Thanks a lot Cathy 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. Playa Paraiso Cayo Largo del Sur #2. Report inappropriate content 1-8 of 8 replies Sorted by 1 cubacarol Cayo Largos beaches have the finest and whitest sand in Cuba. Wow! Hurricanes in the dry season Hurricanes during the dry season are exceedingly rare. The scenery at this beach is a beautiful blend of green fields of tamarind, sea grapes, and palms. WebSo far, the Atlantic coast; Varadero Cayo Coco, Cayo Santa Maria and Holguin /Guradalavaca have not been affected. Playa Varadero Varadero #3. The 10 Best Beaches in Cuba Ranked #1. Youre sure to have an awesome time, no matter when your trip falls on the calendar. So, when do you think is the best time to visit Cuba? This will require you to plan ahead. It is an ideal resort for tourists with its bars, pools, restaurants, and shopping center if you are up for a spree. 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. Cayo Santa Maria. However, like most tourist destinations, it also has its share of small-time thieves, pickpockets, and scammers. Cuba has two seasons. Internet in Cuba for Tourists (2023 Update), Cuba Travel Tips: 58 Things You Need to Know Before Traveling to Cuba (2023), Classic Cars of Cuba: Meet the Islands Timeless Treasures, Tipping in Cuba: The Ultimate Travelers Guide (Updated 2023), Havana International Ballet Festival (October-November), Old Havana: City in Movement (urban dance festival), Havana International Jazz Festival (December), International Festival of New Latin American Film (December). 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. Before you do so, pack our 50 tips for traveling to Cuba. The sargassum has remained in the Caribbean and some outlets to the Atlantic. Protected from harsh winds and rough waves by the offshore coral reef, and with over 2km of stunning white sands, Playa Sirena, at the western tip of the cay, enjoys a deserved reputation as the most beautiful of all the beaches on Cayo Largo (if not in all of Cuba). Seaweed and algae will roll in one tide and wash up on the beaches. "We've spent an ungodly amount of money on tractors, heavy equipment, we've tried a number of different barrier systems on the water, none of which has worked well.". Hurricanes usually make their appearance at the tail end of the rainy season. That may be just one of the many tall tales told about Papa, but Pilar is definitely a beach where time seems to stop. High humidity levels magnify the heat, so prepare wisely if you travel during this time. Now that you know how we picked the best beaches in Cuba, lets dive in! Explore Cayo Santa Maria and the coastline in your own speedboat - you will get a short introduction on how to drive it before setting off to explore. Guardalavaca is the name given to the strip of beaches comprising Playa Esmeralda, Playa Yuraguanal and Playa Pesquero theyre all sublime. is called "Paradise Island for a reason. Best beaches for quiet escapes and scuba diving. Hi im due to go this early this july til early August. . Guardalavaca Holguin #7. Typically, mosquitoes thrive in damp and hot climates, so Cubas rainy season is a favorite for them. The reason southern and eastern shores are worst hit lies in the seaweed's source. Head 40 minutes south along the bay and you can indulge all your snorkeling and diving whims on Playa Girns 300m (984ft) coral wall and nearby wrecks and cenotes (sinkholes). 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. Here are eight of the best. And if you have any feedback, please submit it in the comment section below. Internet in Cuba for Tourists (2023 Update), Classic Cars of Cuba: Meet the Islands Timeless Treasures. Enjoy your vacations. One of the most popular beaches in Punta Cana, this white sand beach is located between Playa Bavaro Since 2018: Our maps are updated 365 days/year with photos/videos & dates. The islet is home to anhinga, mollusks, iguanas, seagulls, and flamingos. Use Rough Guides' trusted partners for great rates. I stayed at a resort that was invaded by algae. 3 years ago Save There is a new long range ecological problem in the Caribbean: Sargassum algae which looks like seaweed is a mess on many Caribbean beaches. I've seen pics of the weed 12ft. Here are the best times to visit Cuba's capital, Havana. These beaches have perfect entrances that do not require you to trek hundreds of feet before reaching shoulder-level waters. 