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Cayo Largo Vacations

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Our Opinion of Cayo Largo

On the Caribbean side of Cuba lie two idyllic islands, Cayo Largo de Sur and the Isle of Youth, with sugar-white beaches and spectacular dive sites.

Cayo Largo calls out to visitors in search of beauty and tranquility. You will be enchanted by its crystalline waters and seabeds. Diving enthusiasts will be rewarded by some of the most spectacular coral reefs in the world so don't forget to bring your underwater camera.

To the west you will find the Isle of Youth, second in size only to the main island, which is characterized by grapefruit fields, pine trees, parrots and marshes.

More Cayo Largo Vacation Information

The sugar-white beaches total 24 km on this archipelago. Favourites are:

Lindamar beach is surrounded by white cliffs and is a favourite spots for turtles who come and burry their eggs in the sand.

Sirena beach is just over 2 km long. Some say this is the most beautiful one of all the keys with its fine oolitic sand.

Playa los Cocos has shallow waters. A sunken ship was discovered nearby.

Playa Tortiga is a quiet getaway from the more populated beaches.

Playa Paraiso has remained untouched which makes it so attractive for those looking for peace and rest.

Cayo Largo Hotels

All hotels in Cayo Largo

Gran Caribe Cayo Largo

Hotel Playa Blanca

Sol Cayo Largo

Sol Pelicano

Cayo Largo Destination Reviews

Been to this destination?

Rating:

"From the Cayo Largo airport to any hotel on the island is a quick 5-10 min bus ride. There was a bit of confusion at first which bus to take and where to get off but it all works it way out in the end. We stayed at Villa Coral, a small resort that wasn't busy at all. The rooms were ok, the pool was a bit cool but the staff were really friendly. They say you go to Cuba for the beach and not the food, it is so true! The food sucked and it was the same each and everyday but the beaches were awesome! The water was warm and crystal clear. Power: the hotel has 115V so bring your hair dryer and computers but also bring your own toilet paper and face cloths. As for wearing a bathing suit, you decide. Some people were naked, some topless and some wore a one piece. On these beaches anything goes and no one gets offended. We personally took long walks naked up and down the beaches and didn't feel out of place at all. We looked at all the resorts when we were there and for the price the Blanca would be our next choice. They had a great food spread, shows and entertainment. Good luck and enjoy Cayo Largo, we are going back there as soon as we can."
Reviewer: reviewer9850
Date: Jan. 11, 2012

Rating:

"Bel endroit tranquille à recommander pour ceux qui désirent se reposer. Belles plages."
Reviewer: Anonymous [via Escapes.ca]
Date: Apr. 05, 2008

Rating:

"The beach was small but amazing... the sand was like powder. It's by far the most amazing beach I've seen so far."
Reviewer: Anonymous [via Escapes.ca]
Date: Jun. 12, 2007

Rating:

"Customs was ok even though we had a whole suitcase full of medical supplies and eyeglasses to give to the Cuban people, although we noticed another couple being given a hard time for bringing a DVD player... Do not bring anything that uses alot of voltage, or anything that they tell you not to, VCR's, DVD players etc. They did have an issue with us bringing 26 pairs of eyeglasses, we were told that anything you bring should not be in excess of 3 or 4 things to be given as gifts. The glasses were sent to the ministry of health which was fine as we wanted them to get to people who needed them, many forms were filled out and we were assured that they would get to needy people. This island is inhabited by people who work at the resorts only. Down by the marina you may notice some run-down housing. This is reportedly where most workers stay when they are posted on the island. Money is obtained at the front desk or at the bank at the Marina, once we were refused money at the front desk due to the exchange rate not being sent from the bank, so it is best to stock up. Shoes such as sandals, flip flops and runners are much appreciated by Cubans, bring lots. Bring bugspray!!! At dusk only the mosquitos come out, wear long pants and spray any exposed areas, they look like Canadian bugs but their bites last wayyy longer, and you don't even notice them. Be aware on Sunday most places close at 12pm for the day. We arrived at the Turtle farm at the Marina at 12:30 and learned this... :( Wear lots of SPF 30 at least, the sun is decieving, the first day we were great, nary a pink spot on our bodies, the next day we were tomatoes!!! Eat at the resort to save money, or bring tupperware to bring a makeshift sandwich, restaurants are expensive on the island, might be good though..."
Reviewer: Anonymous [via Escapes.ca]
Date: Mar. 04, 2007

