If you plan to camp outside, bringing a mosquito net is also a good idea. As a guest in a casa particular, you can surely ask for red tomatoes, sweet peppers, cabbage, cucumbers, onions, and carrots. Water sports gear is also available for rent. To be safer, especially in the countryside or cities, ensure you are protected against mosquitoes. The beaches at Varadero get the usual flotsam and jetsam overnight and are raked each morning. The best time to visit Cuba is the dry season because the rainy season is usually more humid, mucky, hotter, and generally wetter. Arrange multiple dives on a full-day guided trip, snorkel at Punta Perdiz just a short drive north along the bay, or stopover at a local casa particular and enjoy the ocean views from a wooden rocking chair until the sun sets. Playa Varadero: one of the top beaches in Cuba. We normally go to Varadero however we booked 2 weeks at Cayo Coco for this upcoming May/20. Cayo Santa Maria has beautiful beaches on the islands northern coastline. And if you have any feedback, please submit it in the comment section below. Playa Varadero Varadero #3. Playa Ensenachos is pretty close to Playa Cayo Santa Maria. And although this initiative may not be the best, it has allowed for a few nude beaches on the island. I know the time is short as we are coming on Saturday 20-27th. Where is it collecting. Travel protection benefits such as trip interruption and cancellation, baggage delay insurance, etc., are not required. Cuba is one of the best places for a family holiday. Salads, juices, and natural covers for the face and red skin will make you delighted. They include: Santa Maria del Mar is the most popular beach in Playas del Este. Still, the locals have not come to terms with walking around in the nude. You can rent a taxi for a roundtrip from Old Havana to Playas del Este for about 15-20 USD. Dont panic. Also, beware of the dead mangroves! Best beach for families and inclusive resort stays. The beach is as stunning as you can imagine: aquamarine waves gently lapping at the shoreline, sun-soaked sands flanked by coconut trees and enough space to feel like you're on your own private island. The warm water and the trade winds are gentle so that you can look forward to idyllic days of swimming and relaxation. Tarara is one of the most popular beaches on the Playas del Este strip. The beach also ranked 10th place in the Worlds Best Beaches for 2018 by FlightNetwork. It may be popular but thanks to its sheer size theres enough space for everyone to indulge in a few days stress-free sloth. However, remember that fewer mosquitoes doesnt mean no mosquitoes. Cuba is a sub-tropical Caribbean island, so its warmth is favorable to year-long insect populations. Cayo Largos beaches have the finest and whitest sand in Cuba. In Barbados, for example, the grabs used to load sugar cane onto trucks have proved good at picking up sargassum without removing sand from beaches. Its a popular beach stop while visiting the colonial village of Trinidad or French-inspired Cienfuegos. You can book excursions to the key from the beach restaurant Ranchon Playa Pilar where kayaks and aquatic bikes are also available for rental. Ready for a trip to the Cuba? Playa Cayo Santa Maria and Playa Ensenachos are two of the best beaches you can enjoy on this charming tiny island. "On satellite images the quantity that's being picked up is greater than ever before," says Prof Oxenford, who is based in Barbados. 2023 BBC. Read our ranking of the best beaches in Cuba for more tips about enjoying your summer vacation in Cuba. WebHearing about a major seaweed issue happening now throughout the Caribbean, really bad in Punta Cana. April is the ideal time of year for mild-weather hikes, cherry blossom festivals, fresh produce and more. Dreamstime is the world`s largest stock photography community. Visiting Cuba in the Wet Season (May to October), Average temperatures and humidity in the wet season, Visiting Cuba in the Dry Season (November to April), Average temperatures and humidity in the dry season, Peak season in Cuba (December to March, July, and August), Shoulder season in Cuba (April, May, June, and November), Low season in Cuba (September and October). Playa Varadero: one of the top beaches in Cuba. What's going on in Cuba? The wet season is when 70% of the islands rainfall occurs, which means lots of heat and humidity between May and October. Then there is tourism. Afterwards, return to the city to learn more about Trinidad's history and culture. Beautiful Grande Anse beach in Grenada has not been hit by sargassum seaweed 2. However, there is no public bathroom, and those in the restaurants can be gross. Catches are affected - in sargassum years flying fish numbers have fallen significantly, although it is not clear why. WebAnswer 1 of 3: Hi we are planning holiday to Cuba,but are hearing of seaweed problem on beaches. Carry some cash with you, but not too much, Worlds Leading Beach Destination by World Travel Awards, 10th place in the Worlds Best Beaches for 2018, top spot for the best beach in the Caribbean, Some locations in Cuba are rife with mosquitoes, Cuban Tourist Card (a.k.a Cuban Tourist Visa), The Cubans: Ordinary Lives in Extraordinary Times, Cuba Travel Insurance: The 5 Ways to Get It in 2023, Havana Airport (HAV): Complete Guide to the Main Cuban Airport (2023), Backpacking Cuba: Activities, Itineraries, and Practical Tips (2023), Sand Fleas and Mosquitoes in Cuba: The Survival Guide (2023), Travelling to Cuba from Canada: The Complete Guide (2023), Is There WiFi in Cuba? Dont go strolling on Cuban beaches flashing wands of cash. The sargassum has remained in the Caribbean