Tips for traveling to the northern Cays in Cuba
The country is an outstanding Sun and Beach destination. Unquestionably, the beach is paradisiacal all over the Island. Still, there are some magical points at the northern Cays in Cuba: Cayo Coco, Cayo Guillermo and Cayo Cruz.
Certainly, these places offer what we are all looking for in a vacation: a peaceful environment to get away from the rush of work life.
Northern Cays: general background
First of all, these Cays are part of the archipelago Jardines del Rey, which represents one of the most attractive touristic destination in Cuba.
Curiously, its name dates back to 1513 when Spaniards discovered these islands. In fact, they found such an immense beauty that named the place in honor to the King of Spain. Literally, it means: the gardens of the King.
Geographically, the three Cays are so close that it gets hard to notice whether you have moved from one site to the other. As well, visitors can enjoy activities at every Cay.
Indeed, Cayo Coco is the larger Cay, while Cayo Guilllermo and Cayo Cruz are smaller. Nevertheless, all three destinations provide a typical environment and a virgin nature.
Concerning the weather, one must say that most of the year there is full sunshine. Consequently, the water is always warm.
Wild Life
On one hand, there is a vast vegetation that provides a very fresh breeze. Essentially, the place is also home of many endemic species of the Caribbean. In point of fact, there is a big population of flamingos that live nearby or cohabit at the Resorts. Furthermore, you will truly love to interact with the peaceful giant iguanas.
On the other hand, there is also a varied population of sea life, the coral reef at the zone is just magnificent.
Nevertheless, it is important to note that the site is totally safe or visitors. None of the animals or plants in the area are dangerous.
Additionally, there is no population at the Cays. So, clients will enjoy total peace. Nowadays, the Cays are the safest destinations in Cuba. Really, this is one of the facts that make the destinations unique.
Nowadays the islands are one of the most visited beach destinations in the country. Yet they still provide intimacy and welfare.
Cayo Coco
Cayo Coco, is considered a natural park and a renown touristic attraction. Mostly, it is suitable for nature lovers. But it is really special for getting some unforgettable experiences.
Besides, most facilities are built at the north area in order to preserve the environment at the rest of the Cay.
Top 3 Resorts in Cayo Coco
- Meliá Cayo Coco
It is a 5-star all-inclusive resort located in front of the beach. In particular, only adults (18 years old and over) are allowed. - Tryp Cayo Coco
The facility is a 4-star all-inclusive brand. For sure, idyllic for families with children, or couple trips. - Mojito
In this case a 4-star all-inclusive resort, is especial for family trips, honeymoons and weddings.
Cayo Guillermo
Cayo Guillermo is essentially renowned for having one of the most beautiful beaches at the Caribbean. In spite of all its fame there is one interesting fact: Ernest Hemingway (the American writer) was inspired at the Cay. Indeed, Playa Pilar, is the scenario for his novel: The Old Man and the Sea.
Surely, a very romantic, and magical place to get all the peace we deserve in our vacation.
Top 3 reosrts in Cayo Guillermo
- Meliá Cayo Guillermo
The resort is a 5-star all-inclusive brand exceptional for the wonderful views of its rooms. It is advised for family or couple trips. - Iberostar Playa Pilar
The place is a 5-star all-inclusive resort, with the perfect location. We suggest it for family trips, honeymoons or weddings. - Sol Cayo Guillermo
The hotel is a 4-stars all-inclusive located really close to Playa Pilar and to the most beautiful coral reef in the area. We recommend it for families with kids since it will provide them with great attractions.
Cayo Cruz
Cayo Cruz is a small Cay, distinguished by the quality of the beach. The water level is relatively low and there is no sea vegetation. On the other hand, the place is home of only three resorts, which makes the destination perfect for privacy and relaxation.
Top 3 resorts in Cayo Cruz
- Hotel La Marina Plaza & SPA
It is a 4-star all-inclusive resort with a wonderful location. Particularly, it is 20 meters away from the Marina. Also, it is a good choice for family trips. - Hotel Valentín Cayo Cruz
The venue is a 5-star all-inclusive resort conceived only for adults (18 years old and over). Undeniably an idyllic paradise. - Hotel Iberostar Selection Esmeralda
A wonderful 5-star all-inclusive resort with great facilities at the standard area. Additionally, they offer the Coral Level service, a private section only-adults choice.
Best 5 attractions
- Snorkeling or Scuba Diving
The Cay is worldwide famous for its seabed and coral reef. - Catamaran adventure
You can enjoy some leisure time at a catamaran. Likewise, it includes snorkeling, lunch and relaxing at the beach. - Parque Natural del Bagá
This is a wonderful natural park that offers the chance to fully explore nature. For example, you will be in touch with populations of flamingos and turtles. - Rocarena Climbing Center
For sure, this is the place for an epic adventure. It is a huge climbing circuit that represents both a challenge and aerial fun. The circuit includes up to 90 activities varying in difficulty. - Dolphinarium Cayo Coco
A remarkable opportunity to admire these wonderful animals. The dolphinarium is one of the biggest in Cuba. Moreover, the staff is really concerned about the well-being of the animals, trying to keep them in an almost natural environment. In fact, it allows the circulation of sea water and dolphins interact with other species.
Summing up, the northern Cays in Cuba would be defined in three words: privacy, nature and relaxation. Should this be your goal for a vacation? We will be waiting for you.
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International Tourism: What Hotels will reopen in Cuba?
In the past days the government of the Island informed that Cuba will open for international tourism. Indeed, the date was set for July 1st 2020.
In accordance to the announcement, the authorities were working in tandem to make important decisions in the matter.
