Better known as the small paradise islands off the coast, there are a lot of things to do in the Cuba Keys. The fact that they are not particularly easy to get to makes these beaches less crowded, so they are the perfect destination if you prefer to escape the typical overcrowding of Cuba’s beaches and enjoy pure tranquillity.
In Cuba’s Keys you will find the idyllic mix of crystal-clear waters, white sands and radiant sun, which will also make you never want to leave the wonderful Caribbean coast. Want to know more?
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What are the best keys to see in Cuba?
1. Coco Key
Cayo Coco is probably the most famous of the whole area. It is also equipped with a huge hotel infrastructure and even has its own airport.
It is better equipped for tourists to enjoy various activities and water sports such as diving or snorkeling. If that were not enough, this area is also home to a beautiful colony of pink flamingos. Don’t forget to take a picture!
2. Guillermo Key
Guillermo Key, one of the most famous in the area, is also linked to Cayo Coco by a natural path that facilitates access between the two. This key is home to some of the most famous beaches in Cuba, including El Paso and El Pilar.
Despite having good hotels, Cayo Guillermo is not as crowded as its companion. That makes it a more idyllic spot. It preserves a better natural environment, less damaged by tourism, and you can still find some unspoilt beaches. We recommend diving along the reefs in this area, an incredible experience!
3. Ensenachos Key
This key is located very close to Cayo Santa Maria. Being of a more humble size than some of its companions, Ensenachos Key is one of the most respected and beautiful in Cuba.
In addition to offering incredible waters of mixed shades of green and blue, this key has unparalleled landscapes due to its plentiful flora and fauna. It is undoubtedly the perfect place if you prefer to escape from the strong tourist influx and enjoy a much quieter day at the beach.
Organise your travel itinerary with Passporter, completely free to use, easy and practical. Get inspired by the experiences of other travellers and choose the places that interest you most by adding them to your route map.
4. Santa María Key
Located in a natural reserve in the Buenavista Bay, you will find Cayo Santa María. The largest in Cuba, it has an access formed by a causeway that is sure to turn your visit into an adventure.
It is one of the most exploited keys for tourism, and it is not surprising knowing the amount of activities to do there. Not only will you enjoy its incredible beaches, but it also offers a wide variety of restaurants, water activities, hotels, and even a dolphinarium to visit!
2. Levisa Key
Unlike Cayo Coco and Cayo Guillermo, Cayo Levisa is one of the least crowded in the area. Located in the Gulf of Mexico, it is only accessible by ferry.
Due to its small area, this place has not been developed much and has only one hotel, giving the key a wilder and more natural environment, with abundant vegetation and virtually untouched sands. It is definitely worth visiting to this paradisiacal spot.
6. Las Brujas Key
Cayo de las Brujas is the first key located just after crossing El Pedraplén, a long road that runs through most of the keys. Characterized by its abundant and exotic vegetation, in this key you will find some of the most paradise-like beaches in Cuba, such as Las Salinas Beach.
In addition, as it is located in the Bahamas Channel, it is an ideal place to practice aquatic sports such as scuba diving. You can also enjoy some of the most impressive coral reefs in the world.
7. Largo del Sur Key
There is a lot to see in Cayo Largo del Sur, and it is surely no surprise considering that it is one of Cuba’s most acclaimed tourist destinations.
Choosing among its many paradise beaches and white sands such as Playa Paraiso or Playa Sirena, Cayo Largo directly overlooks the Caribbean Sea, famous for its pirates and for having been part of the path of Christopher Columbus. You cannot leave Cuba without visiting this place. If you want to know what else you can find in this key, don’t miss our post: Things to do in Cayo Largo del Sur.
8. Sabinal Key
Sabinal Key, whose name comes from the enormous presence in the area of the Sabina wood tree, is without a doubt one of the most beautiful in all of Cuba.
Characterized by its numerous swamps and lagoons, this island is also home to an infinite number of animal species, such as iguanas, flamingos and even wild boars. Since it is not heavily exploited, it provides a truly attractive untouched environment for travelers. Do not miss this natural jewel of the archipelago.
Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.
Things to do in Cuba Keys with children
1. La Granja de las Tortugas
One of the best things to do in the Cuban Keys with children is to visit the Turtle Farm. Located in Cayo Largo del Sur, this center also offers an incredible experience for the whole family.
Not only will you learn about this curious reptile species in more detail, but you will also be able to participate in one of the night excursions to Cayo Largo to observe the nesting time of these animals. A completely unforgettable experience for the whole family.
