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Escapes: Cuba Welcomes Canadian Boaters

The Hemingway International Yacht Club of Cuba located in Marina Hemingway, Havana photos: John Morris

September 25, 2025

Commodore José Miguel Diaz Escrich who, as commodore of Cuba’s most important (and perhaps only) boating organization visited the Toronto International Boat Show some years ago, has issued a warm welcome to Canadian boaters.

“Canadian citizens can easily visit Cuba, and recreational boating enthusiasts can enjoy the offerings we have at our Yacht Club headquarters, as well as at the Marina Hemingway, and at other Cuban marinas, where everyone is welcome. The Canadian market has been one of the main sources of tourists to Cuba,” he writes.

entering Marina Hemingway

Commodore Escrich offers advice to make your boating visit straightforward. “Boat owners must bring their vessel ownership, and all crew members must carry an up-to-date passport. Each crew member receives a visa upon arrival at Cuban marinas. Canadians can stay in Cuba for up to six months.

Commodore Escrich assists boaters with navigation and mooring spots around the island

“Canadians can bring Canadian dollars, US dollars, and euros. Payments can be made with credit cards at Cuban marinas. Marina Hemingway (located just west of Havana) also accepts credit cards from American banks.”

For Canadian bluewater anglers, the next edition of the Ernest Hemingway International Marlin Fishing Tournament will be held from May 25 to 30, 2026.  Established in 1950, this event is the only one of its kind in Cuba and since 1997 has been a catch and release tournament. Its history is storied: Hemingway himself won the first three editions of the tournament. Mina Hemingway, Ernest Hemingway’s granddaughter, has twice won the tournament. In 1960, Fidel Castro won the event.

Fidel Castro and Che Guevara participated in the 1960 Hemingway Tournament. 

The warm welcome Commodore Escrich extends is backed up by many Canadian boaters who have enjoyed very positive experiences in Cuba.  “Canadian yachtsmen can inform us in advance of their plans to visit Cuba, and from our Yacht Club, a sanctuary of love for the sea and friendship, we will offer you all the support and assistance for safe navigation among the more than 3,000 islands and cays of the Cuban archipelago.

“We will coordinate your arrivals with the Cuban naval authorities, so that they can offer you a warm and friendly welcome.”

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