A video shared this Tuesday on the TikTok account "Las Calles de Cuba" provides a glimpse into the present-day condition of the Regla Ferry, the iconic boat that traverses Havana's bay between the Muelle de Luz in Old Havana and the municipalities of Regla and Casablanca.
The footage reveals the bustling atmosphere inside the vessel: passengers, both standing and seated, clutching onto rusty metal poles in a sweltering and crowded environment, encapsulating the reality of public transportation in Havana.
Prominently featured is a man with dark skin and striking blue eyes, wearing a brown cap and a yellow t-shirt, gripping one of the ceiling poles with both hands as the ferry progresses through the bay.
The journey lasts a mere seven minutes, costing 1 Cuban peso per person, or three pesos for those with bicycles. The ferry is designed to accommodate approximately 100 passengers.
However, the video omits the precarious state underpinning this service. Of an official fleet of six vessels, as of February 2024, only one was operational daily, making around 30 trips per day, while the other five were out of service due to technical issues.
In late February 2026, the "Giraldilla"—the sole active ferry at the time—suffered a shaft line break, resulting in a complete suspension of service, with a tentative return date set for around March 10.
Just days after resuming operations, a ferry was stranded in the bay around noon on March 11 and had to be towed back to the Embarcadero de Luz, with no immediate official explanation provided by authorities.
An Enduring Symbol Amidst Transportation Woes
The pattern of disruptions is a recurring issue. The service was halted for the entire month of July 2023; it ceased operation in September 2024 due to Hurricane Helene; and in February and March 2025, it faced interruptions due to breakdowns of the sole operational ferry, compounded by heavy rains in the same month.
Whenever the service is down, the Provincial Transport Company of Havana supplements the route with buses as an alternative for the residents of Regla and Casablanca.
This deterioration highlights the broader crisis in Cuba's public transportation system: fuel shortages, lack of spare parts, and infrastructure that has not seen necessary investment in decades, a direct consequence of 67 years under a dictatorial economic model.
Despite these challenges, the ferry remains a living symbol of Havana. Its origins date back to the 17th century when the bay was crossed by rowing and sailing boats, and the service was formally regulated in the 19th century. From the deck, passengers can enjoy panoramic views of El Morro, La Cabaña, and the Christ of Havana.
This duality—a deteriorated yet enduring service, filled with Cubans for whom it remains the sole means of transportation—is precisely what the video from "Las Calles de Cuba" manages to capture in just eleven seconds.
The Challenges and History of Havana's Regla Ferry
What is the current operational status of the Regla Ferry?
As of early 2026, only one ferry from the official fleet is operational, performing around 30 trips daily, while the others remain out of service due to technical issues.
How long does the journey on the Regla Ferry take?
The ferry journey across Havana's bay takes approximately seven minutes.
What historical significance does the Regla Ferry hold?
The Regla Ferry dates back to the 17th century, initially operating with rowing and sailing boats, and was formally regulated in the 19th century, becoming an enduring symbol of Havana.