This small Cuban island has 25 kilometers of white-sand beaches and clear waters. Sea turtles nest here from May to September, and pink flamingos inhabit the mangroves.
Cayo Largo, a narrow island off Cuba’s southern coast, formed over millions of years from limestone and coral deposits. No one lives here permanently—hotels, beaches, and wildlife define the space. Walk between Playa Sirena and Playa ParaĂso at low tide to find starfish in shallow pools, or snorkel above elkhorn coral reefs where angelfish swim. The north side holds thick mangroves sheltering iguanas and herons, while dive boats head daily to sites like the underwater caves near Punta Mal Tiempo. Development focuses on tourism: you’ll find beachfront hotels, a small airport, and roads used mainly by rented scooters. Dolphins sometimes surface near fishing boats, and between April and October, sea turtles crawl ashore to nest after dark.
Beaches and Water Access
Cayo Largo’s southern shore has over 20 kilometers of connected beaches. Start at Playa Sirena, where palm trees line the sand and rental shops provide snorkels, kayaks, and catamarans. Walk west at low tide to reach Playa ParaĂso, passing tidal flats filled with small fish and starfish the size of dinner plates. Both beaches have clear water with visibility exceeding 15 meters on calm days. From April to October, sections of sand close at night to protect sea turtle nests—hotels post signs marking restricted zones.
Diving and Snorkeling Locations
Coral reefs surround most of the island, though some show damage from warmer ocean temperatures. You can dive at sites ranging from 5-meter shallows for beginners to 30-meter walls where barracuda school. Many hotels work with dive centers to arrange trips to the Cueva de los Peces cave system or the 19th-century shipwreck near Cayo Iguana. Snorkelers often spot parrotfish and blue tangs in reefs just 50 meters offshore. The dolphin program at Playa Sirena’s marina lets you swim with trained bottlenose dolphins in a protected lagoon.
Animal Encounters and Protected Areas
Visit the Sea Turtle Rescue Center near the hotels to see hatchlings in tanks before workers release them into the ocean. Join a guided walk between May and September to watch loggerhead turtles dig nests on beaches like Playa Larga. At El Torreon garden, wooden walkways take you past crocodile ponds and iguanas basking on rocks. The northern mangroves host pelicans, frigatebirds, and herons—bring binoculars for early morning visits. Hotel staff can explain ongoing projects like replanting coral fragments on damaged reefs.
Where to Stay and Getting Around
Every hotel on Cayo Largo operates as an all-inclusive resort, with clusters near Playa Lindarena and Playa Blanca. Options include two-story villas with private patios and larger complexes featuring multiple pools, tennis courts, and buffet restaurants. Workers live on the island for 20-day shifts before rotating home, so you’ll meet staff from across Cuba. Rent scooters or ATVs near the airport to explore—taxis charge fixed rates but don’t run on schedules. Vilo Acuña Airport handles daily flights from Havana, Montreal, and Paris; the terminal has one café and a currency exchange booth.
Nudist Beach Guidelines
Three beaches on the island’s eastern and western ends allow nudism: Playa Los Cocos, Playa Tortuga, and a secluded stretch west of Playa Mal Tiempo. Look for blue signs with white arrows marking access paths. Keep clothes on at family beaches like Playa Sirena, where security guards enforce rules. Photography bans apply in nudist zones to prevent unauthorized images.
Restaurants and Evening Options
Most meals happen at hotel restaurants serving grilled lobster, pork chops, and black bean soup. “Isla del Sol,” a collection of shops near the marina, has a snack bar selling ham sandwiches and pineapple juice. Beach grills operate at Playa ParaĂso during peak season, offering fried fish and cold beers. Evenings focus on live music at hotel bars—expect salsa bands, karaoke nights, or acoustic guitarists. Some resorts light bonfires on the sand once a week, weather permitting.
Fishing Seasons and Weather Tips
Bonefish and tarpon populate the island’s flats year-round, with peak catches from November to August. Book fly-fishing trips at the marina; guides typically include stops for swimming and grilled fish lunches. September and October bring higher hurricane risks, though major storms rarely hit directly. Rainy season (May–November) means brief afternoon showers—pack a foldable poncho.
How the Island Formed
Cayo Largo sits on a limestone platform created by ancient coral reefs compressed over millennia. Erosion carved tidal channels along the southern coast, now filled with seawater that retreats twice daily. Check beach sand for white coral fragments and gray fossilized shells. Some hotels offer guided walks explaining how ice age sea level changes shaped the Canarreos Archipelago. The northern salt pans flood during storms, creating temporary feeding grounds for migratory birds.