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. That means precipitation is low, and storms are infrequent. We also wrote a couple of books and academic articles about the travel industry in Cuba. If you are staying in Havana and don't want to venture too far, check here for the best beaches close to Havana. Arm yourself with enough Deep Woods mosquito repellent, and you will enjoy Cuba without getting annihilated by mosquitoes. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. Most tourists love this beach because it is peaceful and tranquil. Some of the beaches we have included below are close to others you may like to visit. Playas del Este has a few beaches near Havana that are worth a shot. Theres also good snorkelling out to sea. Here sugary sands stretch out to meet the transparent waters, while wild horses and deer roam through the woodland that borders the sand giving the beach an almost magical feel. Mosquito-born illnesses are also a risk, so remember to pack your insect repellent. If you are a member of the LGBT and would like to relax on a beach with a touch of fashion and panache associated with this group of people, Mi Cayito will not disappoint. Cubans refer to this time of day as when dogs dont come after their master. And when you do venture outside, bring lots of water and sunscreen! With such an abundance of largely untouched sand, theres no shortage of options for a bit of solitude but one of the beaches in Cuba that shouldnt be missed is the gorgeous Playa Pilar. Stringy, brown seaweed that spends its life floating, Traditionally starts life in the Gulf of Mexico and is pushed by currents out into the North Atlantic to float in the Sargasso Sea, Forms rafts that serve as vital feeding and breeding grounds for marine life, Not harmful to humans and in small amounts, it can help nourish beaches. Daily thunderstorms are pretty common, especially during the afternoon. Varadero is undoubtedly the package holiday resort in Cuba and the glut of all-inclusive hotels, restaurants, and tour operators are all here for one reason: the beach one of the longest and one of the best beaches in Cuba. There is over 3km of beach in all, split by a sandy headland into two broad curves of soft, silver shore ringed on one side by the lush green of a woody, palm-specked thicket and on the other by the glassy Caribbean Sea. "The same way we prepare for hurricanes, we have to prepare for sargassum," Antigua's environment minister said recently. 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. Incoming rafts smother sea grasses and coral reefs, while fishermen struggle to get in the water. I've seen pics of the weed 12ft. Just a short drive from Cubas bustling capital lie white sands, palm trees and beautiful coral reefs. The beautiful Caribbean has countless places where couples can discover romance. The dry season brings cooler weather to Cuba. With over 3 million visitors to island each year, tourist areas can get pretty crowded during peak season! WebHearing about a major seaweed issue happening now throughout the Caribbean, really bad in Punta Cana. Varadero beach has to be one of the most beautiful I have been on. The best time to visit Cuba is during the dry season (November to April). Over the years, it has retained its exquisite appeal with gorgeous reefs, shrubs, and trees. Morne Rouge Beach on Grenada. The average temperature from April to May is 78 degrees, while Cubas coolest months, December to March, hover around 72 degrees. The nearest beach to this area is Playa del Chivo, and there isnt much to say about it. I've seen pics of the weed 12ft. A handful of all-inclusive hotels dot the area, but beaches are public and popular among locals from May to September. Mosquitoes breed when the weather is hot and damp, so Cubas wet season is their favorite time of year. 2. There is also a mini zoo where you can interact with the animals. The best time to go to Cuba is the dry season (November to April). In 2016, Playa Paraiso, or Paradise beach, was voted the 3rd most beautiful beach worldwide by Travellers Choice, and rightly so. This is true all year round, but especially during the wet season. All Facts Considered, What Is the Best Time to Visit Cuba? These items are enough to get you started, but we also recommend something a bit heavier duty like travel medical insurance. If you fancy swapping the beach resorts for a tucked-away, tranquil fishing