Cayo Largo, Cuba

Don't miss the paradisiacal beaches of Cayo Largo del Sur on your way to the Isla de la Juventud, Cuba

Cayo Largo del Sur, Isla de la Juventud
© Jack K.....ski

Cayo Largo del Sur is one of the most attractive tourist destinations in Cuba. It is located at the eastern end of the Canarreos Archipelago, on the Isla de la Juventud. Surrounded by the waters of the Caribbean, it is the perfect place if you are looking for paradise beaches of fine white sand, an infinite number of beautiful coral reefs, spectacular resorts and tourists from all over the world.

Beach with white sands, Cayo Largo
© Jack K.....ski

The curious name of Cayo Largo is due to its long shape and its first references appear in the reports of the captains general of the island in the seventeenth century. However, it has been proved that the first discoverers were already pre-Columbian natives in the 14th and 15th centuries.

Furthermore, due to its strategic position, this exciting island in the Caribbean Sea has a certain historical attraction. It has been a land of passage for the most famous pirates and corsairs of the seas and even for Christopher Columbus on his way to San Juan Island. Even so, until its tourist development in 1980, there had been no permanent settlement, although today it has all kinds of amenities that will make your stay there a unique experience.

Index:

What activities are available in Cayo Largo?
Which are the best beaches in Cayo Largo?
How can you get to Cayo Largo?
Are there organized trips from Cuba to Cayo Largo?
What are the best resorts in Cayo Largo?

What activities are available in Cayo Largo (Cuba)?

Cayo Largo del Sur
© Alessandro Caporini

One of the main attractions of this spot is its beaches. Your dreams of idyllic white sand beaches and turquoise water will come true with visits to beaches such as Playa Sirena or Playa Paraíso.

If your passion is scuba diving or diving, this is the place for you. This is one of the main diving spots in Cuba and it is not surprising that some people visit it just for this reason. You can experience incredible bliss diving among the spectacular coral formations and the amazing tropical fish that inhabit its waters. Cayo Largo can boast one of the most exciting and complete sea beds in Cuba, full of coral reefs and tropical fish. If your ideals are oriented towards nature, this is also your site. In the last few years, it has become one of the most appreciated nature spots in Cuba for the lovers of this activity, who live together in perfect harmony with the rest of the visitors.

If you are passionate about nature, you will be ecstatic about its best known animal species. Cayo Largo del Sur is full of beautiful iguanas and is the ideal place for you to stop and admire how hundreds of sea turtles lay their eggs in the warm white sand or to decide to fulfill your dream of swimming with dolphins.

As an alternative excursion, it is very interesting to explore Cayo Rico. It is a small uninhabited key where the iguanas are in charge. The impressive part of this excursion is that it is usually organized by boating so you can marvel at the journey alone, where you will see the coral reef and all kinds of fish. On this excursion you can expect a meal included in the island's “chiringuito” rustic bar, and above all in total isolation, perfect for relaxing and enjoying this small paradise.

What are the Best Beaches in Cayo Largo?

If there is one thing that makes this wonderful island stand out, it is its unparalleled natural character, still intact in many areas. The beaches of Cayo Largo del Sur are its greatest treasure for its paradisiacal appearance and its pleasant combination of white sand and turquoise waters.

The trio of Playa Sirena, Playa Paraíso and Playa Punta Mal Tiempo is noteworthy. They are isolated enough from the hotel zones to preserve an atmosphere of tranquility but have certain services such as the small bar at Playa Paraiso. Playa Punta Mal Tiempo is the loneliest of the three due to its isolation while Playa Sirena, the largest of the three, has beautiful palm trees whose shade you will appreciate as you walk along the key.

On the other hand, there are the Playas del Este, a group of virgin beaches to the east of the key. Playa de Los Cocos is the one with the greatest biodiversity of the three, with animals such as iguanas or flamingos. Playa Blanca is a beautiful virgin beach which has the most waves of all and is relatively close to the hotels which makes it more comfortable. Playa Tortuga is perhaps the most interesting of these virgin beaches because of the hundreds of turtles you can see on its white sand between the months of May and October.

Finally, and for the more adventurous, don't forget a virgin beach to the northeast of the key. It is perfect to go on routes around it, preferably in a 4X4.

How can you get to Cayo Largo?

You can take a charter flight from Havana to the beautiful key. You could go on an excursion and return on the same day or stay a little longer (we recommend a week) to discover in depth the wonders of this key. You can stay in one of its fantastic all-inclusive resorts and enjoy the tranquility of its paradisiacal beaches.

Besides the charter flights that arrive at the Aeropuerto Internacional Vilo Acuña, the island also has a marine option that allows you to discover this small piece of paradise by arriving at the Puerto La Marina Cayo Largo del Sur.

Are there Organized Trips to Cayo Largo?

It is typical to spend a week on this wonderful key but if you are in Cuba and don't have much time there is also the possibility of a day trip. You can go and return on the same day from Havana and Varadero. You will have to get up a little early but what is certain is that you cannot miss Cayo Largo del Sur on your trip to the Caribbean.

The organizers will always pick you up at your hotel and drop you off at the end of the tour. Lunch is usually included as well as activities such as snorkeling on the paradise beaches of the key. It's perfect for trips for couples and also for the family. For more information see the following page about travel packages in Cayo Largo.

What are the best resorts in Cayo Largo?

Hotel Pelicano Cayo Largo
© Gran Caribe

If you decide to come to this island you must know that in general the accommodation available are hotel resorts. That's why you won't find the typical private houses that are so common in the Cuban tourist system.

The great majority is located to the south of the key, near Playa Paraíso. They don't belong to any international hotel chain but they offer great comforts like all-inclusive arrangements, swimming pools or free transfers to Vilo Acuña International Airport.

Highlighting the Hotel Bella Isla Resort that has different options from suites to bungalows, always with all-inclusive arrangements.

The Hotel Pelícano is also a good option as it is a quiet hotel very close to the beach as well as Villa Iguana an apartment complex with an outdoor pool.

More information:

Location:

Isla de la Juventud, Cuba.

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Cayo Largo del Sur:

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