We were recently asked for information on surfing in Cuba by a national magazine. Cuba is not in the same league as the great surfing locations of the World but, whenever a Nor'Easter blows in between November and February, a decent surf forms along the Northern coast of Cuba and, although not recommended, the surf really gets rolling prior to a hurricane coming ashore along the Southern coast of Cuba, between June and November. Cuba has many fringing reefs so care needs to be taken not to damage these reefs or injure yourself.
Surf's Up along the Malecon
Recreational travel to Cuba is not permitted for USA citizens. Non-USA citizens who travel to Cuba to surf must have a valid passport (make a photocopy of your passport and protect your original passport carefully) and tourist card. Clothes should be relatively conservative or you may be delayed or denied entry. Cubans have a neat appearance. You do not want to offend the local populace. The usual packing checklist should include sunscreen and a complete, high quality, first aid kit, including any prescription drugs you may routinely need, because medical supplies are limited in Cuba due to the USA embargo.
Do not even think about taking marijuana or other illicit drugs or substances of abuse into Cuba!!!
A camera will help you capture your memories. The single use cameras widely available are preferable to taking an expensive personal camera....which tend to suddenly disappear. Do not take photos of military personnel, police, etc. Your camera may be confiscated if you do. We recommend Hepatitis A vaccination as well as mosquito repellant (dengue is an unpleasant disease to contract if you simply want to ride the waves). You should bring your surfboard with you in a good surfboard bag. If you want to rent a car, you may want to obtain an International Driver's License prior to your arrival to Cuba. While Cuba has its share of Caribbean sharks ( reef, hammerhead, bull, tiger, and rarely, a great white), the sea beast you need to avoid is the Southern Stingray. Shuffle your feet while walking in the surf zone rather than stepping in and out of the water. You will have to arrange lodging in Cuba because it is unlikely the local authorities will let you sleep in your surfboard bag on the local beaches. Also, you should not joke about leaving your surfboard behind for the locals. A very brave young Cuban man successfully windsurfed his way to freedom from Cuba to the Florida Keys several years ago!!! Be a friendly tourist, teach a few locals how to surf and maybe help clean up the beach where you have surfed so future surfers will be welcome too. Write us about your trip so we can update this surf page as needed.
Varadero, Cuba
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