Rating:

"The island of Cayo Largo offers very little in entertainment and action. It's a very peaceful place, good for the soul. Get away from everything and relax. You can explore with a scooter or a jeep. The eastern part is so remote. Beautiful virgin beaches. Not a person in sight. Hard to find places like that in today's crowded world. Well worth visiting, many people return again and again. Nudism is part of the scene here, not a bother, seems very natural. Many European guests. French Canadians in particular seem to like the place. So do we."
Reviewer: Anonymous [via Escapes.ca]
Date: Mar. 04, 2007

Rating:

"Cayo Largo is a small island but the beaches are fantastic. There are only 5 resorts and Barcelo is by far the newest and all around the best. They bus to another beach if you want to and it is just gorgeous and good snorkling and lots of star fish. We would go back in a second. Had a wonderfull vacation. "
Reviewer: Anonymous [via Escapes.ca]
Date: Mar. 02, 2007

Rating:

"If you are coming from Vancouver, be prepared for a long flight and layover at Montreal airport (both going and coming). Is there a way that waiting time on connections be kept to a minimum? Or better still, if there will be a direct flight from Vancouver (after picking up passengers from Calgary and Edmonton) to Cayo Largo. I hope next year, there will be better alternatives on how to get to Cayo Largo."
Reviewer: Anonymous [via Escapes.ca]
Date: Jan. 20, 2007

Things to know about Cayo Largo Vacations

Activities & Sports

Cayo Largo has unparalleled scuba diving with its many coral reefs, tunnels and vertical walls. There are 32 dive sites in all, some taking you 40 m down. Snorkeling spots include Lindamar beach, Cayo Rosario and Punta mal Tiempo.

Water sports abound and they include kayaking, sailing, windsurfing, water skiing and boating. And let's not forget sunbathing!

Fly fishing is a very popular activity since the bars offer ideal conditions for catching American shad, Macabi and Palometa. In deeper waters one can catch white marlin, swordfish, barracuda and Gilthead Bream.

Dining & Nightlife

The Taberne del Pirata offers music and traditional Cuban evenings.

If you want to dance the night away then try the Discoteca Hotel Pelícano, Disco Iguana Azul or D´Prisa Diego Grillo.

Most restaurants are located in the hotels and resorts. A few private restaurants specializing in Cuban cuisine are found by the marina.

Shopping

Cuban cigars, rum and coffee are the most popular souvenirs, followed by wood handicraft and congas. Cuban music recordings are a must as well.

Languages: Spanish, English widely spoken in tourist areas.

Currency: CUC (Cuban Convertible Peso); CAD dollars easily exchanged but subject to 8% conversion fee (10% for US dollars and 11.24% for credit card charges). US-issued credit cards and travellers cheques are not accepted in Cuba.
Climate: With its subtropical climate, Cayo Largo has an almost eternal summer! Temperatures usually average from 22ºC to 30ºC during the day. The temperatures are generally a few degrees higher than the great island of Cuba. The wet season lasts from May to October.
Electricity: 110V or 220V (converters required) depending on hotel.

Documents

Canadian citizens require a valid passport to enter Cuba. All other nationalities please consult a vacation specialist or the Cuban Consulate at (416)234-8181 or the Cuban Tourist Board at (416) 362-0700.

Cuba tourist cards are supplied & validated with vacation packages. Some restrictions apply to tourists 18 years & under, when travelling without parents

Note: Some hotels require credit card imprint upon check-in for any incidental charges. Hotel check-in is typically between 3pm and 4pm. If your flight arrives early, it is a good idea to pack essential items in your carry-on luggage (i.e. bathing suit, suntan lotion, medications, etc.), so you do not miss any valuable vacation time.

IMPORTANT:Each travelling passenger is responsible to pay a local departure tax in Cuban Convertible Pesos (CUC). This fee is payable in cash at the airport in destination prior to boarding your flight, in the amount of CUC$25 (subject to change).