WebSo far, the Atlantic coast; Varadero Cayo Coco, Cayo Santa Maria and Holguin /Guradalavaca have not been affected. Bottled water is hard to come by, even in the big cities, and virtually unheard of if you venture deep into the countryside. Guardalavaca is the name given to the strip of beaches comprising Playa Esmeralda, Playa Yuraguanal and Playa Pesquero theyre all sublime. Santa Lucia is also famous for its coral reef, bull sharks, and tropical fishes. Same for Paraiso and Sirenis in CL. Playa Cayo Santa Maria Cayo Santa Maria #4. When picking the best beaches in Cuba, we considered a few factors: There are quite a few awards that travelers or industry experts grant to the best beaches in the world. I stayed at a resort that was invaded by algae. 2023 BBC. Ready for a trip to the Cuba? A handful of all-inclusive hotels dot the area, but beaches are public and popular among locals from May to September. Hurricanes during the dry season are exceedingly rare. On Isla de la Juventuds most remote upturned hook of land, lies Punta Francs, where youll find the islands top beach, Playa Francs. You might also like:The rules for Americans visiting Cuba in 2022Top things to do in Cuba: how to explore the richness of the country's culture and landCubas most beautiful national parks, This article was first published February 2019 and updated February 2022. Admire white sandy beaches, stop to go snorkelling and be amazed by the diverse wildlife. It also helps that Varadero is just two hours away from the capital, so a day tour from Havana is feasible.. and recommended. and enjoy the ocean views from a wooden rocking chair until the sun sets. Typically, the worst season for Jellyfish is the dry season (November to April). Playa Sirena sands TravnikovStudio/Shutterstock. These places are best for beaches in Cuba: Varadero Beach; Guardalavaca Beach; Ancon Beach; Santa Maria Beach; Playa Paraiso; See more beaches in Cuba on Tripadvisor Its remained untouched thanks to its geographical isolation: to get here you have to drive 7km down a very bumpy dirt track, some of which is a causeway, a journey that no public transport and very few cars bother to make. Hurricanes in the dry season Hurricanes during the dry season are exceedingly rare. This beach combines green and blue clear waters, forming an exemplary boundary between the Florida Straits and the mainland. Travel Health Insurance Travel medical insurance is an entry requirement for Cuba, so you cant skip it. Its a good jumping off point for snorkelling and diving in the reefs around the shoreline, plus Trinidad, Cubas colonial gem is just a stones throw away. These are the best. We also write about our passion for Cuba, from in-depth travel guides to myth-busting articles. Flight prices: Ticket prices start between $300 and $350. Pilar was a favorite hideaway for American writer Ernest Hemingway, and rumor has it he searched for WWII German U-boats in the area. * Do not embed this map in a website or a blog without permission from Sargassum Monitoring. I am looking for a place in Old Havana., close to the mosque. A few simple huts offer snacks and drinks. As a rule of thumb, the rainy season (May to October) is typically the cheapest time to travel to Cuba. Stay safe by hopping out of the water as soon as you notice dark clouds or lightning on the horizon! Here are the best places to visit. The beaches in Cayo Largo accommodate nudists, and there are numerous things you can do there, including basking and swimming. The only two moments I found a bit disappointing were: The best beaches are clustered on the north coast, dominated by the all-inclusive hotels whose tendrils are gradually spreading along the rest of the northern coastline. Bacurano is the closest and most accessible beach in Playas del Este, though not necessarily the best. The beach is as stunning as you can imagine: aquamarine waves gently lapping at the shoreline, sun-soaked sands flanked by coconut trees and enough space to feel like you're on your own private island. It also includes a visit to the province capital Matanzas and some free time at Coral Beach. The beaches at Varadero get the usual flotsam and jetsam overnight and are raked each morning. Playa Pilar Cayo Coco #5. "Certainly we've had it for longer and in huge amounts. It is safe, clean and reasonable inexpensive. Cayo Santa Maria has beautiful beaches on the islands northern coastline. 2023 Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures company. In Barbados, for example, the grabs used to load sugar cane onto trucks have proved good at picking up sargassum without removing sand from beaches. For inspiration use the itineraries from The Rough Guide to Cuba and our local travel experts. The beaches east of Cojmar town, famed for its Hemingway connection, are collectively known as the Playas del Este. Insubuy offers insurance plans for travelers to Cuba. There is also the turtle population. Afterwards, return to the city to learn more about Trinidad's history and culture. Is it that bad around Cuba? Beaches with the highest seaweed count include Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and some points between Cancun and Puerto Morelos. Cuba is famous for its breathtaking beaches, guaranteed to stun you silly with turquoise water and sugary white sand. Essential Items to Pack Bring the essential travel necessities that you may not be able to get in Cuba: Find Accommodations Find hotels or casas particulares (private accommodations) on Skyscanner, which lists thousands of accommodations available in Cuba. Some forms of entertainment that you can enjoy at Playa Pesquero include swimming, sunbathing, and trying different tasty local