village on a sandy shore, Playa Larga offers casas particulares (private homestays) right by the beach just remember to bring mosquito repellent. Typically, the worst season for Jellyfish is the dry season (November to April). Beaches with the highest seaweed count include Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and some points between Cancun and Puerto Morelos. Perhaps Playa Ancon is so visited because its near one of the leading tourist destinations in Cuba: Trinidad. Even if you dont experience a hurricane, the weather will be scorching and humid, limiting what you can comfortably do outside. Mi Cayito, as we mentioned before, is the most popular gay beach in Cuba. Your daily activities, budget, and even the fresh foods you eat will depend on the season. However, remember that fewer mosquitoes doesnt mean no mosquitoes. Cuba is a sub-tropical Caribbean island, so its warmth is favorable to year-long insect populations. Use them in commercial designs under lifetime, perpetual & worldwide rights. Travel Health Insurance Travel medical insurance is an entry requirement for Cuba, so you cant skip it. Re: Sargassum (seaweed) on beaches December/January. The seaweed youll see on the shore at Macao Beach and at the waters edge is usually seagrass and not sargassum. The small hoop of rather grubby, seaweed-strewn sand is somewhat redeemed by its friendly atmosphere and a striking hill behind, whose shadow lengthens over the beach in the afternoon. If you are in a hurry, here is a map that lists what we consider the best beaches in Cuba. If your idea of having a good time includes clear water, beautiful sandy beaches, and diverse culture and traditions, Cuban beaches should be on your bucket list. Take an e-bike ride along the coastline and the Valley of Sugar Mills to explore Trinidad's countryside. The dry season in Cuba is pretty lively and exciting. The deserted tranquillity of this private world is all part of what makes it exceptional, though this is sometimes destroyed by hordes of cruise-ship visitors. Take a look at some of the exciting guided tours offered by Tour Republic. If you fancy swapping the beach resorts for a tucked-away, tranquil fishing village on a sandy shore, Playa Larga offers. Cayo Blanco Varadero #6. If you are not shy of rugged, sometimes rocky beaches dotted with coral patches, consider Northeastern Holguin. Three years later the seaweed returned, in larger quantities. As well as catching some sun, you can pass the time snorkeling, windsurfing, swimming or sailing to the nearby islet. You can rent a taxi for a roundtrip from Old Havana to Playas del Este for about 15-20 USD. It is in the news right now, but has been a problem for years. Camaguey is the largest province in Cuba. Bottled water is hard to come by, even in the big cities, and virtually unheard of if you venture deep into the countryside. Playa Pilar Cayo Coco #5. Tip your beach servers as often as possible, and they will ensure your stay on the best beaches in Cuba is worthwhile. Re: Seaweed problem in Cuba? Dont go strolling on Cuban beaches flashing wands of cash. Re: Sargassum (seaweed) on beaches December/January. Floating off the southern shore of Cuba's main island in the Jardines del Rey archipelago, this low-lying cay offers a heaven-on-earth feeling few places in the Caribbean can match. Beautiful Grande Anse beach in Grenada has not been hit by sargassum seaweed 2. Tests have found some sargassum is high in arsenic, which rules out use as animal feed. Furthermore, birdwatchers can lay back and enjoy the sights of flamingoes strutting back and forth in this area. "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. Tour Republic is a travel marketplace where local entrepreneurs offer memorable experiences in Cuba. On shore, as well as blocking beaches and repelling swimmers, the sargassum stinks as it decomposes. Expect the weather to worsen in late summer when hurricane season kicks off. It's a secluded spot, with shallow shores protected from rough waves by an offshore coral reef. Since Cuba is a tropical island, you really have to consider anything that could possibly happen and might affect your stay. Some articles may contain affiliates links at no cost to you. Afterwards, return to the city to learn more about Trinidad's history and culture. Northern Camaguey has two outstanding jewels: Santa Lucia and Playa Los Cocos. Has anybody been to Jabacoa and Cayo Santa Maria lately and can let me know the situation. Report inappropriate content 1-8 of 8 replies Sorted by 1 cubacarol Flight prices: Prices run between $400 and $500 from the U.S. to Cuba. WebIt is, indeed, a beautiful beach, and I would have no worries at all, on that particular score. I stayed at a resort that was invaded by algae. There are no sharp rocks or strong currents; the water is calm and relatively shallow. 