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. 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. Just a short drive from Cubas bustling capital lie white sands, palm trees and beautiful coral reefs. Take a look at some of the exciting guided tours offered by Tour Republic. What's going on in Cuba? A reusable water bottle with a built-in filter will be your best traveling companion. 6 years ago This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. There is also talk of bio-gas but Prof Oxenford says this depends on a regular supply of biomass and affordable collection costs. 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. The sandy beach in this area is beautiful with turquoise water and stooping palm trees. The beaches at Varadero get the usual flotsam and jetsam overnight and are raked each morning. 2. Find some useful information in our list of tips for backpacking Cuba. If you are interested in naturist walks or snorkeling, this is the perfect place. 06 of 10 Isla Blanca Doug Depies / Getty Images 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. Three years later the seaweed returned, in larger quantities. Cayo Cocos big three beaches, home to the all-inclusives and packed with boisterous activities, hog the narrow easternmost peninsula jutting out of the cays north coast. Mosquitoes are big fans of humidity, so you wont see as many during the dry season. Havana has some gorgeous beaches that you can easily access via a short drive from the city center. Theres also good snorkelling out to sea. All in All, Which Parts of Cuba Have the Best Beaches? 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. Varadero can be the very opposite of Playa Paradise, though. wide and 3 ft high on the shoreline in PC. It may be popular but thanks to its sheer size theres enough space for everyone to indulge in a few days stress-free sloth. You can count on us to give you honest advice! However, if you happen to visit Cayo Santa Maria between December 16 and Christmas, you cant miss Las Parrandas de Remedios. WebHearing about a major seaweed issue happening now throughout the Caribbean, really bad in Punta Cana. In fact, most are sandy enough to allow barefoot perambulation. I've seen pics of the weed 12ft. That means precipitation is low, and storms are infrequent. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); I am an American, thinking about traveling to Cuba later this year. WebAnswer 1 of 3: Hi we are planning holiday to Cuba,but are hearing of seaweed problem on beaches. Beaches in Cuba run the gamut there's one to suit every need. Prepare for mosquitoes lots of them. Still, the locals have not come to terms with walking around in the nude. "You see metres high of sargassum piled up on shore but you're also seeing it in the ocean," says Iris Monnereau, a Barbados-based fisheries expert with the UN's Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). Running along the centre of the beach, a strip of palm and tamarind trees provides a cool walkway and dapples the sand with shade, while a number of stands are on hand to rent out snorkelling equipment. Dont expect many bars or restaurants near the beach, though. 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. Cool, crowded January or quiet but stormy September? The wet season is when 70% of the islands rainfall occurs, which means lots of heat and humidity between May and October. "The sargassum tangles up their motors, their engines, their nets, their lines," says Ms Monnereau. Seaweed and algae will roll in one tide and wash up on the beaches. Cuba has two seasons. Typically, mosquitoes thrive in damp and hot climates, so Cubas rainy season is a favorite for them. TorontoJoyce. I am looking for a place in Old Havana., close to the mosque. Playa Ancn is often touted as one of the best beaches in Cuba Anna Jedynak/Shutterstock. Most visitors know this beach to be a complete package resort for rejuvenating and enjoying the pleasures of a white sandy beach. Insubuy offers insurance plans for travelers to Cuba. With limpid clear shallows and squeaky-clean beaches, it is, without doubt, the top beach choice on Guillermo, if not in the entire cays. WebHearing about a major seaweed issue happening now throughout the Caribbean, really bad in Punta Cana. Cuba is HOT! 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. To protect yourself from sun damage, bring sunglasses, sunscreen, sunhats, and a couple of microfiber towels. The nearest beach to this area is Playa del Chivo, and there isnt much to say about it. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. 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. 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 More than 50 countries across the world host Carnival, but it's in Latin America and the Caribbean that you will find its beating heart. That goes without saying. The beach offers 3km of fine sands and transparent waters where tangerine-coloured starfish float through the shallows. This is your guide to exactly what they are, where they happen, and how you can join the party. Cayo Coco is famous for its coral reefs and perfect, white, sandy beaches. Cuba may be knee-deep in astounding beaches and droves of tourists. Seaweed and algae will roll in one tide and wash up on the beaches. If you are an avid bird enthusiast, you will enjoy watching the colony of more than 12,000 flamingos that always gather on this island to feed. 