Cuba
Country/State Data
Regions
1
Breaks
7
Coastline
3,735 KM
Cost of living
Capital
Havana
Current Time
Security
Health
Positives
- Uncrowded outside Habana
- Exploration possibilities
- Boca de Yumuri pointbreak
- Perfect winter climate
- Cultural interest
Negatives
- Short, inconsistent swell season
- Onshore winds
- Low quality Habana spots
- Difficult travel logistics
- Expensive accommodation & food
Where to surf in Cuba
Beyond the postcard clichs of Mojitos, salsa dancing and cigars, Cuba hides decent waves in warm, tropical and largely empty water. Blocked from the bulk of Atlantic wave activity by the fringe of the Bahamas, Cuban surfing is a winter-only affair with the northeastern coast gathering up only the biggest swells as they filter between gaps in the Bahamas, then traverse the continental shelf. This coastline lacks consistency but when the waves arrive they hit all manner of beaches, bays and rocky headlands with the most reliable stretch around the eastern tip where the window is widest.
Fortunately, northern Cuba also has another source of surf, the big storms that reliably churn out of the Gulf of Mexico can bring some half-decent waves to Havana.
When a hurricane winds up in the Caribbean Sea, proper S groundswell pours through between Jamaica and Haiti, hitting the provinces of Granma, Santiago de Cuba and Guantanamo. The latter is particularly rocky and bristling with reefs, but good shape can be found at rivermouth pointbreaks like Rio Duaba in Baracoa and occasionally near Cajobabo on the south coast.
Santiago de Cuba has plenty of beaches from the rivermouth peaks in the Bacomao reserve to Playa Mar Verde in town and will work on SE-S swells from August to November. Its often, weak, onshore junk, driven by the E-SE winds until a proper swell hits, when the south coast can host the most powerful and sizeable surf in Cuba.
Apart from the exposed western tip at Cabo San Antonio, the rest of southern Cuba is very unlikely to receive any reliable surf and is a much better diving and kiting destination among the cays and islands.
Surf spots in Cuba
Research the 7 surf breaks in Cuba and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 7 breaks in Cuba.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Cuba
- jan
- feb
- mar
- apr
- may
- jun
- jul
- aug
- sep
- oct
- nov
- dec
Travel Information
General
- Current Time
- Tourists
- 4,684,000
- Population
- 11,326,616
- Tourist Info
- Tourist Info
Security
Health
Money
- Currency
- CUP
Cost of living
Communication
- Dialing in
- +53
- Dialing out
- 119
- Language
- Spanish
Electricity
- Plug Type
- abcl
Visas
Most nationalities need to get a "Tourist card" in advance (basically a visa by a different name). Costs vary but expect around $25-$50. Always double check for updates as entry to Cuba changes quite often.
Getting There
A tourist card is required in advance through a Cuban embassy or with a travel agent. Most of the big carriers fly into Habana (HAV) or Holguin (HOG). US citizens will have no problems with the Cuban authorities but they will experience major problems with their own government. Package deals are often cheaper but provide no mobility.
Getting Around
Around Habana, it's cheaper and easier to rent a taxi when required. To explore further, an expensive hire car is necessary (from $80 per day). Cuba boasts Latin America's most extensive system of roads. Domestic Cubana flights can be pricey: Habana to Guantanamo is approximately $150 o/w. Private buses are better value and ok with boards.
Accommodation
Casa particulars are Cuba's take on AirBnB - rented rooms in private homes fr $15-30/n. Hotel Copacabana, Panorama and Neptune are close to La Setenta (fr $115/n). Most tourists get package deals in the huge Costa Verde resorts. Try ropa vieja (old clothes) stew.
Activities
Old Havana is fully deserving of UNESCO World Heritage Status. The town of Baracoa and the countryside surrounding it are a perfect place to relax under a palm tree and soak up the atmosphere. Kiting and diving throughout Cuba is superb.
Hazards & hassles
Escape the tourist resort bubble. Shallow reefs like Setenta can be ridiculously sharp. Travel times are ridiculously long.
Handy Hints
Take all surfing equipment and spares for the locals. No surf equipment is available anywhere in the country, along with many imported goods most people take for granted.
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.
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