1. some of the links are not available anymore (the NOAA index, Cuban events, and the tourism stats link) Playa Los Cocos (Santa Lucia) Camaguey, Playa del Chivo: Best Beach near Old Havana. La Finquita Alegre and Don Pepe Grill Restaurant are recommended. Tipping in Cuba is typically a friendly way of showing appreciation for good service. Commercial uses of sargassum are also being explored. In our guide to the best places to go with kids you will find other attractive family-friendly destinations. And so far so good the sargassum is not there according to this handy tracking tool. Beautiful Grande Anse beach in Grenada has not been hit by sargassum seaweed 2. Try this one if you want to visit a sleepy and quieter beach. On the other hand, the dry season brings cooler, dryer weather to the island between November and April. Cuba is one of those destinations that Canadians really love. If you plan to camp outside, bringing a mosquito net is also a good idea. It is common knowledge that islands have more than a few beaches, and Cuba is no exception. You can book excursions to the key from the beach restaurant Ranchon Playa Pilar where kayaks and aquatic bikes are also available for rental. If you want to bask in perfect weather, plan a trip avoid visiting this island in June, September, and October. One of the best activities you can engage in Playa Ancon is diving in the reefs. Bahia de Naranjo a dolphin sanctuary where you can swim with the dolphins. Varadero can be the very opposite of Playa Paradise, though. If you enjoyed reading this article, dont hesitate to share it with your friends. Cuban Tourist Card If your Cuban Tourist Card (a.k.a Cuban Tourist Visa) isnt bundled into your airline ticket or travel package, buy it only through EasyTouristCard. During this time, Cuba experiences most of its rain, getting anywhere from 4.7 to 6.7 inches of rain each month between June and September. Jellyfish swim near the coast and wont hesitate to give you a venomous poke if you accidentally swim too close. In the meantime Canadians can continue to visit Cuba as often as they like. Its also the most beautiful. I appreciate your find it useful. Most beaches in Cuba are open to the general public. Playa Cayo Santa Maria Cayo Santa Maria, #8. This is the perfect time for last-minute travelers. Playa Varadero Varadero #3. 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. Arrange multiple dives on a full-day guided trip, snorkel at Punta Perdiz just a short drive north along the bay, or stopover at a local casa particular and enjoy the ocean views from a wooden rocking chair until the sun sets. The tiny islet of Cayo Largo, a narrow ribbon of land flanked by pale downy sands, is separated from Isla de la Juventud by 100km of sea. There are a few tips you should follow to make the best out of your beach vacation in Cuba. El Chorro de Maita an aboriginal burial site made a museum. Hi, Michelle. The seaweed youll see on the shore at Macao Beach and at the waters edge is usually seagrass and not sargassum. One of the most popular beaches in Cuba, Playa Varadero, is near Cayo Blanco. The multiple strands at Playas del Este are the closest beaches to Cubas capital a 30-minute taxi ride leads to half a dozen delightful palm-fringed strips of sand. It is safe, clean and reasonable inexpensive. It is safe, clean and reasonable inexpensive. Where is it collecting. Bridge over the green water of Cayo Coco Shutterstock. The dry season will be the best time to visit Cuba if you love fresh vegetables. There is also the turtle population. To cuba beaches seaweed Trinidad 's history and culture season will be the best beaches to! `` the same way we prepare for hurricanes, we have to prepare for hurricanes, have... Weather is hot and damp, so Cubas rainy season is a favorite for them major! Hurry, here is a map that lists what we consider the time! Hot climates, so remember to pack your insect repellent, a beautiful blend green! 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