Plan your perfect budget honeymoon with this guide to cheaper destinations that you might not have considered. To be safer, especially in the countryside or cities, ensure you are protected against mosquitoes. Dont expect many bars or restaurants near the beach, though. Your trip budget may vary depending on when you choose to visit Cuba. 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. 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 In our guide to the best places to go with kids you will find other attractive family-friendly destinations. "Certainly we've had it for longer and in huge amounts. A reusable water bottle with a built-in filter will be your best traveling companion. Heres the lowdown on the most heavenly beaches on the Caribbeans biggest island. Temperatures fluctuate more during the dry season as cold fronts sweep down from the Eastern United States, so you may want to bring a light jacket or sweater. Playa Los Cocos (Santa Lucia) Camaguey #9. TorontoJoyce. I have fixed the broken links and Im thinking on adding a nice visual guide, just as you suggest. Head to the western tip of the cay where giant starfish can be spotted in the crystal clear shallows. Re: Seaweed problem in Cuba? Playa Varadero: one of the top beaches in Cuba. Read about our approach to external linking. 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. Playa Varadero Varadero #3. Best beach for families and inclusive resort stays. Trinidad, located about 7.5 miles from Playa Ancon, is a colonial town frozen in time. Web2023 beaches impacted by Sargassum seaweeds. Most fresh vegetables become scarce or frozen at buffets in the wet season, but fruits are in vogue. Even if you dont experience a hurricane, the weather will be scorching and humid, limiting what you can comfortably do outside. Others, like the cost of flights and accommodations, may significantly increase depending on the travel season. Playa Cayo Santa Maria has no shortage of natural scenery like tropical mangrove trees and powdery sand. As well as catching some sun, you can pass the time snorkeling, windsurfing, swimming or sailing to the nearby islet. Report inappropriate content 1-8 of 8 replies Sorted by 1 cubacarol Moreover, this beach is close to Playa Flamencos, a beautiful place with amazing Latin music. The best time to visit Cuba is during the dry season (November to April). Best Caribbean Beaches Without Seaweed: Where to Go in 2023. 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. "They need support they are suffering. Has anybody been to Jabacoa and Cayo Santa Maria lately and can let me know the situation. Playa Los Cocos (Santa Lucia) Camaguey #9. Nesting sites can be blocked by sargassum or damaged by removal work - and the sea is no safe refuge. 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 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. (private homestays) right by the beach just remember to bring mosquito repellent. The information regarding this particular aspect is so scattered, so it takes some time to dig in and find the complex picture of Cuba seasonality. Public perception is a factor in the impact and some international headlines "shouting that the Caribbean is consumed in rotting seaweed" have not painted an accurate picture, Prof Oxenford says. We used reviews to get a general picture of what tourists have to say about varied beaches and how they found the experience. Therefore, you should always have some cash on you if you need to pay for something or are in dire need. Cayo Santa Maria beaches cover a big chunk of the islands northern coastline. Hey Dan, The sargassum has remained in the Caribbean and some outlets to the Atlantic. This is the perfect time for last-minute travelers. 1. "In 2011 it was the first time we'd seen it," says Professor Hazel Oxenford, an expert in fisheries biology and management at the University of the West Indies. These are the best. Picture a place that the great Columbus had that much to say about. That means they entertain all kinds of people with different intentions. The beach boasts sparkling golden sandy scenery and crystal clear turquoise waters. "On satellite images the quantity that's being picked up is greater than ever before," says Prof Oxenford, who is based in Barbados. There are few restaurants and bars around the beach, so you wont struggle to find a refreshing drink or a quick snack. 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. 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. The beaches at Varadero get the usual flotsam and jetsam overnight and are raked each morning. Tropical beach in Cayo Largo Paraiso beach, Cuba Shutterstock. The sandy beach in this area is beautiful with turquoise water and stooping palm trees. Now it is happening again and everything suggests 2018 could be the worst year yet. If you decide to visit Cayo Coco, include visiting Playa Pilar and Playa Flamencos on your itinerary. The 10 Best Beaches in Cuba Ranked #1. Varadero one of the best beaches in Cuba Shutterstock. We also wrote a couple of books and academic articles about the travel industry in Cuba. But he says it is not yet clear what has caused this huge new bloom. On the other hand, the dry season brings cooler, dryer weather to the island between November and April. Head to the only beachside restaurant in Playa Los Cocos to pick some food and cold beers. Mosquitoes are big fans of humidity, so you wont see as many during the dry season. Your daily activities, budget, and even the fresh foods you eat will depend on the season. Prepare for mosquitoes lots of them. 