Plizio Visual Lab

Strait of Florida

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Sea

Weather…

The Strait of Florida is a waterway connecting the Gulf of Mexico with the Atlantic Ocean, separating Cuba from the Florida Keys. It spans approximately 150 kilometers in width at its narrowest point and reaches depths of up to 1800 meters. Geographically, it is the primary conduit for the Florida Current, which marks the beginning of the Gulf Stream system, transporting massive volumes of warm water toward the northeast. Historically, the strait was one of the world's most heavily trafficked maritime routes, especially during the colonial era for Spanish treasure fleets returning to Europe. Today, it remains a geopolitically sensitive area and a major corridor for commercial shipping and international fishing. Ecologically, the strait supports complex coral reef systems along both coastlines and serves as a vital migratory corridor for whales, sharks, and sea turtles. The powerful currents and seasonal tropical cyclones pose constant challenges to navigation in these strategic waters.

Location: Cuba
Nearby: Perico (13 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	24	24	25	26	27	28	29	29	29	28	26	25
Rain mm	20	28	19	33	87	114	96	113	116	96	54	30

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

Access to the waters of the Strait of Florida from Cuba typically involves chartering boats from northern coastal towns such as Havana or Matanzas. Organized marine tours or local fishing excursions often depart from these major harbors.

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Best season

The generally calmer weather between late winter and early spring makes this the handy window for navigating the strait. The late summer and autumn months are highly prone to strong storms and powerful tropical hurricanes.

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Terrain & paths

This environment consists entirely of open ocean with famously strong currents, primarily driven by the Gulf Stream. The marine topography transitions from coastal shallows near Cuba to extremely deep waters rapidly.

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What to bring

Proper marine safety equipment, including reliable life jackets and emergency communication devices, is strictly necessary for any offshore trip. High-quality sunscreen and polarized sunglasses will help combat the intense glare from the water.

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Parking

For those embarking on a sea journey, parking is typically arranged at the designated marinas or port facilities in Cuban coastal towns. Security is generally provided within these organized dockside parking lots.

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Safety

The swift currents of the Gulf Stream pose a significant hazard to inexperienced boaters and swimmers far from the coast. Always consult the latest marine weather forecasts before venturing out into the strait.

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Time needed

A typical sport fishing or scenic charter in the offshore waters lasts anywhere from four to eight hours. Simply viewing the strait from the historic sea walls of Havana, like the Malecón, can be a short, relaxing stroll.