Sail in or arrive on foot to Marina Hemingway, Cuba’s main recreational port, and enjoy the ample facilities and peaceful atmosphere. Leisure and sport boats moor here in their hundreds and restaurants, cafés, shops and watersports operators can all be found in the surrounding area.
Wander along the four 2624-foot (800-meter) long channels, where small sailboats and all manner of watercraft line the banks. With its swaying palm trees, calm waters and air of bygone days, the marina is a relaxed and tranquil place to while away a couple of hours. The marina was originally founded in 1953. Following the Cuban Revolution, it was renamed by Fidel Castro to honor the famous American novelist Ernest Hemingway, who lived in the country for almost 20 years.
Enjoy some time on or under the warm Caribbean seas with one of the watersports companies located in the marina. A scuba diving center offers dive excursions to nearby sites. Take the plunge and explore fascinating submerged wrecks that are steeped in Cuban history.
Relax in one of the laid-back restaurants or cafés at the end of a long day and watch as the boats come in and out of the blue channels. Choose between cuisines ranging from Cuban to Italian. If you’re lucky enough to visit at the right time, you may even get to witness one of the area’s yacht races or fishing contests.
Marina Hemingway is located in the coastal neighborhood of Santa Fé. Life in Santa Fé revolves around the 148-acre (600,000-square meter) marina, which can hold some 400 vessels. To get to central Havana from the marina, either take a 15-minute taxi trip or ride the shuttle bus, which connects to the tourist bus, which in turn carries passengers to Old Havana. Though it may not be flashy or modern, Marina Hemingway still charms with its nostalgic, old-world atmosphere.