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. It is in the news right now, but has been a problem for years. Is it possible to locate aplace for my husband and I. 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. What's going on in Cuba? If you are interested in naturist walks or snorkeling, this is the perfect place. The beautiful Caribbean has countless places where couples can discover romance. 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. Playa Paraiso Cayo Largo del Sur #2. Also, beware of the dead mangroves! If you are ever in Cayo Largo del Sur, make sure you have visited Playa Paraiso and Playa Sirena. Playa Cayo Jutias Cayo Jutias #8. Bacurano is the closest and most accessible beach in Playas del Este, though not necessarily the best. However, if you happen to visit Cayo Santa Maria between December 16 and Christmas, you cant miss Las Parrandas de Remedios. One of the best beaches in the area is delightful Playa Guardalava, a 15000m stretch of dazzlingly white sand that draws both Cubans and tourists alike. For example, in 2021, Playa Cayo Santa Maria ranked 2nd as the best beach globally and won the top spot for the best beach in the Caribbean by Tripadvisors Travelers Choice Awards. Visiting the nearby beaches is definitely among the top things to do in Havana. Bottled water is hard to come by, even in the big cities, and virtually unheard of if you venture deep into the countryside. Mosquitoes breed when the weather is hot and damp, so Cubas wet season is their favorite time of year. Visit Cuba at the time of year that works best for you. Geared toward beach holidays, the peninsula unfurls for 12 stunning miles, meaning there's room on the beach for, well, everyone. Still, you will not lack somewhere to enjoy the local delicacies and grab a refreshing drink. Flight prices: Flights are more affordable at $250 to $300. One of these is Playa Ensenachos, a popular tourist destination with almost untouched natural beauty. 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 #3. Consider these eight intriguing destinations for couples, all over the US. 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. Simply translated as turquoise beach, it comes as no surprise to find that Playa Turquesa is one of the most beautiful beaches in the region. WebThe employees of the hotel were burying the seaweed in some parts of the Sol's beach, the others stayed on the sand and we just stepped over it on the way to the water edge. There are plenty of exciting festivals and events to enjoy during Cubas dry season. It is also surrounded by numerous other secluded beaches that may be ideal if you are looking for a place to enjoy a romantic getaway or private picnic. Some travel costs to Cuba remain similar during most of the year, such as the cost of food and drinks, private transportation, Internet, and entertainment. You can visit either of these beaches to enjoy numerous activities like windsurfing, swimming, sunning, and indulging in a beach volleyball game. 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. Has anybody been to Jabacoa and Cayo Santa Maria lately and can let me know the situation. is called "Paradise Island for a reason. The resort of Guardalavaca is popular for good reason: a succession of gorgeous beaches sweeping around sheltered reefs, backed by a surrounding landscape of gentle hills and fields of sugar cane. Playa Pesquero Holguin #10. Boasting a dazzling arch of sand with palm trees and calm, clear waters, Ancn also has more than 20 diving close offshore Cayo Blanco International Dive Center at the Hotel Club Amigo Ancn can arrange trips. 6. Hurricanes usually make their appearance at the tail end of the rainy season. I havent found a suitable place to stay. If you plan to camp outside, bringing a mosquito net is also a good idea. As a rule of thumb, the rainy season (May to October) is typically the cheapest time to travel to Cuba. The beaches east of Cojmar town, famed for its Hemingway connection, are collectively known as the Playas del Este. WebSo far, the Atlantic coast; Varadero Cayo Coco, Cayo Santa Maria and Holguin /Guradalavaca have not been affected. If you are staying in Havana and don't want to venture too far, check here for the best beaches close to Havana. Seaweed and algae will roll in one tide and wash up on the beaches. The experience may be life-changing. Beaches are the place to be during Cubas wet season. For a pocket of tranquillity, escape the main beaches and head to Playa Los Flamencos. You will begin to understand just how captivating Guardalavaca is. Im unsure of what the weather is expected to be. Hotels are not luxurious here, but the beach itself is breathtaking, and huts on the sand rent out equipment for kayaking and catamaran trips. A quick glance at sites like Facebook and TripAdvisor, nonetheless, shows tourists are concerned. Arm yourself with enough Deep Woods mosquito repellent, and you will enjoy Cuba without getting annihilated by mosquitoes. These beaches have perfect entrances that do not require you to trek hundreds of feet before reaching shoulder-level waters. Thanks a lot Cathy There are also several sank ships, like the Mortera, which sank in 1898. 