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Climate: Cuba
lies at the rim of the tropics and therefore has only two "seasons": the
(comparatively) drier and cooler between November and April and the
(comparatively) warmer and more humid between May and October, which has dry and
particularly hot stretches in July and August. For our standards, it is always
warm with an average January minimum of not less than 18°C and far more than
30°C in August; the sea temperature is never below 24°C – all these being the
statistical values of Havana at the "cool" north coast.
Wind: The reliable trade winds are
blowing constantly from easterly directions with a tendency to the north in
winter and to the south in summer. Wind speed averages at 10 to 15 knots in
winter and 5 to 10 knots in summer, when calm times are also possible.
Especially where the mountains reach close to the coastline, catabatic effects
can be observed to influence the prevailing easterlies. This weather system is
subject to two main disturbances: the nortes or northers
in winter, violent intrusions of cold air, which affect the north
coast with nominal drops of temperature that cause all Havana to catch a cold
and make many harbour entrances virtually impassable. Hurricanes can only
arise at water temperatures of more than 27°C in the Atlantic and are therefore
limited to the late summer months with a peak in September and October. Modern
meteorology is able to predict these tropical storms very reliably.
Tides: Along the whole Cuban coast there
are only minor tides which reach a maximum of 0,6 m at he northwest coast. At
the south coast we have an irregular semidiurnal tide of less than half a meter,
which, however, should be taken into account in island passages and shallow
areas. Currents are, except in very narrow passages, very moderate.
Magnetic variation: The local magnetic
variation increases from west (Cabo San Antonio in 2000: ca. 1°W) to east
(Punta Maisí: ca. 8°W) with an annual increase of ca. 8’W.
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Coastal Formation: Even in the age of
GPS and chart plotters, the sharp eye of the skipper remains the most important
navigational instrument. "Eyeball Navigation" is mandatory, most of all the
correct recognition and interpretation of the colour shades of the water. An
elevated position and polarizing sunglasses are very useful at this "living"
coast: coral and mangroves don't stick to navigational mapping and have
certainly developed on since the last survey! Outside protected lagoons there
can also be a significant movement of the sea in shallow waters. The bottom of
the sea rises more or less vertically from a depth of more than a thousand
meters to close beyond the surface. The most significant gradient on the whole
earth is near the southeast coast of Cuba: from Pico Turquino (1972 m) in the
Sierra Maestra down to a depth of more than 7000 m below sea level.
Diving & Snorkelling
The coral reefs and cayes off the Cuban coast are among the most
breathtaking snorkelling and diving destinations of the world. Snorkelling
equipment is included in the yacht charter rates to discover this colourful
underwater world by oneself or – even better – accompanied by one of our local
skippers or diving guides, who are experts not only in underwater activities,
but also in finding the ideal spots.
If the
required knowledge and training are granted, the yachts can also be used as a
'diving base', and the necessary equipment can be rented at very reasonable rates
at our base
Languages Spanish, sometimes English, more rarely French.
Essential equipment Anti-mosquito products and basic medicines
(aspirin, disinfectant, etc.) often difficult to find in the islands. Light
clothes and shoes for walking (often).
Taste the good food This is the land of the rock lobster that lives in
colonies near the coral reef. Dishes of chicken and pork accompanied by brown
rice, fried bananas and sweet potatoes.
What to see and buy Marvellously fragrant cigars, directly from the
factory and very reasonably priced, but which can only be taken back in limited
quantities! A record of salsa band music…
How to pay In Pesos, but tourism uses the US dollar. Payment is mainly
in cash. Withdraw with your credit card from the bank.
Fill out our
Charter Request Form
now to
request a booking for Cuba.
Let us book your flights from
Australia to Cuba, as well as any pre/post charter hotel accommodation that you require!
email us now for a quote
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