A relaxing tropical island hideaway in Cuba, Cayo Coco is home to excellent beaches and large coral reefs great for diving, offering opportunities for water sports such as kayaking and windsurfing, all-inclusive beach resort hotels, as well as mangrove areas with birds and wildlife. Cayo Coco is a perfect place for relaxation, but do not expect to find typical Cuban culture here, as it is a small resort island with no permanent inhabitants.
Cayo Coco Island is part of an island chain called Jardines del Rey (Gardens of the King), located off the North coast of Cuba. These coral islands named by the Spanish conquistadors in honor of the Spanish king are surrounded by pristine coral reefs. Cayo Coco is the most developed of the uninhabited islands. The neighboring Cayo Guillermo also has beach resort hotels available. The islands are linked to the mainland by a long causeway built in the late 1980s. Cayo Coco has been developed as a beach resort since the early 1990s and now receives mainly Canadian and European holidaymakers. Cubans are only allowed in the island with specific authorization.
Interesting wildlife such as flamingos can be seen on the island's mangrove swamp areas. Wildlife watching on Cayo Coco is possible for example in the Bagá Nature Park, and the nearby island of Cayo Paredon Grande offers guided shark watching tours. You can also visit the neighboring Cayo Guillermo that is connected to Cayo Coco by a causeway, or take a trip to the nearby mainland town of Morón.
Cayo Coco Island is part of an island chain called Jardines del Rey (Gardens of the King), located off the North coast of Cuba. These coral islands named by the Spanish conquistadors in honor of the Spanish king are surrounded by pristine coral reefs. Cayo Coco is the most developed of the uninhabited islands. The neighboring Cayo Guillermo also has beach resort hotels available. The islands are linked to the mainland by a long causeway built in the late 1980s. Cayo Coco has been developed as a beach resort since the early 1990s and now receives mainly Canadian and European holidaymakers. Cubans are only allowed in the island with specific authorization.
Sights and activities on Cayo Coco: beaches, diving, windsurfing, kayaking & wildlife
Cayo Coco hosts more than 27 km of lovely sandy beaches ideal for sunbathing, swimming and a variety of water sports from waterskiing to windsurfing. The most popular beaches on Cayo Coco include Las Coloradas, Playa Larga, Playa Flamencos and El Paso. The large and pristine coral reefs around the island offer great opportunities for diving in Cayo Coco. This is the most popular activity on the island with warm and crystal clear waters. Sea kayaking and horseback riding on Cayo Coco are also available.Interesting wildlife such as flamingos can be seen on the island's mangrove swamp areas. Wildlife watching on Cayo Coco is possible for example in the Bagá Nature Park, and the nearby island of Cayo Paredon Grande offers guided shark watching tours. You can also visit the neighboring Cayo Guillermo that is connected to Cayo Coco by a causeway, or take a trip to the nearby mainland town of Morón.
Cayo Coco travel information and practical tips
Cayo Coco enjoys a sunny tropical climate moderated by trade winds.
Photo: Binder.donedat, used under Creative Commons License (By ND 2.0)
There is a hot rainy season on Cayo Coco with occasional showers from May to October, and a slightly cooler dry season from November to April.
Traveling to Cayo Coco is easy via its international airport that receives charter flights to Cayo Coco from Europe and Canada. You can also visit the island by car from mainland Cuba via the 17 km long causeway, or sail to the marina of the nearby Cayo Guillermo by your own yacht.
Local transport on Cayo Coco is provided by taxis and hotel shuttles. If you want to explore Cuba beyond the resort island, car rental on Cayo Coco is available at the airport. Local taxis can also be hired for day tours.
All-inclusive resorts. There are several all-inclusive hotels on Cayo Coco, and a few more on the neighboring Cayo Guillermo. Restaurants on Cayo Coco are located mainly within the hotels. Nightlife on Cayo Coco is not particularly lively, although there are nightclubs and bars available, located mainly at hotels. The staff in the resort hotels of Cayo Coco speaks some English, but if you are planning to visit other parts of Cuba, it is recommended to learn some basic Spanish.
Restricted entry. Cubans are not allowed to enter the island unless they are working there or have another good reason to visit. This means Cayo Coco is a very safe destination with no problems with crime, but it also means the island does not have much local character.
