The distance and time from Miami to Cuba by boat vary. It depends on marine issues such as weather, distance, and mode of transport.
Another issue is finding the best way to get to Cuba, whether by plane or boat. With different options, which one suits you best?
The distance and time it takes to travel from Miami to Cuba by boat will depend on the size of the boat, weather conditions, and the amount of time spent at sea. The trip is approximately 90 nautical miles and can take up to 10 hours.
The Florida Straits, one of the busiest waterways globally for shipping, can be dangerous for small vessels, especially those without working compasses or lights and with little fuel for the trip.
If you plan a trip from Florida, deciding where to go depends on what you want out of your vacation. If all you want is to get there fast, going by boat is the best option. You should therefore know more about getting there by boat.
What is the Distance & Time From Miami to Cuba By Boat
If you have ever wanted to visit Cuba, you may be wondering how long it will take to get there. It's pretty simple. Miami, Florida, is just 90 miles from the coast of Florida to the coast of Cuba. If you are on a boat and traveling at about 20 miles per hour, it would only take about four hours to get there!
The straight line distance between Havana and Miami is only 93 miles; however, you can't sail directly from one city to another. You'll have to sail around Cuba and make your way through the Straits of Florida. This will add many more miles to the journey than sailing in a straight line.
Even with this added distance, you can make the trip in one day if you leave early in the morning and arrive before sunset. Before setting out on such a long journey, check with the National Hurricane Center for weather conditions in the area. It's also a good idea to let someone on land know where you're going and when you expect to return. People will know where to look for you if anything happens during your trip.
What are the Different Types of Boats That Can be Used?
The 92 miles between Miami and Havana, Cuba, by boat takes a minimum of 8 hours to cover. It can take as long as 14 hours, depending on the weather and the speed of your boat. Many different types of boats can be used to reach Cuba, and they vary in distance, speed, and ease of use. Here are some of the most popular:
- Ferry: Ships passengers from South Florida to Cuba, but usually takes longer than other options
- Freighter: Ships cargo from South Florida to Cuba, but usually takes longer than other options
- Houseboats: Houseboats are great for long trips because they have all the amenities of a home, including kitchens, bathrooms, and beds. Houseboats also have large amounts of storage space that you can use to store supplies for your trips, such as extra fuel, food and water.
- Ship: A ship that sails from South Florida to Cuba, taking the shortest amount of time; generally only for very wealthy people who want to take their time getting there
- Cruise: A vessel that makes multiple stops along its route
- Handcart: Small passenger boat where you can hike out of Cuba as you go; you're on your own once you leave the boat
What To Consider Before Taking the Trip
When planning a trip to Cuba by boat, there are many things to consider:
- Cost
Undoubtedly, taking a boat from Miami to Cuba incurs a significant price tag. It could roughly be $1,000 for each person. But, remember that as your group gets bigger, the cost goes down. The larger your group is, the cheaper it gets. For example, six people traveling together could pay less than one person traveling alone.
- Length of trip
Except for New York City to Havana, a recent cruise ship crossing took ten days. That's pretty fast compared with other routes — San Francisco to Havana or Los Angeles to Havana, for instance, but not as fast as driving from Miami to Cuba.
- Weather
Cuban weather can be unpredictable and change quickly, so consider timing your trip when the sun is out!
Why You Should Take the Trip
The waters off Cuba are treacherous, and the risks of sudden stormy weather or a shipwreck are high. That's why cruising in the Caribbean has become a popular option. Especially for those who want to travel to Cuba but don't want to risk their lives.
There are advantages to traveling by boat, depending on your trip.
- The most common reason people take cruises is to visit Cuba. Still, many others have used cruises as a way of visiting other countries too, like the Bahamas, Jamaica, and even the U.S. This allows you to make an extended trip without flying across the continent.
- A cruise can be cheaper than a flight because you don't have to pay for airfare and hotel room. Also, anyone who has been on vacation knows how expensive everything is when you're not on vacation, so this is an advantage.
- Cruising can give you more flexibility because you don't have to go in one specific direction or at a particular time, and it doesn't get in your way since there isn't a set schedule for the trip.
- If you're going somewhere that isn't nearby; cruising makes it easier to get there and provides opportunities for side trips.
What to Bring With You
When traveling to Cuba by boat, you must have your Cuban Visa and Travel Insurance. Depending on your passport, you may need a tourist visa to enter the United States if you plan to make a stop in Miami before heading over to Havana. Make sure you check with your local US Embassy or Consulate to ensure that your passport entitles you visa-free travel into the United States.
Other things you can bring along are:
- Snacks or food to eat during the trip. Sometimes, there isn't much food available onboard other than chips/cookies and sodas
- Water bottle or bottled water
- Cash in USD or EURO
What to Expect When You Reach Cuba
Since President Obama eased travel restrictions between the United States and Cuba in 2014, many travelers make the trip each year. And for a good reason, there's something about Cuba that demands exploration.
Cuba has a rich history and is a fascinating destination for travelers worldwide. The island boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in all of South America, including Playa Pesquero, considered one of the best beaches in the world. You can also visit Old Havana, with its old-world charm and unique architecture, or explore some of Cuba's historic cities like Santiago de Cuba.
Travel to Cuba
Houseboat travel provides a unique opportunity to mingle with locals and gain a true sense of Cuba. If visiting Cuba by land has you weary of the common route, give a houseboat cruise from Miami a chance.
