Cayo Coco, Cuba

Dive in the paradisiacal Cayo Coco and enjoy its beautiful beaches of transparent waters, one of the best landscapes of Cuba

Cayo Coco
© Cristian Viarisio

Cayo Coco is the fourth largest island in Cuba and one of its main tourist destinations.It places in the province of Ciego de Avila, in Archipiélago de Sabana-Camagüey, also known as Jardines del Rey.

Cayo Coco, Ciego de Ávila
© Marie Claude Leclerc

Cayo Coco is conceived as a natural tourist park concentrating its urbanization to the north and preserving the rest of the territory in its natural state. This is why it will meet your expectations whether you love the purest nature or are looking to recharge your batteries at the edge of the sea.

The first person to arrive in Cayo Coco was French corsair Jacques de Sores, after his attacks on Havana and Port-au-Prince. Later, in 1752, he was followed by the first landowner of the island, a Spaniard named Santiago Agüero Castañeda. Between 1927 and 1955, some 600 people tried to make a living by producing charcoal as domestic fuel, but after the Revolution, the sector no longer made sense because electricity was used. In 1988, Cayo Coco was connected to the main island by the Pedraplén, a road built over the sea.

Page Index

What are the best beaches in Cayo Coco?
What activities can I do in Cayo Coco?
How can I get to Cayo Coco?
What are the best hotels in Cayo Coco?
Are there organized trips to Cayo Coco?

What are the best beaches in Cayo Coco?

Beaches in Cayo Coco
© Stephen Weppler

The main attractions of this island are its beautiful fine sand beaches and crystal clear waters, of which the most spectacular are Playa las Coloradas, Playa Larga, and Playa Flamencos.

Playa Larga is the best known beach on this key. It is ideal to enjoy a leisurely swim or rest. It is 2.5 kilometres long and has spectacular views.

Playa Flamencos is also a very nice and charming beach. It is possible to walk around 200 meters offshore and still be able to stand, which is why it is sometimes filled with the beautiful pink flamingos that give it its name.

Playa Las Coloradas is a paradisiacal beach that combines nature and history.

Playa Pilar Beach is located in the neighboring key Cayo Guillermo, which is certainly worth a visit. With dunes up to 15 meters high, this incredible virgin beach will leave you speechless.

In all of the beaches you can expect a spectacular diversity of marine fauna. From colorful fish and starfish to playful dolphins that will have no qualms about coming ashore to jump and have fun. All of them are harmless making it possible to observe these beautiful species and being suitable for the whole family.

What activities can I do in Cayo Coco?

What to do in Cayo Coco
© Stephen Weppler

Its seabed is the greatest attraction you can discover on your way through this incredible key. Diving or snorkeling is an unforgettable experience thanks to its exotic coral reef and its amazing variety of colorful fish. In addition, the key has a diving center, where they will help you with the equipment and offer you a guide. With several dive sites, Cayo Coco is one of the most recognized places in the world for diving. Underwater caves, spectacular fauna, coral reefs and much more in the depths of this wonderful corner of the tropical Atlantic.

Cayo Coco stands out as a perfect destination for nature and relaxation tourism; but it also offers numerous facilities for all kinds of sports. In addition, here you will be able to carry out an endless number of activities, among which the catamaran trips stand out. They are a beautiful experience for those who are looking for an adventure practicing snorkeling in its coral reefs as well as for those who prefer a quiet trip enjoying its beautiful natural landscapes.

Turtles in Cayo Coco
© Longjourneys

This key stands out for its natural environment and that is why the Parque natural del Bagá should be mentioned. With almost 13 hectares, this beautiful place is full of biodiversity, like flamingos and turtles.

In addition, you can take the Boat Adventure tour, where you will be allowed to drive motorized boats through the channels south of Cayo Coco and near Cayo Guillermo.

For the more sporty, there is an adventure of pure adrenaline: Rocarena Climbing Center, a modern climbing wall. The climbing structure is a 13 m hexagon with different levels for the most expert and beginners who just want to pass the time. Without a doubt, this is an option to keep in mind when you visit Cayo Coco.

If you are amazed by the dolphins you will have an unforgettable experience swimming and playing with them in the Cayo Coco Dolphinarium. In these facilities attached to the marina you can fulfill your dream of swimming with dolphins. In addition, there is a restaurant next to the dolphinarium to complete a perfect plan.

How can I get to Cayo Coco?

Cayo Coco
© Marie Claude Leclerc

To access the cay from Havana you can take a road transfer, with an approximate duration of 7 hours, or take a flight from Aeropuerto Internacional José Martí (International Airport) to Jardines del Rey International Airport, which is the main airport in the area, which also receives some direct flights from abroad.

It may seem complex, but without a doubt it's all really worth it. Its keys are one of the most striking attractions in all of Cuba, so it's not surprising that some of its beaches are considered among the most beautiful in the world. To make the trip more enjoyable, there is also the option of spending a few days in the city of Trinidad.

It is a very favorable option due to the attractiveness of the city. Its historic center was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is worth visiting. In addition, another thing to keep in mind is that in the month of June there are many parades with floats and games for various patron saint festivities.

If you spend more than one night in Trinidad, you'll have time for other excursions and activities such as a visit to Cienfuegos, a neighbouring town, the large and beautiful Parque Natural Topes de Collantes with its breathtaking views, or the famous El Nicho Waterfalls. From there it is easier to reach they cayo and especially smoother due to the distances from Havana.

What are the best hotels in Cayo Coco?

Memories Flamenco Beach Resort
© Memories Resorts & SPA

As for accommodation, there are only all-inclusive hotel resorts, as is the case on Cayo Guillermo or Cayo Santa María. These all-inclusive beachfront hotel resorts offer a variety of guaranteed activities and many services.

You have several options from the well-known Meliá hotel chain, such as the Tryp Cayo Coco and Meliá Jardines del Rey hotels.There are many other resorts on the beach, such as the Pullman Cayo Coco or Sol Cayo Coco hotels. If experience hotels are your thing, you also have a variety of 5 star hotels with thousands of services like Memories Flamenco and Pullman Cayo Coco.

Are there organized trips to Cayo Coco?

Because of its exclusive character and accessibility, Cayo Coco can serve as a destination for several kinds of tourists. Those who seek to disconnect and relax are in the right destination, while those who seek to make a more cultural tourism in Cuba should not miss this key either, even if it is for less days.

Since it can be complex to get there, you can book travel packages that include several destinations within Cuba, ending the trip in this unparalleled paradise to rest from cultural tourism as well. It is usual to combine Havana and Cayo Coco in a trip of 8 nights with organized transport and hotels, as well as other destinations such as Viñales, Trinidad, Cienfuegos and many others.

To know more about travel packages, you can contact our expert Cuban agency that will prepare a tailor-made trip for you.

More information:

Location:

Morón, Ciego de Ávila, Cuba.

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