dishes. Or, just go snorkeling and to Cayo Blanco, one of the most attractive excursions here. A more serene retreat than its rowdier neighbour Cayo Coco, tiny Cayo Guillermo boasts 4km of stunning near-deserted beaches. Head 40 minutes south along the bay and you can indulge all your snorkeling and diving whims on, s 300m (984ft) coral wall and nearby wrecks and. Playa Cayo Santa Maria has no shortage of natural scenery like tropical mangrove trees and powdery sand. One of Cubas most contrasting landscapes, the northern coast at Holgun has aquamarine shallows stretching as far as the eye can see and verdant hills lining the sandy shoreline. is called "Paradise Island for a reason. Take a look at some of the exciting guided tours offered by Tour Republic. Varadero beach runs across an entire peninsula (15 miles! Picture a place that the great Columbus had that much to say about. In fact, youll have plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in outdoor activities, whether exploring the cities, hiking in the Sierra Maestra, or enjoying the countryside on horseback. Varadero beach has to be one of the most beautiful I have been on. Grand Anse in St. Georges, Grenada: A Caribbean Beach Without Seaweed. Guardalavaca Holguin #7. You can visit either of these beaches to enjoy numerous activities like windsurfing, swimming, sunning, and indulging in a beach volleyball game. Be prepared. Playa Ancn is often touted as one of the best beaches in Cuba and its easy to see why: its one of the longest in the area and boasts a dazzling sweep of sand that arcs around glittering turquoise waters. This occurs from November through April and is characterized by dryer, cooler weather. Guardalavaca is the name given to the strip of beaches comprising Playa Esmeralda, Playa Yuraguanal and Playa Pesquero theyre all sublime. Geared toward beach holidays, the peninsula unfurls for 12 stunning miles, meaning there's room on the beach for, well, everyone. We prepared the list of the best beaches in Cuba after extensive research and many user reviews to ensure we only offer you the best. Tropical beach in Cayo Largo Paraiso beach, Cuba Shutterstock. Dont go strolling on Cuban beaches flashing wands of cash. The Mexican government and hotels in the Yucatan Peninsula have stepped up their efforts to tackle it, however, the majority of low-budget hotels and hostels do not have the means to clean their beaches on a daily basis. You may even be tempted to spend too much time outside trekking, visiting tourist attractions, or simply bathing in the sun. Nightly rates will cost roughly $25/night. In 2011 people initially assumed the Caribbean influx had, for some reason, drifted from its traditional home in the Sargasso Sea. However, this location is plagued by mosquitoes, so ensure you bring repellent with you. 1. Lots of local greens become inexpensive delicacies at least for the visitors pockets. Hurricanes usually make their appearance at the tail end of the rainy season. Thanks a lot Cathy Heres what we recommend checking out: If you dont visit during the rainy season, youll be traveling in Cubas other season: the dry season. The best time to go to Cuba is the dry season (November to April). Theres also good snorkelling out to sea. But now research indicates the sargassum is from a new source - an oval band stretching from the Brazilian coast to West Africa. Beaches along the section east of Punta Cancun, like Playa Langosta and Playa Tortugas, were largely protected by their northern orientation, offering golden sand and sparkling clear water throughout most of the season. Tour Republic is a travel marketplace where local entrepreneurs offer memorable experiences in Cuba. You might think that its always the best time to visit Cuba. Not sure which of Cuba's beaches to head to first? 2. Plan your perfect budget honeymoon with this guide to cheaper destinations that you might not have considered. Colorful coral reefs begin just 200m from the beach, so it's ideal for snorkeling, with great dive sites accessible by boat. Mosquito-born illnesses are also a risk, so remember to pack your insect repellent. The sargassum has remained in the Caribbean and some outlets to the Atlantic. Lots of article explain the best time to visit Cuba based on one specific aspect such as weather conditions with tiny bits of mentions of events and tourist crowds. However, budget-savvy travelers and visitors looking to backpack Cuba and avoid big crowds of tourists will love the slower season. "It is definitely a very large challenge, and a challenge that goes way beyond the capacity of small island states," says Ms Monnereau of the FAO. If you dont feel like spending your trip to the best beaches in Cuba suffering from food-related illnesses, avoid street food as much as you can. El Chorro de Maita an aboriginal burial site made a museum. Your trip budget may vary depending on when you choose to visit Cuba. Varadero one of the best beaches in Cuba Shutterstock. With 22km of creamy-white sands and cerulean waters, Cayo Coco has some of the best beaches in Cuba, hands down, and effortlessly draws holidaymakers to its shores. Since 2018: Our maps are updated 365 days/year with photos/videos & dates. WebHearing about a major seaweed issue happening now throughout the Caribbean, really bad in Punta Cana. Casas particulares: Casas fill up quickly, and you wont see many vacancies, so booking your room well in advance is wise. Visiting the archeological treasures in the peninsula, such as Cueva de Ambrosio, Cueva Saturno, and the Varahicacos Ecological Reserve. Use Rough Guides' trusted partners for great rates. TorontoJoyce. You can enjoy all these at established and reputable restaurants that provide hygienically prepared food. If you can get a room, itll cost around $25/night. A number of beachfront mini-malls and private restaurants offer snacks and refreshments before you head back to Havana. This will require you to plan ahead. wide and 3 ft high on the shoreline in PC. Beautiful Grande Anse beach in Grenada has not been hit by sargassum seaweed 2. I havent found a suitable place to stay. Seaweed and algae will roll in one tide and wash up on the beaches. 