Cuba and the Dominican Republic

[AndrewB]

Had no problems sailing direct to the US. Even told them where we had come from.

I got a real bollicking arriving in Key West from Havana. In fact there is nothing stopping a yacht doing this, provided it is not US registered or with US citizens aboard. When I pointed this out, as diplomatically as I could, I was told that the embargo rules applied to yachts "under US jurisdiction", and as I was now in the US my yacht was under US jurisdiction.

They double-checked my passport - if it is Cuban stamped it ceases to be a legal document in the US apparently. For this reason the Cubans don't stamp passports.

I grovelled for about half an hour and eventually Key West customs condescended to clear me in. But first she insisted on sending three heavily armed goons to turn over the yacht. "Got any Cuban cigars?" said the first. No. "Got any Cuban rum?" said the second. No. "Oh." - and looking distinctly disappointed, they left.

Next day I passed in the street the off-duty customs officer who had been so tough with me. "Hello there, hope you are enjoying Key West", she remarked cheerily!

 

[KellysEye]

> Venuzuela though is another matter.

We spent a total of ten months there but wouldn't go there now or to Margarita and the islands around it. However the Venezuelan out islands are safe and a must visit - Los Rocques and Los Aves, we spent a month there. Then on to Bonaire for the diving. Make sure you stay at least 50 miles off the coast of Venezuela before turning in to the out islands. Also take small bottles of rum, local cigarettes and batteries to trade for lobsters and fish with the local fishermen.

Haven't been to Cuba but know a number of boats who have and they rave about it, also very safe. We sailed close to the DR but decided not to visit.

 

[Foxy]

I got a real bollicking arriving in Key West from Havana. In fact there is nothing stopping a yacht doing this, provided it is not US registered or with US citizens aboard. When I pointed this out, as diplomatically as I could, I was told that the embargo rules applied to yachts "under US jurisdiction", and as I was now in the US my yacht was under US jurisdiction.

They double-checked my passport - if it is Cuban stamped it ceases to be a legal document in the US apparently. For this reason the Cubans don't stamp passports.

I grovelled for about half an hour and eventually Key West customs condescended to clear me in. But first she insisted on sending three heavily armed goons to turn over the yacht. "Got any Cuban cigars?" said the first. No. "Got any Cuban rum?" said the second. No. "Oh." - and looking distinctly disappointed, they left.

Next day I passed in the street the off-duty customs officer who had been so tough with me. "Hello there, hope you are enjoying Key West", she remarked cheerily!

We fronted up in Lauderdale and despite best efforts to inform the grown ups, we had to take a taxi to the main port to clear in. We (....I think its i't's only right) told the truth as to where we had come from and not even a blink was given by the official. He gave us the max stay and was nothing but helpful. Didn't even visit the boat, which was just as well as we would have given the bacardi factory a run for their money.
Have never had any real problem in either the US for Cuba for that matter but totally prepared to accept we may have been lucky.

Personally would be nervous about Venezuela - indeed chose not to visit on the back of post by Kellys Eye, but Cuba is the polar opposite - v secure, friendly and safe - almost a bit cosseted. Still, it isn't beginners cruising but is well buoyed, etc etc..... and the fishing.... well thats another story

 

[BigART]

SWMBO and I are thinking of visiting this winter; trying to separate the facts from hearsay. All up to date information much appreciated!

Brilliant place, loved it. We visited in Dec 06/Jan 07 arriving in Santiago and tootling along the south coast and clearing out in the Cayo Largo. Great cultural experience. really nice people. Lots of paperwork, but the polite officials did most of it for us. The dual currency thing is easily circumvented. See our website for Jan 07 at www.doitcruise.info.

Oh, and by the way, there are quite a few Americans there, generally on cultural/religious exchange visas.

Angus