Cuba, a tourist destination par excellence in the Caribbean, supports its tourist options on the natural, cultural and historical richness which characterize the island bathed by warm waters which complement nautical alternatives.

Alongside the traditional sun and beach offers, nautical options emerge as a tourist diversification strategy promoted by the country.

In addition, it is important to mention that Cuba is located in the center of the main marine routes of the area (the Yucatan Channel, the Old Bahama Channel and the Windward Passage) which strongly contribute to develop this tourist option.

In this sense, there is an increase and improvement of recreational alternatives such as sport fishing, scuba diving and kite-surfing, as well as live on board options in certain areas of the island.

Several marinas are available along the country with more than 320 vessels to promote this recreational alternative.

The abovementioned figure includes nine marinas with the necessary conditions to cater foreign vessels and six of them are located on the northern coast of the island including Gaviota Los Morros, Hemingway, Gaviota Varadero, Dársena Varadero, Cayo Guillermo and Gaviota Puerto Vita.

Vessels on recreational voyages may remain in the national territory for five years, a period which can be extended by the marina as a decision aimed at promoting long-stay options.

In procedure terms, it is important to mention the creation of an internet portal to facilitate arrival clearance of recreational vessels, in which the necessary authorizations may be requested in advance.

In this sense, the docking and anchoring processes are guaranteed, as well as other services such as communication, repairs, maintenance, fuel supply, provisioning, water, electricity, immigration and customs procedures, lodging and recreational options.

The facilities linked to this service have several leisure offers such as excursions in yachts or sailboats, the exciting emotion of fishing and scuba diving.

Also, Cuba is privileged by its 70,000 square kilometers of island shelf which is home to an exuberant underwater life.

In the abovementioned area, close to 6,500 varieties of fish, crustaceans, sponges and mollusks, living among several coral species make up one of the best preserved underwater ecosystems in the region.