Wondering how far Cuba is from the coast of Florida if you wanted to make the crossing by boat? The distance can vary quite a bit depending on exactly which points you measure between along the extensive coastlines of Florida and Cuba.
You might also be interested in our article: How far is Hawaii from California by boat?
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Distances from Key Points in Florida to Cuba
The closest point between Florida and Cuba is the 90 miles stretching from Key West to Havana. However, if you are starting farther north along Florida’s coastline, the distance increases significantly.
| Start Point in Florida | End Point in Cuba | Distance (nautical miles) |
|---|---|---|
| Key West | Havana | 90 |
| Miami | Havana | 200 |
| Fort Lauderdale | Varadero | 270 |
| Tampa | Havana | 450 |
As you can see, the distance from Florida to Cuba ranges quite a bit depending on exactly where you are starting from. The farther north you begin your journey in Florida, the longer the trip across the Florida Straits to Cuba will be.
Travel Times by Boat Type
The time it takes to reach Cuba from Florida by boat depends largely on the type of boat you are using. Here are estimated travel times based on common boat types:
Sailboat
A sailboat will generally take 15-30 hours to reach Cuba from Florida. Winds and currents will impact the exact time.
- Key West to Havana: 15 hours
- Miami to Havana: 24 hours
- Fort Lauderdale to Varadero: 30 hours
Motor Boat
A motor boat can make the crossing in 4-15 hours depending on speed.
- Key West to Havana: 4 hours at 20 knots
- Miami to Havana: 10 hours at 10 knots
- Fort Lauderdale to Varadero: 15 hours at 10 knots
Speed Boat
High performance speed boats can make the shortest crossings in 2-4 hours.
- Key West to Havana: 2 hours at 60 knots
- Miami to Havana: 3.5 hours at 60 knots
When to Travel
The best time to make the crossing from Florida to Cuba is during the summer months when weather is calm. However, even in optimal weather conditions, the Gulf Stream that flows between Florida and Cuba can produce hazardous conditions for small vessels. Always check forecasts and consider safety carefully before embarking on this route.
Requirements for Americans
It’s important to note that due to political reasons, the U.S. government places strict limits on American citizens traveling to Cuba. Americans must obtain special authorization from the U.S. government before traveling there by boat. This includes boats departing from Florida ports. Consult official government sources for the latest policies.
Conclusion
With the minimum distance being just 90 nautical miles from Key West to Havana, Cuba is tantalizingly close to Florida by boat. However the crossing requires careful planning, a seaworthy vessel, and an understanding of legal requirements for American citizens. By selecting the right boat and departure point in Florida, you can minimize the distance and traveling time across the Straits of Florida to explore beautiful Cuba.
