FLORIDA KEYS TO BELIZE 🇺🇸 🇨🇺 🇲🇽 🇧🇿
700 nm FLORIDA KEYS TO BELIZE 🇺🇸 🇨🇺 🇲🇽 🇧🇿
sailing directions via Dry Tortugas / Cuba / Isla Mujeres / Belize
- You will have to cross the gulf-stream twice (2 x )
- Only venture on this journey after the last hurricane of the season has passed and before the first hurricane arrives nhc.noaa.gov
- You will be sailing near the shore of Cuba – you need permission to do so it’s a 180 nm run from Marina Hemingway to the Faro Roncali.
- You need to be fully self sufficient in Cuba
- Download the Satellite charts for Cuba – many of the commercial charts are off / wrong – there is no sea tow in Cuba
COUNTRIES
FOR CUBA A US FLAGGED VESSEL WILL NEED THE FOLLOWING
U.S. Government Permits & Licenses
1 Temporary Sojourn / Export Permit
◦ Issued by the U.S. Department of Commerce under the Export Administration Regulations (EAR).
◦ Required for your vessel to legally leave U.S. territorial waters bound for Cuba US Coast Guard News
2 CG‑3300 Permission to Enter Cuban Waters
◦ A specific permit from the U.S. Coast Guard, per 33 CFR §107 Subpart B.
◦ Required before departure — your vessel may be prevented from even getting underway without it US Coast Guard News
3 OFAC License / Self‑Declaration
◦ Under Cuba Assets Control Regulations (31 CFR 515), you need either:
A general license (self‑declaration under a qualifying category), or
A specific license from OFAC — typically rare and restrictive
U.S. Re‑Entry Rules & Security Conditions
• Under a Port Security Advisory (PSA 1‑25) effective April 2, 2025, all vessels returning from Cuba must meet extra security measures
◦ Conduct a full onboard security search before departure from Cuba.
◦ Notify the U.S. Coast Guard (via email, phone, or VHF) 24 hours prior to re‑entry
◦ Atlantic Area USCG.
◦ Report all security measures taken to the Coast Guard Captain of the Port (COTP) at your U.S. arrival location Atlantic Area USCG
◦ Be prepared for possible inspection or boarding by the Coast Guard upon return
FOR CUBA
https://oceanposse.com/cuba
🧭 Cuban Clearance Procedures
• You must clear in upon arrival — obtain a Cuban cruising permit and despacho from Cuban authorities.
• Before departing Cuba, you must clear out with the Guarda Frontera, customs, and immigration — they’ll issue an exit despacho
• Give 24 hours’ notice to departure, if possible
ROUTE OVERVIEW
ROUTE
WINDS
CURRENTS
SWELL AND WAVES
YUCATAN CHANNEL
https://oceanposse.com/yucatan-channel/
PORT 32 MARINAS JACKSONVILLE 🇺🇸 SPONSORS THE OCEAN POSSE
Port 32 MarinaS Jacksonville 🇺🇸 SPONSORS THE OCEAN POSSE
30° 16.625′ N 081° 42.7183′ W
PORT 32 Jacksonville is the perfect place for a visit or your homeport. Anchored in Jacksonville, Florida, PORT 32 Jacksonville is a secluded luxury marina set at the intersection of the St. Johns and Ortega Rivers and 25 miles from the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean. The marina is conveniently located close to downtown Jacksonville and within walking distance of many shopping and dining establishments.
We are please to support the members of the Ocean Posse with a courtesy discount on transient lip rates.
CONTACT
AMENITIES
- Hurricane Hole/Storm Protection
- Heated Pool, Pool Deck, and Hot Tub
- Key Card Access to the Docks
- Elite Dockhand Service
- Complimentary Laundry Facility
- Outdoor Grills and Picnic Area
- Hurricane Hole/Storm Protection
- Heated Pool, Pool Deck, and Hot Tub
- Key Card Access to the Docks
- Elite Dockhand Service
- Complimentary Laundry Facility
- Outdoor Grills and Picnic Area
LOCATION
NEARBY
1. Riverside & Avondale Historic District
Explore one of Florida’s oldest and most character-rich neighborhoods. Expect walkable streets, riverfront views, craft breweries, and historic architecture under giant oaks draped in Spanish moss. The Saturday Riverside Arts Market beneath the bridge is a standout for local color.
2. Fort Caroline National Memorial
A must for history buffs and mariners alike. This reconstructed 16th-century French fort sits along the St. Johns River and marks one of the first European settlements in North America. Trails through maritime forest overlook the river’s bend — peaceful and storied.
3. Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park
One of the best beach parks on Florida’s Atlantic coast, this 447-acre stretch includes 1.5 miles of undeveloped beach, dunes, and maritime forest. Surfable waves, hiking trails, and rustic camping make it ideal for ocean-loving adventurers.
4. The Jacksonville Riverwalk & Friendship Fountain
A scenic waterfront path perfect for an evening stroll or bike ride. It offers great views of the downtown skyline and access to local food, live music, and the iconic Friendship Fountain — a nautical landmark worth seeing lit up at night.
5. Kingsley Plantation on Fort George Island
Part of the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve, this site offers a compelling look into Florida’s past. You’ll find preserved plantation buildings, interpretive exhibits, and wild, untamed beauty along the salt marshes. It’s haunting, educational, and rich in coastal history.