2. Jardines de la Reina
Located on the southern coast of Cuba, in the province of Camagüey, are the famous Jardines de la Reina. Considered a Unesco World Marine Heritage Site, the infinite biodiversity of this place is sure to leave you speechless.
This aquatic paradise will also be a favorite place for children. With a unique access by cruise ship departing from Puerto Júcaro, you will arrive at La Tortuga platform. There you can book a dive to enjoy the wonders underwater, including sharks!
3. Trip to Cayo Blanco
Sailing the Caribbean as a family can be quite an adventure. That is why, if you are traveling with children, we recommend getting on a catamaran that will take you from Varadero to the impressive Cayo Blanco.
In addition to enjoying a spectacular two-hour ride over the sea, you can spend the morning on an incredible beach. You’ll enjoy an authentic Caribbean lunch and end the day snorkeling at sunset. Sounds great, doesn’t it?
4. Las Gaviotas Beach
This beach is located on the eastern tip of the famous Cayo Santa Maria. It is highly protected mainly due to its great ecological and scenic value.
Apart from being a place where you will find numerous typical Cuban cabins, you can also enjoy different water activities. You can admire the myriad of marine species and colorful vegetation in the depths of these waters. The kids will definitely have a great time!
Itinerary for your trip to Cuba and its best Keys
Here is our map with the places we recommend in Cuba so that you can organise your trip easily and quickly. You can also add important documents such as tickets, hotel reservations and even invite your friends to be part of the itinerary organisation.
Using Passporter is free and will help you travel in a more organised way. You have the option of registering on the website or downloading the app to keep everything in one place and in your pocket 🙂
Where to stay in the Cuba Keys?
1. Cabins in Largo del Sur Key
If you want the authentic experience of sleeping in a cabin in front of the sea, do not hesitate to choose Villa Lindamar.
This place is located on one of Cuba’s undoubtedly most beautiful beaches with crystal-clear water. You will also have the opportunity to stay in a small cottage by the sea and enjoy an atmosphere of absolute peace.
2. Resort in Coco Key
With an optimal beachfront location, the Melia Cayo Coco Hotel is also one of our first recommendations.
This five-star hotel has spacious rooms built on top of a natural lagoon connected to the sea. Offering incredible views of the beach and its waters, it can be the ideal place to rest during your vacation. The price per room is around 160€ for two people.
3. Hotel in Santa Maria Key
In Cayo Santa Maria you can find some of the best all-inclusive hotels, but one of the most acclaimed is definitely the Sanctuary at Grand Memories.
Its spacious rooms and ocean views make this place the perfect accommodation. In addition, there is a common pool and the beach is right in front of the resort. You can rent your room for two guests for 130€. It’s great!
Frequently Asked Questions about the Cuba Keys
Depending on the Cayo in Cuba you want to go to, there are different transport methods.
To reach Coco Key and Guillermo Key from Ciego de Avila or from Morón:
– You can take a collective cab for 64€, the journey time is one hour and a half.
To reach Levisa Key from Havana:
– You can make the excursion to the Viñales Valley, and from there take a ferry from the Palma Rubia pier (Cayo Levisa can only be reached by ferry).
To access Key Largo del Sur from Havana:
– The only way to access is by AeroGaviota plane. There are no daily flights or definitive schedules, so you choose a date and they call you 24 hours in advance to set the schedule.
You can access Santa Maria Key from Havana:
– You can take the Viazul bus, which offers the cheapest price. You will arrive in Santa Clara and, once there, you have to rent a car or ask for a cab with Trinidad-Cayos route.
– You can book a transfer, buses that take tourists from hotels to destinations. They must be booked one or two days in advance.
The entrance fee is 2 Mexican pesos (equivalent to about 0.80€), and all the money is donated to the organization.
You can book your catamaran excursion to Cayo Blanco for 53€/person, with a reduced rate of 26€ for children.
How to plan your itinerary of the places you want to see in the Cuba Keys?
Sign up to Passporter and plan your trip in the most organised way and according to the days and places you want to see in the Cuba Keys.
- Get inspiration from the experiences of other travellers.
- Save important information about the destinations you want to visit that you have found on the internet. Just install the Chrome extension and save everything useful for your trip.
- Save your tickets and reservations.
- Organise your route on Google maps with your accommodation as the starting point or any other that you indicate.
- Find out the best travel option for each place.
- Save and publish your own photos and experiences as you go along, so that when someone asks you “How was your trip to Cuba?” you can reply “Visit my traveller profile on Passporter!”
If you want to learn more about how to get the most out of the Passporter app, you can read our post: How to create your travel itinerary with Passporter.
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