Some 5km west from Guardalavaca, picture-perfect Playa Esmeralda (also known as Estero Ciego) boasts clear blue water, powdery sand speckled with thatched sunshades and two luxury hotels hidden from view by thoughtfully planted bushes and shrubs. It's a secluded spot, with shallow shores protected from rough waves by an offshore coral reef. That is an advantage since you can cover a bunch of them quickly. The beaches are often free of seaweed beyond the Hard Rock Hotel to Macao Beach. Take an e-bike ride along the coastline and the Valley of Sugar Mills to explore Trinidad's countryside. Stay safe by hopping out of the water as soon as you notice dark clouds or lightning on the horizon! Hi im due to go this early this july til early August. The multiple strands at. However, if you happen to visit Cayo Santa Maria between December 16 and Christmas, you cant miss Las Parrandas de Remedios. I've seen pics of the weed 12ft. Three years later the seaweed returned, in larger quantities. Take a look at some of the exciting guided tours offered by Tour Republic. Its a popular beach stop while visiting the colonial village of Trinidad or French-inspired Cienfuegos. The best time to visit Cuba is the dry season because the rainy season is usually more humid, mucky, hotter, and generally wetter. Copyright 2022 Apa Digital AG, all rights reserved. You can get to Cayo Santa Maria beach using the connecting causeway between the beach and the mainland. Playa Cayo Jutias Cayo Jutias #8. The clothing-optional beaches in Cuba are: Cayo Largo is Cubas most popular place for naturist beach lovers. 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. Read about our approach to external linking. WebIt is, indeed, a beautiful beach, and I would have no worries at all, on that particular score. Tropical beach in Cayo Largo Paraiso beach, Cuba Shutterstock. 6 years ago This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. However, we will also introduce you to others that are secluded and, therefore, the best if you want to avoid overcrowded spots. and separated from Isla de la Juventud by 100km (62 miles) of sea. Again, thanks for your suggestions! A handful of all-inclusive hotels dot the area, but beaches are public and popular among locals from May to September. Cuba: a feast for the senses - take 10 days to discover Havana in depth before heading out to Cienfuegos and Trinidad. The waters here are blue and warm, the road is a real adventure, and the general ambiance is lovely and laid-back. Spoiler alert: theres a reason its called the wet season! Playa Pilar is also commonly known as Cayo Guillermo. 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). You can enjoy all these at established and reputable restaurants that provide hygienically prepared food. Youll be grateful for the lack of thunderstorms and swarms of hungry mosquitoes! Beaches in Cuba run the gamut from gleaming resort beaches to low-key local hangouts santypan / Getty Images, Cuba's 8 most gorgeous beaches for sunbathing, diving and more. is called "Paradise Island for a reason. Web2023 beaches impacted by Sargassum seaweeds. Hi Catherine, we have a whole article talking about what to bring and wear in Cuba. Best Caribbean Beaches Without Seaweed: Where to Go in 2023. A handful of all-inclusive hotels dot the area, but beaches are public and popular among locals from May to September. 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. Casa particulares: Rooms are easier to find than during peak season, but we still recommend booking ahead of time. We used reviews to get a general picture of what tourists have to say about varied beaches and how they found the experience. In St Lucia one entrepreneur is turning it into a plant tonic, while in Barbados a fertiliser project is underway. Cuba is one of those destinations that Canadians really love. What's going on in Cuba? Hi, Michelle. 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. The prize beaches of Trinidad include Playa Ancon and Playa Maria Aguilar. You can book excursions to the key from the beach restaurant Ranchon Playa Pilar where kayaks and aquatic bikes are also available for rental. Suppose you are looking for a location with astounding beaches and a fuller package with inclusive restaurants, bars, hotels, and a bushy backdrop. One of the best activities you can engage in Playa Ancon is diving in the reefs. From the Blue Mountain to the musical history of Trench Town, Jamaica is the kind of island that beckons you back. A quick glance at sites like Facebook and TripAdvisor, nonetheless, shows tourists are concerned. All rights reserved. As well as catching some sun, you can pass the time snorkeling, windsurfing, swimming or sailing to the nearby islet. Mango, pineapple, avocado, mamey, banana, watermelon, papaya, and even greens like kimbomb, fava beans, pumpkin, and sweet potato are easy to find. Was wondering if thats possible? 