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. Playa Pilar is also famously known as the setting for Ernest Hemingways last novel, Islands in the Stream. One of the most popular beaches in Punta Cana, this white sand beach is located between Playa Bavaro Did you know that Cuba only gets 30% of its annual rainfall during the dry season? Continue to 6 of 10 below. 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. Please check our guide for US citizens traveling to Cuba. Before you do so, pack our 50 tips for traveling to Cuba. Cayo Santa Maria. Thanks a lot Cathy Best beach forsunbathing in a secluded paradise. Cayo Santa Maria beaches cover a big chunk of the islands northern coastline. It's a secluded spot, with shallow shores protected from rough waves by an offshore coral reef. Known for their stunning white sands and clear blue waters, Cuba's beaches are deliciously uncrowded and full of tranquility. WebSo far, the Atlantic coast; Varadero Cayo Coco, Cayo Santa Maria and Holguin /Guradalavaca have not been affected. Satellite images from the University of South Florida's (USF) Optical Oceanography Laboratory currently show historically high monthly levels of sargassum in the region. 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. The multiple strands at. Cuba is generally safe. 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. The dry season will be the best time to visit Cuba if you love fresh vegetables. is the quintessential Cuban beach resort, with warm, shallow waters in graduated shades of blue, palm-fringed sand dunes and a phenomenal array of local restaurants and all-inclusive accommodations. Combined, we have two Bachelors degrees in Tourism Management, one Masters degree in Hospitality, and a Bachelors degree in Journalism. It is infamous for its clear turquoise water and bedazzling white-sand coastline and, as a result, has managed to top our list of the best Cuban beaches. A number of beachfront mini-malls and private restaurants offer snacks and refreshments before you head back to Havana. After all, compared to many places on Earth, Cuba has beautiful weather all year round. We normally go to Varadero however we booked 2 weeks at Cayo Coco for this upcoming May/20. If you love seafood, youll be pleased to hear that Cubas lobster season runs from June to February, so you can get your shellfish fix. East of Nueva Gerona, and an easy bike ride from town, Playa Paraso beach is popular with locals, who call it El Mini. That may be just one of the many tall tales told about Papa, but Pilar is definitely a beach where time seems to stop. To avoid the risk of hurricanes, avoid traveling to Cuba from mid-August through October. To avoid surprises, lets look at what its like to travel each season. Playa Pesquero Holguin #10. I havent found a suitable place to stay. And although this initiative may not be the best, it has allowed for a few nude beaches on the island. Beaches with the highest seaweed count include Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and some points between Cancun and Puerto Morelos. Hotels are not luxurious here, but the beach itself is breathtaking, and huts on the sand rent out equipment for kayaking and catamaran trips. Tarara is one of the most popular beaches on the Playas del Este strip. Afterwards, return to the city to learn more about Trinidad's history and culture. If you prefer to plan and book your trip to the Cuba without any effort and hassle, use the expertise of our local travel experts to make sure your trip will be just like you dream it to be. Playa Cayo Jutias Cayo Jutias #8. 6 years ago This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. Beautiful Grande Anse beach in Grenada has not been hit by sargassum seaweed 2. Where is it collecting. Camaguey is the largest province in Cuba. Re: Sargassum (seaweed) on beaches December/January. Flight prices: Prices run between $400 and $500 from the U.S. to Cuba. Filled with golden sand and bordered by mangrove forest at its eastern boundary, the shallow bay has a small coral reef a short swim offshore, while a strip of dense forest between the hotel Riu Playa Turquesa and the beach makes it feel perfectly undiscovered. Tour Republic is a travel marketplace where local entrepreneurs offer memorable experiences in Cuba. Where is it collecting. Book Your Flight Book cheap flights to Cuba on Skyscanner, our favorite flight search engine to find deals on flights to Cuba. 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. Two hours from Vinales lies the full sight of one of the most beautiful white-sand beaches in Cuba- Playa Cayo Jutias, sometimes known as Playas de las Estrellas de Mar (Starfish Beach). Perhaps Playa Ancon is so visited because its near one of the leading tourist destinations in Cuba: Trinidad. Cayo Blanco Varadero #6. The shallow drop allows you to walk even more than 100 meters into the water before it gets to shoulder level and you have to swim. 3. A number of beaches await you at the north side of the 30km-long coral key the longest of which is Playa Los Pinos, a blindingly white beach thats perfect for a few days of complete tranquillity. The best beach destinations in Cuba are: This is it. Let us know in the comments! "For us, the worst year we had for sargassum still remains 2015," says Carla Daniel of Barbados Sea Turtle Project. Hurricanes usually make their appearance at the tail end of the rainy season. If you need to visit an island with perfect shores for postcards, snorkeling, and generally having a good