Right before stepping into his family’s small apartment in downtown Havana, Cuba, 13-year old Miguel overhears his father’s intentions to illegally escape to Miami, Florida to take advantage of the U.S policy that grants Cubans citizenship if they step on dry land.

Fear sets in as Miguel tries to enlist his best friend Fabio into helping him avoid this treacherous journey. At the very least, Miguel gets to see Gloria, Fabio’s older sister. That night, Miguel is roused from a deep sleep and transported to the beach where his dad and Fabio’s entire family are preparing to launch the rickety raft.