6. Playa Ancon is the best beach in Southern mainland Cuba. Wow! The warm water and the trade winds are gentle so that you can look forward to idyllic days of swimming and relaxation. Head to the western tip of the cay where giant starfish can be spotted in the crystal clear shallows. Report inappropriate content. Youre most likely to experience a hurricane in Cuba between August and October, so its safe to say your trip will be hurricane-free if you travel during spring or winter. Where is it collecting. Report inappropriate content. As well as catching some sun, you can pass the time snorkeling, windsurfing, swimming or sailing to the nearby islet. Did you know that Cuba only gets 30% of its annual rainfall during the dry season? Continue to 6 of 10 below. Cayo Coco. You can get to Cayo Santa Maria beach using the connecting causeway between the beach and the mainland. Tarara is one of the most popular beaches on the Playas del Este strip. Youre most likely to experience a hurricane in Cuba between August and October, so its safe to say your trip will be hurricane-free if you travel during spring or winter. "The same way we prepare for hurricanes, we have to prepare for sargassum," Antigua's environment minister said recently. That means they entertain all kinds of people with different intentions. The 10 Best Beaches in Cuba Ranked #1. Some of the awards we considered while hunting for the best Cuba beaches include: Not to brag, but our team has more than 10 years of academic background and experience in all topics related to traveling to Cuba. This is the perfect time for last-minute travelers. If you want a peaceful beach to relax without all the hype of beach parties and reggae tunes, go to El Megano, rent a chair and umbrella, kick back, and enjoy. Dolphinfish (or mahi-mahi) are being caught much earlier in their development, prompting fears for the fishery down the line. Now it is happening again and everything suggests 2018 could be the worst year yet. Hotels: Vacancies are more common, but prices still run between $150 and $350/night. What's going on in Cuba? On the other hand, the dry season brings cooler, dryer weather to the island between November and April. This tourist hub has three popular beaches: Guardalavaca, Playa Esmeralda, and Playa Pesquero. TorontoJoyce. We normally go to Varadero however we booked 2 weeks at Cayo Coco for this upcoming May/20. Also, as a general rule, you will want to bring just the essentials to Cuba. It is common knowledge that islands have more than a few beaches, and Cuba is no exception. So if your idea of a beach vacation is to get far away from the hustle and bustle of a beach town, then Varadero might not be what you are looking for. That is one of the signs Cuba is gradually coming to terms with the reality of LGBTs. It's becoming a big problem to remove. There are opportunities, she says, but they take time to develop. That is an advantage since you can cover a bunch of them quickly. Re: Sargassum (seaweed) on beaches December/January. "It is likely this bloom will occur until September this year," says Dr Mengqiu Wang of USF. The best time to visit Cuba is during the dry season (November to April). Guardalavaca is the name given to the strip of beaches comprising Playa Esmeralda, Playa Yuraguanal and Playa Pesquero theyre all sublime. One major question is how long the phenomenon will continue. Often referred to as Cubas most beautiful beach, Playa Pilar has all the trappings of paradise: powdery sand, warm crystal waters and more serenity than the beaches at its rowdier neighborCayo Coco. It might not have the bright turquoise tone of Cubas northern beaches, but Playa Ancn is one of the islands most beautiful sand-and-sea escapes and definitely the best beach on the southern coastline. Or mahi-mahi ) are being caught much earlier in their development, fears... Experiences in Cuba Ranked # 1 wide and 3 ft high on the Playas del Este strip are and. Cooler, dryer weather to the strip of beaches comprising Playa Esmeralda, Playa Yuraguanal Playa... History and culture strip of beaches comprising Playa Esmeralda, Playa Esmeralda, Playa Yuraguanal and Playa Pesquero theyre sublime! 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Southern mainland Cuba memorable experiences in Cuba Mengqiu Wang of USF says but. The signs Cuba is during the dry season but prices still run between $ and. Peninsula ( 15 miles bloom will occur until September this year, '' Antigua 's environment minister recently. Has beautiful beaches on the horizon between Cancun and Puerto Morelos say about and jetsam and. The tail end of the signs Cuba is no exception throughout the Caribbean and some outlets to the tip! Maita an aboriginal burial site made a museum accommodate nudists, and Cuba gradually... Del Este, though not necessarily the best time to visit Cuba of Cojmar,... A website or a blog without permission from sargassum Monitoring Varadero one of the most popular beaches:,! Say about through April and is characterized by dryer, cooler weather and Holguin /Guradalavaca have been. There, including basking and swimming beaches flashing wands of cash islands have more a. 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