Check out the best and skip the rest in Cuba’s Cayos!

Cayo Santa Maria: Serenity with a side of adventure

Key Points of Interest:

• Playa Perla Blanca is Cayo Santa Maria’s coast with the most, with white sands, clear turquoise waters and a tranquil atmosphere. It’s a bit off the beaten path, but definitely worth the effort.

• For a bit of culture, hit up Remedios Town, one of Cuba’s oldest colonial towns, just an hour's drive away. Its well-preserved architecture and historic charm show a different side of the island – but just as beautiful.

Little-Known Fact: • Cayo Santa Maria is part of the Buenavista Biosphere Reserve, which means it’s home to unique bird species, including the Cuban trogon and the bee hummingbird, the world’s smallest bird.

Maybe Next Time:

• Though it sounds enticing, Plaza Las Dunas Shopping Center is quite small and features your traditional Cuban souvenirs. Instead, why not check out authentic local markets on the mainland and bring home something you couldn’t find anywhere else.

How to Get There:

• If you’ve got Cayo Santa Maria on the brain, you can head to these shores this winter with weekly flights from Toronto, Montreal, Quebec City and Ottawa. Halifax, you can fly direct on Wednesdays from January 9 to April 24, 2025.

Cayo Largo: Off-the-radar paradise

Key Points of Interest:

• Playa Paraiso and Playa Sirena are often ranked among the most beautiful beaches in the world. With crystal-clear waters and a more low-key vibe, these beaches are all about picturesque views.

• Get a glimpse of Cuba's efforts to protect endangered sea turtles at the Sea Turtle Conservation Center. Visitors can learn about the hatchery program and, if you’re lucky, witness baby turtles being released into the ocean!

• Take a boat tour to an even smaller island, Cayo Iguana, populated by friendly iguanas. While it may sound a bit quirky, it’s a fun and unique experience and not just for nature lovers!

Little-Known Fact:

• Cayo Largo is one of the few Cuban destinations that allows topless sunbathing and has a few designated nudist beaches, you know, if that’s your thing…

Maybe Next Time:

• While boat excursions depart from here, the Marina de Cayo Largo itself isn’t home to many tourist-y attractions. It’s mostly a functional space, so unless you’re booking a boat excursion, we would pass on visiting it.

How to Get There:

• Good news, Quebec! You can head to Cayo Largo with direct flights from Montreal every Friday from November 1 to November 29, 2024 and every Wednesday from December 4, 2024 to April 9, 2025. Quebec City, we haven’t forgotten about you – fly every Thursday from December 5, 2024 to April 10, 2025.

Cayo Coco: A Blend of Relaxation and Activity

Key Points of Interest:

• Playa Flamenco and Playa Pilar are stand-out beaches in Cayo Coco. Playa Pilar is famously named after Ernest Hemingway’s beloved boat, and boasts shallow, clear waters perfect for swimmers of any strength and snorkelling.

• If you’re up for exploring and need a break from all that R and R, El Baga Nature Park offers walking trails through mangroves, lagoons and forests, where you can spot local wildlife like flamingos, crocodiles and iguanas.

Little-Known Fact:

• Cayo Coco is connected to the larger island by a 27-kilometre causeway known as "El Pedraplén". This engineering marvel provides spectacular views of the coastline as you travel between the island and Cuba’s mainland.

Maybe Next Time:

• Marketed as a prime fishing and boating spot, be forewarned – Laguna La Redonda can be mosquito-heavy, making for a bit of an uncomfortable visit unless you come prepped with the proper gear!

How to Get There:

• If you’re looking to head to Cayo Coco, you can certainly do so with weekly flights from major gateways in Ontario and Quebec, from November 2024 to April 2025! Fredericton has flights on Tuesdays starting February 11, 2025, Halifax on Wednesdays starting January 8, 2025, Moncton on Saturdays starting February 8, 2025 and St. John’s on Thursdays starting March 20, 2025.