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. 1. some of the links are not available anymore (the NOAA index, Cuban events, and the tourism stats link) * Do not embed this map in a website or a blog without permission from Sargassum Monitoring. WebSo far, the Atlantic coast; Varadero Cayo Coco, Cayo Santa Maria and Holguin /Guradalavaca have not been affected. Some things to do in Playa Paraiso include snorkeling, swimming, and enjoying local cuisines and refreshing drinks. Furthermore, birdwatchers can lay back and enjoy the sights of flamingoes strutting back and forth in this area. You can rent a taxi for a roundtrip from Old Havana to Playas del Este for about 15-20 USD. 3. Yes, the road to Cayo Jutas is full of potholes, and your GPS might tell you it's an hour-long trip from Viales when the journey actually takes two hours, but it's worth it. Cayo Saetia a natural protected area with scenic beaches. Is it that bad around Cuba? Report inappropriate content. Expect the weather to worsen in late summer when hurricane season kicks off. Since 2018: Our maps are updated 365 days/year with photos/videos & dates. These are reasons why Playa Varadero was picked as the 2nd best beach in the world in 2019 and the 4th best beach in The Caribbean in 2021 by Tripadvisors Travelers Choice Awards. Three years later the seaweed returned, in larger quantities. Hurricanes in the dry season Hurricanes during the dry season are exceedingly rare. Varadero beach has to be one of the most beautiful I have been on. Explore the worlds most thrilling waves with Epic Surf Breaks of the World. Cayo Coco is famous for its coral reefs and perfect, white, sandy beaches. April is the ideal time of year for mild-weather hikes, cherry blossom festivals, fresh produce and more. Driving to Matanzas and stopping by for photos at the Bacunayagua bridge. Seaweed and algae will roll in one tide and wash up on the beaches. Nightly rates will cost roughly $25/night. A room in luxury resorts can run anywhere from $200 to $800 a night. Where is it collecting. Hi, Michelle. In the meantime Canadians can continue to visit Cuba as often as they like. is full of potholes, and your GPS might tell you it's an hour-long trip from. Cuba is HOT! The waters at this beach are warm and turquoise and lap lazily amidst numerous schools of darting fish. One downside is that marine life also loves the dry season. Complete Cuba - Nature, Tradition and Sights of the Revolution. 2. Trinidad is home to gorgeous, tranquil, well-maintained beaches with tall palm trees. WebHearing about a major seaweed issue happening now throughout the Caribbean, really bad in Punta Cana. Mango, pineapple, avocado, mamey, banana, watermelon, papaya, and even greens like kimbomb, fava beans, pumpkin, and sweet potato are easy to find. The rules for Americans visiting Cuba in 2022, Top things to do in Cuba: how to explore the richness of the country's culture and land, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Playa Pilar Cayo Coco #5. Re: Sargassum (seaweed) on beaches December/January. Sunscreen and water bottle with filter are a must. Playa Ensenachos is pretty close to Playa Cayo Santa Maria. Perhaps thats why Fidel Castro himself led the inauguration of the first hotel in Guardalavaca. So, I think youve done a great research and its great that besides climate data you added some tips on what to pack, how to travel cheaper, and also mentioned cultural events along with insects . 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! If you are traveling with kids, you will be glad to know that Playa Paraiso is one of the safest beaches in Cuba for children. Then there is tourism. Water sports gear is also available for rent. The multiple strands at. are the closest beaches to Cubas capital a 30-minute taxi ride leads to half a dozen delightful palm-fringed strips of sand. 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. The beaches are often free of seaweed beyond the Hard Rock Hotel to Macao Beach. Plus, despite the shortage of adequate infrastructure, many all-inclusive resorts at Los Cocos offer authentic Cuban cuisine and a lovely ambiance. Heres what we recommend checking out: If you dont visit during the rainy season, youll be traveling in Cubas other season: the dry season. Some of the fishes you may find here include marlin. 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