This small Cuban island has white sand beaches and clear waters. The 13-mile causeway connects it to the mainland. Home to 10 luxury resorts and coral reefs for snorkeling.
Cayo Santa María, a small island off Cuba's north coast, stretches along 13 kilometers of white-sand beaches. Walk the 48-kilometer causeway connecting the island to mainland Cuba, spot pink flamingos in the wetlands, or snorkel in clear waters with 30-meter visibility. Visit the nearby town of Remedios to explore its 16th-century plaza and churches, or watch sea turtles glide through the shallow waters near the shore.
Getting to Cayo Santa María
Land at Santa Clara International Airport and take a 90-minute drive to the island. The journey includes 30 minutes on the causeway from the mainland town of Caibarién. You'll pass through small towns with local markets and farms before reaching the water-surrounded road. Book your transfer through taxis at the airport or catch one of the hourly resort buses.
Beaches and Swimming
Find three distinct beach areas along the 13-kilometer coastline: Playa Las Caletas (east), Playa Santa María (center), and Playa Perla Blanca (west). Wade into gradually deepening waters, with coral reefs creating natural swimming pools 300 meters from shore. Each beach has wooden changing cabins, showers, beach chair rentals, and small restaurants serving Cuban food and drinks. The water stays at 26°C (79°F) throughout the year.
Wildlife and Nature
Swim among yellow-striped goatfish and blue tangs at the coral reefs, where more than 200 fish species live. Head to the wetlands between November and March to see flamingos feeding in the shallow waters - the best viewing spot is at kilometer marker 37 on the causeway. Join early morning birdwatching walks to spot Cuban trogons and tocororos in the scrubland near Playa Santa María. Look for sea turtles and small reef sharks in the clear waters near Playa Perla Blanca.
Day Trips and Nearby Towns
Take a 90-minute trip to Remedios to see Cuba's oldest Spanish church and walk through its 1500s colonial plaza. In Santa Clara city, explore the Che Guevara Museum and walk through the site where the final battle of the Cuban Revolution took place. Visit local farms to learn sugar cane pressing and tobacco rolling techniques. Catch daily buses from the resort area to these locations.
Weather and Seasonal Considerations
Plan for winter temperatures around 22°C (72°F) and summer highs of 31°C (88°F). The driest months run from December to April, with 5-7 rainy days monthly. While hurricane season spans June to November, direct storms rarely hit the island. Go swimming and snorkeling between 7 AM and 11 AM when the water is calmest, before afternoon winds begin.