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. Best beaches for quiet escapes and scuba diving. This beach may be in an interior location. Northern Camaguey has two outstanding jewels: Santa Lucia and Playa Los Cocos. Varadero beach has to be one of the most beautiful I have been on. Most visitors know this beach to be a complete package resort for rejuvenating and enjoying the pleasures of a white sandy beach. Playa Cayo Jutias Cayo Jutias #8. Playa Los Cocos (Santa Lucia) Camaguey, Playa del Chivo: Best Beach near Old Havana. In the meantime Canadians can continue to visit Cuba as often as they like. Playa Cayo Santa Maria Cayo Santa Maria, #8. Cuba is primarily a cash country, and you will pay most of your trip to Cuba costs in Cuban Pesos (CUPs). 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. 1. If you are in a hurry, here is a map that lists what we consider the best beaches in Cuba. I stayed at a resort that was invaded by algae. Varadero one of the best beaches in Cuba Shutterstock. You may even be tempted to spend too much time outside trekking, visiting tourist attractions, or simply bathing in the sun. He points to nutrients both from falling Saharan dust and pushed up from the sea floor as possible factors, but says more research is needed to establish exact triggers. Arrive in Havana and make your way all throughout the island with stops in Cienfuegos, Trinidad, Cayo Coco, Camaguey and Santiago before returning to Havana. Travel Health Insurance Travel medical insurance is an entry requirement for Cuba, so you cant skip it. Beaches with the highest seaweed count include Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and some points between Cancun and Puerto Morelos. The 10 Best Beaches in Cuba Ranked #1. Travel protection benefits such as trip interruption and cancellation, baggage delay insurance, etc., are not required. The nearest beach to this area is Playa del Chivo, and there isnt much to say about it. We normally go to Varadero however we booked 2 weeks at Cayo Coco for this upcoming May/20. Playa Pilar Cayo Coco #5. Plan your perfect budget honeymoon with this guide to cheaper destinations that you might not have considered. Subscribe to Lonely Planet newsletters and promotions. The beaches here are entirely private and secluded, therefore ideal for nudists. Best Caribbean Beaches Without Seaweed: Where to Go in 2023. One of the most popular beaches in Cuba, Playa Varadero, is near Cayo Blanco. 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. Report inappropriate content 1-8 of 8 replies Sorted by 1 cubacarol Therefore, you should always have some cash on you if you need to pay for something or are in dire need. 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. Since Cuba doesnt get much rain during the dry season, you can expect consistently clear, sunny skies. Guardalavaca Holguin #7. "It is likely this bloom will occur until September this year," says Dr Mengqiu Wang of USF. And so far so good the sargassum is not there according to this handy tracking tool. Playa Arena Gorda Fat Sand Beach. Las Parrandas is a carnival-like festival that happens every year in Remedios, a small town about 1hr and 20 minutes from Cayo Santa Maria. Cayo Blanco Varadero #6. Im unsure of what the weather is expected to be. Some things to do in Playa Paraiso include snorkeling, swimming, and enjoying local cuisines and refreshing drinks. Since 2018: Our maps are updated 365 days/year with photos/videos & dates. 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. Still, you will not lack somewhere to enjoy the local delicacies and grab a refreshing drink. Guardalavaca is the name given to the strip of beaches comprising Playa Esmeralda, Playa Yuraguanal and Playa Pesquero theyre all sublime. You can also visit BioParque Rocazul, a small natural park where you can enjoy horseback riding and fishing. Nearby (about 3 miles) is a jewel you cant miss: Playa Esmeralda. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. 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! 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. Playa Cayo Santa Maria has recently won increasing praise from travelers and experts 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. The best beach here is Playa Paraso, southeast of Playa Sirena and separated from Isla de la Juventud by 100km (62 miles) of sea. 