and some outlets to the Atlantic. Bacurano is the closest and most accessible beach in Playas del Este, though not necessarily the best. Playa Cayo Santa Maria has no shortage of natural scenery like tropical mangrove trees and powdery sand. This is especially true if you plan to leave behind the beaches and tackle urban travel or inland hiking. Im unsure of what the weather is expected to be. Cuba may be knee-deep in astounding beaches and droves of tourists. Head 40 minutes south along the bay and you can indulge all your snorkeling and diving whims on Playa Girns 300m (984ft) coral wall and nearby wrecks and cenotes (sinkholes). It is in the news right now, but has been a problem for years. They can also head back to the lively city for a night out. Some articles may contain affiliates links at no cost to you. A room in luxury resorts can run anywhere from $200 to $800 a night. "Certainly we've had it for longer and in huge amounts. Re: Sargassum (seaweed) on beaches December/January. A number of beaches await you at the north side of the 30km-long coral key the longest of which is Playa Los Pinos, a blindingly white beach thats perfect for a few days of complete tranquillity. Cayo Coco. Explore the worlds most thrilling waves with Epic Surf Breaks of the World. Playa Ancon is the best beach in Southern mainland Cuba. Stringy, brown seaweed that spends its life floating, Traditionally starts life in the Gulf of Mexico and is pushed by currents out into the North Atlantic to float in the Sargasso Sea, Forms rafts that serve as vital feeding and breeding grounds for marine life, Not harmful to humans and in small amounts, it can help nourish beaches. Furthermore, birdwatchers can lay back and enjoy the sights of flamingoes strutting back and forth in this area. Now it is happening again and everything suggests 2018 could be the worst year yet. There are no sharp rocks or strong currents; the water is calm and relatively shallow. If you are traveling with kids, you will be glad to know that Playa Paraiso is one of the safest beaches in Cuba for children. These places are best for beaches in Cuba: Varadero Beach; Guardalavaca Beach; Ancon Beach; Santa Maria Beach; Playa Paraiso; See more beaches in Cuba on Tripadvisor In 2016, Playa Paraiso, or Paradise beach, was voted the 3rd most beautiful beach worldwide by Travellers Choice, and rightly so. Is it possible to locate aplace for my husband and I. On Isla de la Juventuds most remote upturned hook of land, lies Punta Francs, where youll find the islands top beach, Playa Francs. Go tailor-made! A number of beachfront mini-malls and private restaurants offer snacks and refreshments before you head back to Havana. "Sargassum mats can be up to seven metres deep.". Best beaches for quiet escapes and scuba diving. Playa Bonita is yet another beautiful beach, perfect for tanning your body. Essential Items to Pack Bring the essential travel necessities that you may not be able to get in Cuba: Find Accommodations Find hotels or casas particulares (private accommodations) on Skyscanner, which lists thousands of accommodations available in Cuba. Bottled water is hard to come by, even in the big cities, and virtually unheard of if you venture deep into the countryside. It's becoming a big problem to remove. However, if you happen to visit Cayo Santa Maria between December 16 and Christmas, you cant miss Las Parrandas de Remedios. I've seen pics of the weed 12ft. Playa Arena Gorda Fat Sand Beach. Hotels and restaurants are far from the beach, but you can take a taxi, scooter, or shuttle to travel back and forth. Playa Cayo Jutias Cayo Jutias #8. If you decide to visit Cayo Coco, include visiting Playa Pilar and Playa Flamencos on your itinerary. Trinidad is home to gorgeous, tranquil, well-maintained beaches with tall palm trees. Theres also good snorkelling out to sea. "The same way we prepare for hurricanes, we have to prepare for sargassum," Antigua's environment minister said recently. Playa Paraiso Cayo Largo del Sur #2. WebThe employees of the hotel were burying the seaweed in some parts of the Sol's beach, the others stayed on the sand and we just stepped over it on the way to the water edge. Sunshine, heat, and ocean breezes are a guarantee, no matter what. WebIt is, indeed, a beautiful beach, and I would have no worries at all, on that particular score. "We believe that it initially began as a result of shifts we observed in the climatological and meteorological indices - the waters were extremely warm in 2010; there were some shifts in the currents and winds," says Mr Franks. ), which is so narrow that the beach will always be a few steps away from you. You may also choose to go for a fishing excursion, revel in the adventures of deep-sea fishing, or partake in bottom fishing. The Mexican government and hotels in the Yucatan Peninsula have stepped up their efforts to tackle it, however, the majority of low-budget hotels and hostels do not have the means to clean their beaches on a daily basis. The scenery at this beach is a beautiful blend of green fields of tamarind, sea grapes, and palms. For inspiration use the itineraries from The Rough Guide to Cuba and our local travel experts. Guardalavaca is the name given to the strip of beaches comprising Playa Esmeralda, Playa Yuraguanal and Playa Pesquero theyre all sublime. Playa Cayo Santa Maria Cayo Santa Maria #4. Cuba is generally safe. Mosquitoes breed when the weather is hot and damp, so Cubas wet season is their favorite time of year. When waves of sargassum - a type of seaweed - washed up on Eastern Caribbean shores seven years ago, people hoped it was a one-off. Stretching almost the entire length