Crossing from Cayman to Cuba, we decided that Maria La Gorda, on the SW coast of Cuba, would be our first stop as clearance was possible here.

We arrived in Maria La Gorda at the end of April 2008 and found that there isn’t, in fact, a marina, or moorings, just an anchorage. The anchorage is located at the lat/long shown on Noonsite. There is a small dock just to the north of the anchorage for the use of the Dive Resort boats only. There is no fuel or electricity available. Jerry jug water is possible.

We were able to check in here and had a visit from Old Uncle Tom Cobley and all!!! Nine officials in total, all of whom were very nice, efficient, and half of who thankfully suffered from the mal de mer and so didn’t stay with us for very long.

The anchorage is on the east side of a very wide bay and is exposed, potentially, to everything other than easterlies. The anchoring is amongst coral and care needs to be taken.

Cruisers are welcomed at the dive resort which offers restaurants, rooms, a bar and laundry. There is also a car hire.

The only other comment I would make is that it is not cheap to check into Cuba, in fact, since leaving California in 2006, it’s the most expensive country (in checking in terms) that we have visited. A total of around US $165.

A nice stop though.

S/V Aphrodite