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Cuba Travel Guide
From glorious sunshine and mesmerizing beaches to mystical mountains and coral reefs, Cuba is a tropical treasure trove. Families will never get bored with the endless activities available on a beach holiday in Cuba, couples crave romance on the idyllic shores, and groups will find something to keep everyone happy. There's much more to experience in Cuba than lounging on its marvellous beaches.
Best beaches in Cuba
From the crystal-clear turquoise waters to the pearl-white sands, it's hard to beat the allure of the stunning beaches in Cuba. As an island nation, Cuba is filled with pristine tropical beaches.
Varadero Beach, Varadero
Varadero offers 20 km of ice-white sandy heaven and a brilliant blue sea to match. Varadero beach, also known as Playa Azul (Blue Beach), is one of the most spectacular beaches in the Caribbean. Lounge on a sun recliner under the shade of a parasol while you sip a fresh cocktail and watch the gentle waves roll in.
Playa Ancon, Trinidad
Playa Ancon is the best beach on the south coast of Cuba. With calm, clear waters, and fine, white sand it serves as a great place to have a break from the hustle and bustle of the cities.
Playa Paraiso, Cayo Largo
If there were a beach deserving of the paradise tag, this beach would be it. Found in Cayo Largo, which is the second-largest island in the Canarreos Archipelago, Paradise Beach is a stunning stretch of soft pearl-white sand with a calm turquoise sea.
Playa Pilar, Cayo Guillermo
Surrounded by 16m high dunes and palm trees that aid the paradisical image, this stunning beach is known for its fine sane, calm warm waters and an exciting seabed with a coral barrier, allowing visitors the chance to explore the beautiful, and colourful marine fauna.
Playas de Este, Havana
Seven beaches make up this idyllic coastline that stretches from Bacuranao down to Playa Jibacoa. Each beach offers a different experience. Bacuranao and Playa Tarará are quieter, there's more going on in Playa Boca Ciega or Guanabo and Playa Santa Maria is lined with hotels. Playa Jibacoa is great for snorkelling and nearby walks.
Cuba geography
Cuba history
Wildlife in Cuba
Activities in Cuba
Watersports
Diving in Cuba
There are some amazing diving spots in Cuba with some of the richest marine life in the Caribbean. Explore eerie shipwrecks in the Bay of Pigs; dive with sharks at Jardines del Rey, and spot sea turtles at Cayo Largo.
Southeast of Havana, on the edge of the Zapata Swamp, you’ll find the Bay of Pigs in the Gulf of Cazones. The water is clear, with its shades of indigo and sapphire - here you can explore the fretted limestone shore to spot a 1961 invasion wreck in the shallows before heading out to a richly coloured coral wall. Other top spots include Isla de la Juventud (Isle of Youth), Maria La Gorda and Jardines de la Reina (the Queen's Gardens).
Surfing in Cuba
Cuba isn't a big surfing destination, but if you are an experienced rider, you can hit some decent waves during the winter.
The best time to surf in Cuba is from November to April when the Atlantic groundswell comes in from the northeast and produces decent barrels.
Best sports for surfing include Yumuri (near Baracoa), Le Setenta/Calle 70 (Havana) and Baconao (near Santiago).
Windsurfing & kitesurfing in Cuba
The best kitesurfing and windsurfing condition in Cuba is on the northern coast between November and April when the winds blow strongest. You'll find lots of kiting schools dotted around the north and east coast.
On the west side of the Varadero peninsula, there are crystal clear waters, plenty of space and a good amount of a gentle breeze that make it great for beginners. Other favourite spots include Playas del Este (Havana), Cayo Guillermo (Jardines del Rey) and Santa Lucia. On Cayo Coco (Jardines del Rey), Cuba-Kite offers kitesurfing lessons and equipment hire. This is a beautiful region, with white sandy beaches and clear, warm waters.
Sailing in Cuba
Sailing trips and glass-bottom boat tours can be found around the touristy areas of Cuba, including Havana and Varadero.
Some large resorts have hobie cat sailboards that you can zip around the beautiful azure waters yourself.
Fishing in Cuba
Whether you’re thinking of fishing from shore or joining a fishing boat – it’s possible to enjoy this relaxing hobby while on holiday in Cuba. Cubans are very proud of their fishing, and love to share this with tourists. Fishermen can fish for achigan, bass, barracuda, carp, liseta, snook and tarpon in Cuba. Fishing is allowed all year long in the country's rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. The best bass catches occur during the months when the average temperature ranges from 21 to 22ºC. Fishing from shore is what many locals do and some of the best places to fish are the rocky formations separating sandy beaches.
Canoeing & kayaking in Cuba
The leading kayak company in Cuba is Sea Kayak Adventure and they offer a multitude of activities for beginners and intermediates alike. You’ll have a talented, and knowledgeable kayak guide who have share their knowledge of the local natural history while providing excellent support. And as well as Kayaking, you can explore the cities and towns and delve into Cuba’s current politics, history and culinary culture, if you are interested.
Land activities
Golf in Cuba
There are only 2 golf courses in Cuba - Varadero Golf Club and Habana (Havana) Golf Club.
With a beachfront golf course and a clubhouse, Varadero Golf Club is the best spot for keen golfers. It's the only 18-hole 72 par golf course on the island. There is an elegant bar and restaurant on-site, in a 1930’s style mansion.
Havana Golf Club has a smaller 9-hole golf course. As well as the club, there is a restaurant, bowling, snooker, shops and a swimming pool.
Cycling & mountain biking in Cuba
There are various trails in Cuba, some of the best trails including Dos Puentes Access Trail which is lesser-known trail located near Vinales. The La Sierrita to Guajimico trail which starts with a dirt road and then turns into a path used by cows and farmers is another great trail that’s 12.9km long. There are no cars on this path, but you will need to keep an eye out for any cows and potentially any calves.
Walking & hiking in Cuba
With a dramatic landscape, well managed biosphere reserves and steepy misty hillsides that see over jungles, and forests filled with vibrant flowers, you won’t be able to wait to start exploring these spectacular landscapes. You can walk the Dos Puentes Access trail as well as cycle it since the terrain is flat compared to other trails in Cuba – so a great activity for everyone. Topes de Collantes, which is 200 square kilometres and found in the Sierra del Escambray, is a heavily protected area with the main hike being an easy trail along a forest river that leads to a clear blue swimming hole and a beautiful waterfall.
Also found in the Sierra Escambray is the 12-kilometre Reto a Loma Atahalya Trail. It’s a walk that passes through the extremely diverse landscape and you even climb to the summit of 700-meter high Atahalya where a break in the forest allows for a staggering 360-degree panorama. Another popular hike is climbing El Yunque which is a flat top mountain that towers to the northwest. This is a longer hike, lasting roughly 4 hours and is a challenging one, especially if the trail is wet. So, if you want to tackle this hike, make sure you are prepared and are all experienced hikers!
