BARACOA
- Latitude: 20.3531 •
- Longitude: -74.5051 •
- Caribbean Sea •
- Port in Cuba
Address: Baracoa Guantánamo 97310 Cuba
Web-site: https://example.com/port-baracoa
Baracoa, a picturesque coastal town located at the eastern tip of Cuba, is notable for being the island’s oldest Spanish settlement, founded in 1511 by Diego Velázquez. Though it is not a major commercial port, Baracoa's port serves as an important hub for the region, providing both commercial and passenger services.
Port Description:
Geographical Location:
- Coordinates: Approximately 20.3478° N latitude and 74.4976° W longitude.
- Region: Eastern Cuba, facing the Atlantic Ocean directly and nestled between lush mountains and the sea.
- Accessibility: The port is accessible by road from other parts of Cuba, though the mountainous terrain can make travel challenging.
Facilities and Infrastructure:
- Docking Facilities: Baracoa’s port is modest in size, featuring a few docking areas capable of accommodating smaller commercial vessels and fishing boats.
- Storage: Limited warehousing capabilities, primarily for small-scale cargo and local products.
- Passenger Services: Used by coastal ferries and small cruise ships, offering minimal but essential services for travelers.
- Fishing Activities: The port supports a local fishing industry, with facilities for docking fishing boats and processing catches.
Operational Characteristics:
- Cargo Handling: The port handles small quantities of cargo, often agricultural products from the region, such as cocoa, coconuts, and bananas.
- Navigation: Entry to the port is straightforward but requires careful navigation due to the sometimes unpredictable currents and weather conditions.
- Depth: The port’s depth is sufficient for smaller vessels but not adequate for large, deep-draft ships.
- Security: Basic security measures are in place. However, with its smaller scale, the port has less rigorous checks compared to major commercial ports.
Economic and Regional Impact:
- Local Economy: The port plays a crucial role in the local economy, supporting industries such as agriculture, fishing, and tourism.
- Tourism: The port is a gateway for tourists exploring Baracoa’s rich history, natural beauty, and cultural sites. It is a starting point for eco-tourism adventures into the surrounding rainforests and mountains.
Environmental Considerations:
- Conservation Efforts: The region is known for its biodiversity, and there are efforts to protect the natural environment, including marine life and coastal ecosystems.
- Pollution Control: Measures to control pollution from maritime activities are implemented, focusing on maintaining the pristine conditions of the coastal and marine environment.
Specifications:
Maximum Vessel Size:
- Length: Smaller vessels typically under 100 meters.
- Draft: Shallows limit the draft to around 4-6 meters.
Loading and Unloading Equipment:
- Cranes: Limited to smaller cranes suitable for light cargo handling.
- Manual Handling: Significant reliance on manual loading and unloading due to the port’s scale.
Connectivity:
- Road Access: Connected by road to key towns and hinterlands, although road quality can vary.
- Nearby Airports: Gustavo Rizo Airport (BCA), which serves the Baracoa area for both domestic and limited international flights.
Services Available:
- Fuel and Water: Basic refueling and freshwater services.
- Repairs: Minor repair facilities for small vessels.
Operational Hours:
- Generally follows standard daytime hours, though specific timings may vary based on demand and weather conditions.
Baracoa’s port may not hold the prominence of larger Cuban ports like Havana or Santiago de Cuba, but it is a pivotal community asset and a gateway to one of the most enchanting regions of Cuba. The port reflects Baracoa’s charm, combining commercial utility with the town’s rich cultural and natural heritage.