DEHUROEN

Plizio Visual Lab

Port of Mariel

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Port
—°1
Port of Mariel (Cuba)

Weather…

The Port of Mariel, located about 45 kilometers west of Havana, is Cuba's most modern deep-water port and a centerpiece of the nation's economic development strategy. Since the opening of its state-of-the-art container terminal in 2014, Mariel has become the primary gateway for the country's international trade, taking over most cargo operations previously handled in Havana. The port is the core of the Mariel Special Development Zone (ZEDM), designed to attract foreign investment through tax incentives and high-quality infrastructure. With its deep draft, the port is capable of accommodating Post-Panamax vessels, positioning it as a strategic logistics hub in the Caribbean following the expansion of the Panama Canal. The facility features advanced logistics centers, direct railway links, and highway access to the capital city. In addition to containerized cargo, it handles bulk and break-bulk goods while supporting nearby industrial growth. Mariel plays a crucial role in modernizing Cuba's economy and its integration into global maritime trade routes.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C232425262829292929282524
Rain mm383225387011786118117984932

📋 Practical info

🏭
What is this place?
The Port of Mariel is Cuba's most important container port and the heart of the Mariel Special Economic Zone. It serves as a central hub for international trade flows and attracts investments in the logistics sector.
🚪
Visiting
The port is heavily secured and not open to the public, but the container terminals are visible from surrounding hills. Access roads offer a fleeting glimpse of the modern infrastructure.
👀
Where to view it
A good public viewpoint is the elevation along Carretera Panamericana, offering an overview of the port facilities. The nearby beaches also provide a far view across the bay.
🧺
Local products
Containers with finished goods and industrial raw materials dominate the port. The special economic zone also hosts companies assembling electronics and auto parts.
📆
Active season
The port operates 24/7 with high cargo volumes corresponding to global trade fluctuations. Peak times coincide with the main export months for Cuban products such as sugar and tobacco.
➕
Nearby
A visit to the Port of Mariel can be combined with a detour to Havana, just 45 kilometers away. The nearby beaches of Mariel offer relaxation opportunities.

Geography

Coordinates
22.99700, -82.75500

Facts

  • The new container terminal was officially inaugurated in January 2014.
  • The port is deep enough to accommodate large Post-Panamax vessels.
  • It serves as the hub for the Mariel Special Development Zone (ZEDM).
  • The terminal has an initial annual capacity of 800,000 TEUs.
  • The port is situated in a protected bay covering about 12 square kilometers.
  • A dedicated double-track railway connects the port to Havana's network.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

MarielMariel<1 km · NExplore →
ArtemisaArtemisa3 km · WExplore →
GuanajayGuanajay8 km · NExplore →
Nueva GeronaNueva Gerona16 km · WExplore →
Sierra del Rosario MountainsSierra del Rosario Mountains16 km · SExplore →
Isle of YouthIsle of Youth19 km · WExplore →
Lanier SwampLanier Swamp21 km · WExplore →
Las TerrazasLas Terrazas21 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Port of Mariel (1)

Mariel, Cuba📍 landmark

Port town west of Havana, known for its bay and industrial facilities.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Can you visit the Mariel port?
Access is strictly restricted as a special economic zone.
What is mainly handled here?
It is Cuba's most modern container terminal.
What is the ZEDM?
The special development zone for foreign investment.
Where is Mariel located?
West of Havana in the Artemisa province.
Why is the port strategically important?
Due to its deep-water bay for large container ships.
Port of Mariel: where is it located?
Port of Mariel is located in Cuba.
Port of Mariel: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
Port of Mariel: why is it worth visiting?
The Port of Mariel, located about 45 kilometers west of Havana, is Cuba's most modern deep-water port and a centerpiece of the nation's economic development strategy.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
North America
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in North America
More places in Cuba →

Nearby cities

Santiago de las Vegas — Port of Mariel (Cuba)
Santiago de las Vegas
A city in the Havana province, home to the Cuban Meteorological Institute.

History & landmarks

University of Havana — Port of Mariel (Cuba)
University of Havana
One of the oldest and most significant universities in Cuba.
Great Theatre of Havana Alicia Alonso — Port of Mariel (Cuba)
Great Theatre of Havana Alicia Alonso
The most renowned opera and ballet building in Cuba.
Central Park — Port of Mariel (Cuba)
Central Park
A bustling park in the heart of the city, surrounded by significant buildings.
Great Theatre of Havana — Port of Mariel (Cuba)
Great Theatre of Havana
A grand theater in Havana and a major symbol of the city's cultural life.
The Malecón — Port of Mariel (Cuba)
The Malecón
Havana's famous seaside promenade, a meeting place for all generations.
Hotel Nacional de Cuba — Port of Mariel (Cuba)
Hotel Nacional de Cuba
A historic hotel built in the 1930s that is a legend.
Paseo del Prado — Port of Mariel (Cuba)
Paseo del Prado
A famous tree-lined promenade in the center of Havana.
Colón Cemetery — Port of Mariel (Cuba)
Colón Cemetery
One of the most monumental cemeteries in the Americas, known for its funerary architecture.

Nature

Almendares River — Port of Mariel (Cuba)
Almendares River
A river that flows through Havana, dividing the city in two.

More places

Havana Steel Plant — Port of Mariel (Cuba)
Havana Steel Plant
Metal processing plant.
Havana Fishing Port — Port of Mariel (Cuba)
Havana Fishing Port
Center of the fishing fleet.
Havana Industrial Complex — Port of Mariel (Cuba)
Havana Industrial Complex
An industrial site associated with Cuba's state-led manufacturing and processing sector.
Colon Cemetery — Port of Mariel (Cuba)
Colon Cemetery
One of the most historically significant cemeteries in the world, in Havana.
Museum of the Revolution — Port of Mariel (Cuba)
Museum of the Revolution
Former presidential palace, now the Museum of the Revolution.
Havana Textile Factory — Port of Mariel (Cuba)
Havana Textile Factory
Production of apparel.
Port of Havana — Port of Mariel (Cuba)
Port of Havana
The main port of Havana Bay and one of Cuba's busiest maritime gateways.
José Martí Birthplace — Port of Mariel (Cuba)
José Martí Birthplace
Birthplace of Cuba's national hero in Havana.