The Cayos and Beaches are mainly organised around the beach and water activities. Iconic beaches: Varadero (20 km of white sand, public beach freely accessible), Playa Pilar at Cayo Guillermo (among the 10 most beautiful Caribbean beaches per several international rankings), Playa Sirena and Playa Paraíso at Cayo Largo (global top 10), Playa Los Flamencos and Playa Las Coloradas at Cayo Coco.
Water activities are included at most resorts: kayak (free), paddleboard, windsurfing, sailing catamaran, parasailing (€30-40), jet ski (€50-70), pedalo, banana ride. Snorkelling and diving excursions are booked at your resort activities desk or at the marinas — particularly interesting at Cayo Coco (Jardines del Rey reef, world's 2nd longest) and Cayo Largo (world-class virgin reef). Expect €50-90 for a discovery dive with 2 dives and equipment.
Land excursions let you escape the enclave. From Varadero: Havana day trip (€60-90 per person, 12h on the ground, condensed), Cueva de Saturno (€15, swim), Matanzas (30 km, colonial city), Yumurí Valley (€40-60). From Cayo Coco: sunrise flamingo viewing in lagoons (€15-30), Cueva del Jabalí (€15), excursion to Remedios (1h30, charming colonial town) or Trinidad (4-5h, tiring). From Cayo Largo: catamaran excursion to Cayo Iguana (endemic iguanas), Casa de las Tortugas (protection centre).
Deep-sea fishing activities are a regional specialty. Hemingway fished regularly at Cayo Guillermo (immortalised in Islands in the Stream). Half-day outings €250-400 for 4 people (blue marlin, sailfish, wahoo, dorado). Marlin Marina Varadero, Marina Marlin Cayo Coco offer the best excursions.
Evenings centre on resort entertainment (cabarets, theme nights, internal discotheques). In Varadero, Plaza América (shopping centre with restaurants, bars and Mambo Club nightclub) and the Cueva del Pirata cabaret (€35 entry plus cocktails) are the off-resort nightlife options. At Cayo Coco, the Casa de la Música Cayo Coco (in El Pueblo shopping centre) programmes salsa and timba orchestras.
Read also
- Varadero, the emblematic resort — 20 km of white sand beach, 50+ all-inclusive resorts, accessible and complete.
- Cayo Coco, paradise coral island — More natural and exclusive than Varadero, exceptional coral reef.
- Cuba — Complete country guide: visa, currency, regions, best time to visit.
- Havana — The Cuban capital, essential to combine with the Cayos for a complete experience.