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. WebDownload Cuba Seaweed stock photos. This year sargassum is again washing up on Caribbean shores, Long Beach in Barbados was one of those affected by sargassum in July, People are trying to get to grips with sargassum on affected beaches across the Caribbean, Harry and Meghan told to 'vacate' Frogmore Cottage, Explosive found in check-in luggage at US airport, Whiskey fungus forces Jack Daniels to stop construction, Tulsa massacre survivors granted Ghana citizenship, Messages reveal battle over Covid school policy, Covid messages leak a massive betrayal - Hancock, Rare Jurassic-era bug found at Arkansas Walmart, Aboriginal spears taken in 1770 to return to Sydney. Considered among the best beach hubs in the, has all the trappings of paradise: powdery sand, warm crystal waters and more serenity than the beaches at its rowdier neighbor. Needless to say, visiting Cuban beaches is one of the best things to do in Cuba. Removal is time-consuming, expensive and can damage the beaches. We only recommend services that we genuinely believe will enhance your travel experiences. This will require you to plan ahead. Travel protection benefits such as trip interruption and cancellation, baggage delay insurance, etc., are not required. It may be popular but thanks to its sheer size theres enough space for everyone to indulge in a few days stress-free sloth. Ready for a trip to the Cuba? 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. Pilar was a favorite hideaway for American writer Ernest Hemingway, and rumor has it he searched for WWII German U-boats in the area. Just a short drive from Cubas bustling capital lie white sands, palm trees and beautiful coral reefs. Hurricanes in the dry season Hurricanes during the dry season are exceedingly rare. There are also several sank ships, like the Mortera, which sank in 1898. Playa Pilars waters contain abundant marine life, so fishing should be enjoyable. If the idea of taking an e-bike for longer than a day excites you, take a look at our Western and Central Cuba by e-bike trip: 13 days of exploration and adventure await. 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. Casas particulares: Rooms are cheaper at around $20/night and much easier to find, even in popular areas like Havana. This is the high run for harvesting. There are plenty of exciting festivals and events to enjoy during Cubas dry season. 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. Cayo Santa Maria. Moreover, this beach is close to Playa Flamencos, a beautiful place with amazing Latin music. Dreamstime is the world`s largest stock photography community. 6. site may be reprodiced without our written permission. Grand Anse in St. Georges, Grenada: A Caribbean Beach Without Seaweed. Some beaches in Cuba have garnered a worldwide reputation as the best of the best; thus, they have won an impressive list of awards. Varadero and the islands of the Jardines del Rey archipelago are just a few essential stops on the long list of flawless turquoise-edged strands surrounding the island. Playa Paraiso Cayo Largo del Sur #2. Playa Cayo Jutias Cayo Jutias #8. Some articles may contain affiliates links at no cost to you. I appreciate your find it useful. The waters on this gorgeous beach also have sandbars that make sitting and dipping your toes in the warm water enjoyable. It is an ideal resort for tourists with its bars, pools, restaurants, and shopping center if you are up for a spree. Hotels are not luxurious here, but the beach itself is breathtaking, and huts on the sand rent out equipment for kayaking and catamaran trips. has aquamarine shallows stretching as far as the eye can see and verdant hills lining the sandy shoreline. Playa Varadero: one of the top beaches in Cuba. What's going on in Cuba? 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. Playa Ancon is the best beach in Southern mainland Cuba. ), which is so narrow that the beach will always be a few steps away from you. Hotels: $150-450 a night is pretty common. Plus, despite the shortage of adequate infrastructure, many all-inclusive resorts at Los Cocos offer authentic Cuban cuisine and a lovely ambiance. Cancun and Puerto Morelos of beaches comprising Playa Esmeralda contain affiliates links at no to... 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A favorite hideaway for American writer Ernest Hemingway, and I would have no worries at all on... S largest stock photography community some of the most beautiful I have been on in! Insurance travel medical insurance is an entry requirement for Cuba, Playa Varadero: one the... Go this early this july til early August of all-inclusive hotels dot the,. Country, and the Valley of Sugar Mills to explore Trinidad 's countryside a complete package for... Im unsure of what tourists have to say about varied beaches and how they found experience. For the lack of thunderstorms and swarms of hungry mosquitoes also visit BioParque Rocazul, a beautiful,. American writer Ernest Hemingway, and there isnt much to say about varied beaches and how they the. Are entirely private and secluded, therefore ideal for nudists, if happen...