time, Cuban beaches will not disappoint. Guardalavaca Holguin #7. Varadero is the quintessential Cuban beach resort, with warm, shallow waters in graduated shades of blue, palm-fringed sand dunes and a phenomenal array of local restaurants and all-inclusive accommodations. You already know everything about the best beaches in Cuba, but dont stop reading. Note that not all beaches in Northeastern Holguin are rocky. Northern Camaguey has two outstanding jewels: Santa Lucia and Playa Los Cocos. Now it is happening again and everything suggests 2018 could be the worst year yet. You can rent a taxi for a roundtrip from Old Havana to Playas del Este for about 15-20 USD. The raft came in, they became entangled and unable to surface, and over 40 turtles died.". Three years later the seaweed returned, in larger quantities. Hey Dan, Cuba: a feast for the senses - take 10 days to discover Havana in depth before heading out to Cienfuegos and Trinidad. Web2023 beaches impacted by Sargassum seaweeds. A quick glance at sites like Facebook and TripAdvisor, nonetheless, shows tourists are concerned. Over several months, it made its way through the Caribbean to southern Mexico, where its impact on Cancun's beaches made international headlines. Cuba is generally safe. On the western tip of Cayo Guillermo, Playa Pilar is named after Ernest Hemingways yacht, Pilar, and was the authors favourite hideaway in Cuba. Tropical beach in Cayo Largo Paraiso beach, Cuba Shutterstock. Playa Varadero is the most famous beach in Cuba and comes second on our list. Cuba is primarily a cash country, and you will pay most of your trip to Cuba costs in Cuban Pesos (CUPs). 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. 2. There is also the turtle population. We also write about our passion for Cuba, from in-depth travel guides to myth-busting articles. As a rule of thumb, the rainy season (May to October) is typically the cheapest time to travel to Cuba. If you are not shy of rugged, sometimes rocky beaches dotted with coral patches, consider Northeastern Holguin. 1. some of the links are not available anymore (the NOAA index, Cuban events, and the tourism stats link) Cuba is one of the best places for a family holiday. Dreamstime is the world`s largest stock photography community. Dont go strolling on Cuban beaches flashing wands of cash. Head to the only beachside restaurant in Playa Los Cocos to pick some food and cold beers. 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. In either case, this list will help you decide the best time to visit Cuba for your upcoming trip. As you probably know, Cuba has no shortage of stunning natural beaches. Hotels: Like casas, hotels fill up quickly during peak season. Its offshore reefs, lazy waves, good fishing sites, and superb diving spots are beautiful. WebIt is, indeed, a beautiful beach, and I would have no worries at all, on that particular score. Enjoying the nightlife in Varadero at popular nightclubs such as Calle 62, La Comparsita, Casa de La Musica, Cueva del Pirata, and many more! Thank you for understanding our situation. Same for Paraiso and Sirenis in CL. If you are renting a car in Cuba or hiring one of those famous classic cars of Cuba, the drive will be pretty easy. The warm water and the trade winds are gentle so that you can look forward to idyllic days of swimming and relaxation. 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. Wow! Playa Arena Gorda Fat Sand Beach. Sunscreen and water bottle with filter are a must. Travelers can get travel health insurance for Cuba viaInsubuy. 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. Dolphinfish (or mahi-mahi) are being caught much earlier in their development, prompting fears for the fishery down the line. Playa Varadero: one of the top beaches in Cuba. Again, thanks for your suggestions! If you are such a frolicker, you will find the community at Cayo Santa Maria quite open-minded. Some of the best things to do in Varadero beach include: Varadero is also situated close to Cayo Blanco, another stunning beach discussed in detail below. In our guide to the best places to go with kids you will find other attractive family-friendly destinations. Water sports gear is also available for rent. However, budget-savvy travelers and visitors looking to backpack Cuba and avoid big crowds of tourists will love the slower season. Therefore, you should always have some cash on you if you need to pay for something or are in dire need. 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. Casa particulares: Rooms are easier to find than during peak season, but we still recommend booking ahead of time. I wish more tour operators offered this location. Here are eight of the best. This is especially true if you plan to leave behind the beaches and tackle urban travel or inland hiking. Some forms of entertainment that you can enjoy at Playa Pesquero include swimming, sunbathing, and trying different tasty local dishes. Traveling from the east coast of the USA is typically cheaper than the west coast. The city of Santa Clara is slightly more than 2 hours from Cayo Santa Maria, but its worth visiting. Some gorgeous beaches that you can enjoy at Playa Pesquero include swimming, sunbathing, and Bachelors. A cash country, and over 40 turtles died. `` from Cubas bustling capital lie white sands and waters! U.S. to Cuba on Skyscanner, our favorite flight search engine to find deals on flights to Cuba about. 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