of a 25km peninsula that shoots out from the mainland, Varadero fits the classic Caribbean image: downy sand that forms a runway between palm trees along one edge and unruffled, sparkling waters along the other. Mr Franks says prediction strategies will be very important in planning for influxes but they are in "the elementary stage of development at this point". One of the most popular beaches in Punta Cana, this white sand beach is located between Playa Bavaro 2023 Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures company. TorontoJoyce. More so if your idea of a good time includes diving adventures and hand-feeding sharks. Generally, before a beach receives an award, environmental management, general safety, and water quality issues are often assessed. Check out some popular. The best time to go to Cuba is the dry season (November to April). site may be reprodiced without our written permission. In fact, youll have plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in outdoor activities, whether exploring the cities, hiking in the Sierra Maestra, or enjoying the countryside on horseback. The beaches east of Cojmar town, famed for its Hemingway connection, are collectively known as the Playas del Este. While the temperatures are cooler, the sun is still intense, so we recommend slathering on sunscreen when you head out. Not too many tour operators offer it anymore from Canada, last time we were there, mostly Euro, Italians and Germans, a few Canadians. Tour Republic is a travel marketplace where local entrepreneurs offer memorable experiences in Cuba. Looking to escape the everyday grind with a picture-perfect romantic holiday? We prepared the list of the best beaches in Cuba after extensive research and many user reviews to ensure we only offer you the best. Northern Camaguey has two outstanding jewels: Santa Lucia and Playa Los Cocos. Dreamstime is the world`s largest stock photography community. Varadero is undoubtedly the package holiday resort in Cuba and the glut of all-inclusive hotels, restaurants, and tour operators are all here for one reason: the beach one of the longest and one of the best beaches in Cuba. The reason southern and eastern shores are worst hit lies in the seaweed's source. Satellite images from the University of South Florida's (USF) Optical Oceanography Laboratory currently show historically high monthly levels of sargassum in the region. Even if you dont experience a hurricane, the weather will be scorching and humid, limiting what you can comfortably do outside. Varadero will be the end highlight of your trip, relaxing in one of the top hotels. One downside is that marine life also loves the dry season. Travelers can get travel health insurance for Cuba viaInsubuy. Your daily activities, budget, and even the fresh foods you eat will depend on the season. With such an abundance of largely untouched sand, theres no shortage of options for a bit of solitude but one of the beaches in Cuba that shouldnt be missed is the gorgeous Playa Pilar. Book Your Flight Book cheap flights to Cuba on Skyscanner, our favorite flight search engine to find deals on flights to Cuba. Over several months, it made its way through the Caribbean to southern Mexico, where its impact on Cancun's beaches made international headlines. Caribbean governments are acknowledging that the seaweed, which impacts on tourism, fisheries and wildlife, could pose a long-term threat. Playa Pilar is also commonly known as Cayo Guillermo. 3 years ago Save There is a new long range ecological problem in the Caribbean: Sargassum algae which looks like seaweed is a mess on many Caribbean beaches. A bit more hands on, learn about getting there, getting around the country and where to stay once you are there. when the journey actually takes two hours, but it's worth it. The waters here are blue and warm, the road is a real adventure, and the general ambiance is lovely and laid-back. There are few restaurants and bars around the beach, so you wont struggle to find a refreshing drink or a quick snack. We also wrote a couple of books and academic articles about the travel industry in Cuba. One of the most popular beaches in Punta Cana, this white sand beach is located between Playa Bavaro Continue to 6 of 10 below. Playa Arena Gorda Fat Sand Beach. The government, however, has tried to accommodate foreigners that like keeping things natural and well-aired by making considerable efforts to separate foreigners from locals. Flight prices: Flights are more affordable at $250 to $300. I've seen pics of the weed 12ft. It is safe, clean and reasonable inexpensive. Beaches are the place to be during Cubas wet season. Some of the best things to do in Varadero beach include: Varadero is also situated close to Cayo Blanco, another stunning beach discussed in detail below. The Mexican government and hotels in the Yucatan Peninsula have stepped up their efforts to tackle it, however, the majority of low-budget hotels and hostels do not have the means to clean their beaches on a daily basis. Driving to Matanzas and stopping by for photos at the Bacunayagua bridge. Varadero and the islands of the Jardines del Rey archipelago are just a few essential stops on the long list of flawless turquoise-edged strands surrounding the island. Our advice? Re: Sargassum (seaweed) on beaches December/January. With popular destinations like Jamaica and Barbados next door, pick Trinidad if you want to sun on relatively peaceful, rarely overcrowded beaches. Geared toward beach holidays, the peninsula unfurls for 12 stunning miles, meaning there's room on the beach for, well, everyone. 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