[Editors Note: When we found out that our own Justin Wegiel had just returned from our Sailing Cuba trip we wanted to find out what he thought. So we asked. Here’s what happened.]
We were somewhere in the warm turquoise waters of the Canarreos Archipelago when the rum and the fresh sea air began to take hold. I remember saying something like, “Most people never experience this side of Cuba,” to which Cat – our CEO (guide) and newest BFF – confidently replied, “Most people don’t even know this side exists.” “Good point,” I said trying to keep a straight face. “I’m one of those people.”
Sail Cuba’s coasts on an 80-foot catamaran. Photo courtesy Justin W.
Cuba es autentica, the last refuge in the Caribbean free (mainly) from outside influence, a nation locked in time, teetering on a knife’s edge of massive and rapid change. It’s an island gem whose rich and often tumultuous past has been celebrated as a national symbol of pride and independence, whose cigars and rum-laced cocktails are treasured the world over, and whose baseball players are some of the best the game has ever seen.
A nation locked in time. Photo courtesy Chris B.
To many visitors, a trip to Cuba is about as watered down as their all-you-can drinks at the swim-up bar and as bland as the selection at the buffet. Most travellers here spend their days at foreign-owned resorts, swimming in the stunning Cuban sea waters without really diving into what makes this stunning country tick.
Hit the beach from the shore with a sailing trip. Photo courtesy Justin W.
One of the many stops: Cayo Rico. Photo courtesy Justin W.
“Oh man, fresh lobster, again?” Photo courtesy Justin W.
A sailing trip along Cuba’s coastlines is not your average vacation. On the contrary, sailing through these secluded islands offers curious travellers something uniquely different and infinitely better in every way. Plug-and-play hotels and charter airlines give way to stunning islands lined with powdery white-sand beaches, where rum is cheaper than water and Cuban sandwiches taste that much better because they’re made with love by new Cuban friends.
So a bit of advice from me to you: skip the conga lines at the big resorts and come drop anchor in paradise. Experience a much different take on Cuba and sail its coasts on a G Adventures 80-foot catamaran – the anti-all-inclusive of the high seas. It offers better company and higher quality, more authentic local fare (“oh man, fresh lobster, again?”). It gives you far superior beach time and, apart from the friendly local manning the beach bar, your own private islands along the way. All meals and activities are included on these voyages. We simply ask you pay for your 1 CUC beers (level par with USD) and 8 CUC bottles of vino and tip your Cuban crew appropriately. Trust me, you’ll see a side of Cuba you didn’t know existed.
The sun sets on another unforgettable day in Cuba. Photo courtesy Chris B.
Getting There
If you’re a beach lover, sailing-junkie, or just love that infectious Caribbean flavour, then take another look at Cuba from its waters. Discover those undiscovered beaches in this truly unforgettable way, because we promise, you’ll go home with much more than a tan. Check out our Sailing Cuba trip today.