
to Havana recommended (optional).
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CRUISE
3 - JARDINES DE LA REINA AND TRINIDAD (1 WEEK)
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Day
1
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15
nm
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Cienfuegos - Guajimico
Morning:
Shopping for provisioning, visit of historical city centre, tobacco
factory and Punta Gorda residential area (optional)
Embark
yacht at 1800 hrs and briefing with yacht skipper
Evening:
Dinner in stylish historical ‘Club Cienfuegos’ within walking
distance of marina (optional).
Depart
yacht berth for night cruise through the Caribbean tropical waters to
nearby Guajimico arriving in the morning. Guajimico is a narrow cove
with a small hotel village of about 50 cabins in wonderful mountainous
setting. Restaurant, swimming pool, beach, diving.
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Day
2
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40
nm
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Guajimico - Cayo Blanco
Morning:
Walking excursion on natural path to caves (optional).
Late
Morning: Sailing southeast to Cayo Blanco
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Day
3
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20
nm
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Cayo Blanco –
Cayo Zaza de fuera
Sailing
on the way to Cayo Zaza de Fera you can visit Cayo Machos de Afuera,
where it is possible to find some iguanas and a small restaurant.
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Day
4
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20
nm
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Cayo Zaza de Fuera – Cayo Breton.
A
short day’s cruise leads to Cayo Bretón, separated by several narrow
channels and marked by a lighthouse. Here begins the ‘Gardens of the
Queen’, a natural reserve area of exceptional beauty and almost
untouched. You will find the Caribbean unchanged to how Columbus once
discovered it, thus becoming a paradise for sailors, divers and
fishermen. Flamingos, turtles and iguanas roam here, and lobsters are
numerous enough to be your daily diet. Treasures from old day pirates
are said to be scattered on the seafloor as well as hidden on the cays.
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Day
5
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50
nm
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Breton – Trinidad.
Back
to civilization in full-facilities Marina Trinidad
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Day
6
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Trinidad (optional excursion)
Discover
the best-preserved historical city of Cuba, restored to its 16th
century apparel and ranked World Heritage Site by the UNESCO. A must
when in Cuba! Combine this with a tour to the tropical forests, cascades
and natural pools of the Escambray mountains.
Leave
in the late evening hours for the way back to Cienfuegos sailing through
the tropical night.
Alternatively,
the excursion to Trinidad can be organized from Cienfuegos by car or bus
(100 km) on the following day. In this case, sail back to Cienfuegos
during the day.
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Day
7
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60
nm
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Trinidad – Cienfuegos
Sailing
back to Cienfuegos through the tropical night, arriving in the early
morning hours. Disembark yacht.
Excursion
by bus or taxi to the Dolphinarium, dolphin and sea lion show, swimming
with dolphin’s possible (optional).
Evening:
Dinner in stylish historical ‘Club Cienfuegos’ within walking
distance of marina.
Additional nights in modern five-star ‘Hotel Jagua’
near marina or four-star, historical (1869) ‘Hotel Union’ in city
centre (optional).
Visit
to Havana recommended (optional).
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Adios and travel well,
Last Frontier Expeditions & Safaris
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