Still some questions will arrive.
Is Cuba a safe destination today?
The short answer is yes.
Along with the World Health Organization (WHO), the Cuban sanitary authorities worked one step ahead. In consequence, the population of the Island has gone throughout the outbreak with small difficulties.
Indeed, the tourism authorities has come up with a series of measures and protocols intended to Stay Safe. To guarantee safety during holidays, a series of actions for the reopening of hotels were taken.
After, July 1st, where are tourists going to Stay Safe?
The plan of the government is to allow both national and international travelers to enjoy summertime. However, to make things work, the authorities announced an “isolation” of foreign travelers at the safest destinations nowadays: The Cays in Cuba.
Hotels and Resorts certified to reopen at the northern Cays
In a first moment, the only hotels operating will be:
Hotels at Cayo Santa María
- Playa Cayo Santa María
- Iberostar Ensenachos
- Melia Las Dunas
- Dhawa Cayo Santa María
Hotels at Jardines del Rey
- Playa Paraíso
- Memories Flamenco
- Grand Muthu Cayo Guillermo
- Valentin Cayo Cruz
In short, there are strict rules that are going to help keeping safe both, clients and staff at the resorts. Reality just changed, we have now a set date and a destination.
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What to expect from the Cays in Cuba?
Cuba is surrounded by smaller islands and cays which represent important venues for tourism due to its natural and almost virgin beauty.
During 2020 there has been one common topic for every single person around the globe: the Covid-19 pandemic. We are now, one step away from setting aside extra worries, depression and the whole traumas left by this sad event.
Even when the pandemic is still an active issue, it is advisable to change our minds into positive thoughts about the future. In accordance to the current state of the sanitary situation in the Island, authorities determined to take actions for the reopening of Hotels in Cuba.
The Island, has always been home of millions of travelers willing to enjoy its tropical environment, whilst getting a deserved getaway. This is the reason why experts in tourism and healthcare advisers decided to establish the safest destinations to enjoy a vacation in Cuba.
No wonder why, in one first moment we are talking about the reopening of the most valuable places of the country.
The Cuban Cays
Cuba is surrounded by smaller islands and cays and many of them form archipelagos which represent important venues for tourism due to its natural and almost virgin beauty. In past days, these destinations remained isolated and only visited by some daring fishermen like Ernest Hemingway. It was lately in the 90s that they became notable touristic attractions.
Considering the location of the country, at the Caribbean Sea, one may consider that every place should be suitable for a vacation. However, the Cays offer the most beautiful beaches of the whole country. Just try to conjure up images of kilometers of white sand, coconut trees, transparent water, within the calmness of an isolated destination.
Some archipelagos host the most beautiful sites where facilities coexist with wild life in full respect. Hence, the mandatory and strict regard of the rules stablished by environmental authorities. This fact makes them an excellent choice for travelers interested in local flora and fauna which are extremely preserved at every location.
Some of the nautical entertainment at the resorts include water sports, such as canoeing, kayaking, paddle, water bicycles and aerobics. Furthermore, clients can enjoy the services at the Marinas that can result a little more exciting. Being essential to note that the seabed at Cays is highly preserved with an abundance of species, small tunnels, virgin funds and good visibility.
Visitors can be delighted with several places suitable for deep fishing, scuba diving, snorkeling, catamaran rides, and other water sports. On the other hand, there will also be activities to visit close villages, or to discover the surrounding areas.
Best 4 Cays at Jardines del Rey
The archipelago Sabana-Camagüey extends along the North Coast and it is home of wonderful venues named Jardines de Rey. Cayo Coco, Cayo Guillermo, Cayo Santa María and Cayo Cruz are the most developed for tourism, there is no population other than resorts and hotels. These destinations are very popular among Canadian and European travelers.
Jardines del Rey shows a great variety of wild life that is extremely protected in spite of all the facilities built in the areas. The place is full of a vegetation that is home of numerous birds, reptiles and a large population of flamingos. The seabed is also remarkable and guests can either enjoy the facilities of the resort or interact in other excursions and activities.
Best option of the southern coast
The Canarreos archipelago, is constituted by a group of islands located at the southern coast of the country. Cayo Largo del Sur is the second most important island. The venue is mostly intended for tourism but it is also essential in the development of endemic wild life.
The Cay has been essential in the protection of sea turtles, and coral reefs. Among the main attractions, tourists can be part of sea turtle hatchery, swimming with dolphins, diving and snorkeling along transparent and warm waters. It is essential to note that Cayo Largo del Sur will provide their visitors with beaches beyond compare, such as Playa Paraíso and Playa Sirena.
How do you access to the Cays?
Access to the Cays in Cuba may be, nowadays, subject to changes considering healthcare issues. Therefore, authorities will determine the safest way to get to your desired destination.
However, in the case of the Cays located at the northern coast the usual ways to arrive at, are by air or land. In the case of the Cayo Coco it is possible to travel both ways since it is connected to the mainland by a built causeway and they have the only International Airport service in the archipelago.
Access to Cayo Guillermo and Cayo Cruz is only possible by land through a causeway attached to Cayo Coco. In the case of Cayo Santa María, there is an airport only for domestic flights, as an alternative, it is also possible to enter the place by a causeway.
Related to the southern coast, Cayo Largo del Sur, the only alternative should be by plane. There is an International Airport that handles both, domestic and international flights. Most traffic at the airport arrives from Canada and Italy. On the other hand, many clients prefer to make a stop at some point during their vacation, and they mostly do so by booking domestic flights.
Today, the Caribbean gives the world a reason to smile and pack your bags again. If this is your choice do not hesitate, be safe and Stay in the Cays.
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