The Cuban Ministry of Transport has officially granted new permissions to several tourist marinas in the country as per the latest resolutions outlined in the extraordinary edition number 11 of the Official Gazette of the Republic.
Resolutions 127, 128, and 129 of 2025 are based on Decree-Law 230 "On Ports" and Decree 314 "On Tourist Marinas," which mandate that the operation of ports, terminals, and marinas must have formal state authorization upon verification of technical, operational, and safety requirements.
Notably, the Marlin Cienfuegos Nautical Branch, located in Punta Gorda, Cienfuegos municipality, is among the facilities authorized. This approval covers several piers, docks, and the Marlin Cienfuegos Marina, enabling them to host recreational and cruise vessels and offer related tourism, technical, and commercial services.
Additionally, the Marlin Nautical Marina Hemingway Branch, positioned in Playa municipality, Havana—one of the nation's most significant marinas—has also been approved. This facility can now manage marinas and nautical bases, provide specialized services to sports vessels, and market sector-related products.
Furthermore, the Marlin Santiago de Cuba Marina Branch in the Punta Gorda area has been granted permission to operate piers on both sides, offering recreational and tourist services, as well as technical assistance to nautical means.
The resolutions specify that these authorizations will remain valid as long as the legal technical and operational conditions are met, with the possibility of revocation if any breaches are detected.
The Cuban Maritime Administration will oversee the registration, control, and certification of these authorizations, which come in the midst of the island's severe economic crisis and the sharp decline of national and international tourism.
As stated in the Official Gazette, these regulations take effect upon publication, as part of the Cuban government's efforts to reorganize and regulate port infrastructure and activities linked to nautical tourism.
Understanding Cuba's New Nautical Tourism Regulations
What are the new resolutions related to Cuban marinas?
The new resolutions, numbered 127, 128, and 129 of 2025, permit several tourist marinas to operate under state authorization, following verification of compliance with technical and safety standards.
Which marinas have received new authorizations?
Marlin Cienfuegos Nautical Branch, Marlin Nautical Marina Hemingway Branch in Havana, and Marlin Santiago de Cuba Marina Branch have been authorized to operate, offering various nautical and tourism services.
What role does the Cuban Maritime Administration play?
The Cuban Maritime Administration is tasked with the registration, control, and certification of the marina authorizations, ensuring compliance with the required legal conditions.