Coastal Sites: 5 Lighthouses in Cuba to Add to Your Boating Bucket List
With more than 3,500 miles of coastline surrounded by the turquoise Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, Cuba has long relied on its lighthouses to guide sailors safely through coral reefs and rocky shores of the Greater Antilles. These graceful towers are not just navigational aids, they’re symbols of Cuban history, resilience and maritime culture.
From Havana’s iconic beacon to remote island towers, the lighthouses of Cuba stand as timeless sentinels of the sea. Whether you’re off on a Bahamas-Cuba Loop or cruising out from a private boat dock rental, here are a few Cuban lighthouses to add to your list.
1. Faro del Castillo del Morro Lighthouse
Standing proudly at the entrance to Havana Bay, the Faro del Castillo del Morro is Cuba’s most famous lighthouse. Built in 1845, it sits atop the 16th-century Morro Castle. The 82-foot stone tower overlooks the capital’s harbor and the city’s famous Malecón seawall. Its powerful beam once guided merchant ships and war vessels. Today, it’s a favorite spot for travelers to visit from private boat slip rentals to watch the sunset over Old Havana’s skyline
2. Punta de Maisí Lighthouse
At Cuba’s eastern tip, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Caribbean Sea, stands the Punta de Maisí Lighthouse. Built in 1862, this cylindrical stone lighthouse rises from the rugged cliffs of Guantánamo Province. It marks the point closest to Haiti and has long been a critical beacon for ships navigating the Windward Passage. The panoramic views from its base are breathtaking, offering a glimpse of Cuba’s wild and untamed coastline.
3. Cabo San Antonio Lighthouse
On the opposite end of the island, in the remote Guanahacabibes Peninsula, the Cabo San Antonio watches over the Yucatán Channel. First lit in 1850, this solitary lighthouse stands amid mangroves and sea breezes, where it guides vessels between Cuba and Mexico. The surrounding area, part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, is filled with marine life and bird species, making it a fascinating stop for eco-travelers and adventurers.
4. Cayo Paredón Grande Lighthouse
Situated off Cuba’s northern shore, in the Jardines del Rey archipelago, stands the striking Cayo Paredón Grande. This 144-foot iron tower, built in 1859, has red and white stripes and is one of Cuba’s tallest. Surrounded by turquoise lagoons and coral reefs, it serves as a scenic landmark for sailors visiting the Cayo Coco area. Nearby beaches and mangrove trails make it a perfect destination for photographers and nature lovers to visit from private boat lift rentals and marinas.
5. Punta de los Colorados Lighthouse
The Punta de los Colorados, located on the northwestern coast, was built to help guide ships along the treacherous reefs of Pinar del Río. The lighthouse’s white cylindrical tower and coastal views offer a peaceful escape for those exploring Cuba’s less-traveled western shores. It’s a quiet reminder of how vital these beacons were to the island’s maritime safety.
