As one of the country’s most interesting archipelagos, you can’t miss all there is to see in Jardines del Rey, Cuba. Although it is especially renowned for its cays and beaches, there is much more to do than just enjoy its stunning stretches of water and sand.
In Jardines del Rey you can enjoy a myriad of nature-based activities such as hiking and bird watching, not to mention a host of water sports. Located on the northern coast of Cuba, this destination is a true tropical paradise suitable for all tastes. If you want to find out more, keep reading our post!
1. Coco Key
Cayo Coco is certainly the most impressive and most visited cay in Jardines del Rey. Besides occupying a large expanse of the archipelago, this place offers much more than sun and beach. Here you can do activities to suit all tastes.
You can enjoy its countless unspoilt beaches and bathe in some of the most crystal clear waters in the world. Among the best known are Playa Flamenco and Playa la Jauta. When you tire of the sand, you can take a boat through the abundant mangroves typical of the tropical climate. If that’s not enough, when you’re in the mood for a bit of entertainment you can take the car to Morón, the largest town on the cay.
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2. Guillermo Cay
Like its companion, Cayo Guillermo is one of the most visited cays in Jardines del Rey. It offers some of the most beautiful and extensive beaches in the whole archipelago, with numerous activities both in and out of the sea.
The main activity in Cayo Guillermo is scuba diving. You can dive at very good prices and discover a seabed rich in impressive species of flora and fauna. If the depths are not your thing, you can opt for a boat tour and cross through the mangroves, with the chance to spot pelicans and flamingos. To end your visit, we recommend the Dolphinarium of Cayo Guillermo, one of the largest in Cuba. You can enjoy a dolphin show and even interact with them, the ideal activity for the whole family!
If you want to discover the rest of the Cays near Jardines del Rey, don’t hesitate to check our post: Things to do in Cuba Keys!
3. Crystal Tower
The Torre de Cristal is an imposing climbing park located in Cayo Coco, within Jardines del Rey. This place, also known as Rocarena Climbing Park, is mainly special for having been the first of its kind in all of Latin America.
This tower reaches 13 metres high, and is composed of 3 climbing levels, each one dedicated to a different age group. Along them, you can enjoy 90 different attractions that will allow you to make horizontal climbs, as well as “free” falls with safety ropes. On the third level, you can enjoy a wonderful viewpoint from where you can observe the surrounding countryside and the sea in the background – a totally unique experience!
4. La Güira Site
Sitio La Güira is located in an estate that tries to recreate what was once a settlement for charcoal makers in the 19th century, located on the northern coast of Ciego de Avila. It offers a natural setting for a wide variety of outdoor activities.
This site is one of the most symbolic points of Cayo Coco, besides being one of the most important recreational areas of Jardines del Rey. It is the ideal place to enjoy nature, its flora and fauna. Being able to admire three different types of ecosystems: mangroves, forests and lagoons. You can also learn more about the lifestyle of the charcoal burners, who were the first inhabitants of the cay.
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5. Pilar Beach
Of all the beaches to see in Jardines del Rey, we definitely recommend visiting Playa Pilar. It is located in Cayo Guillermo, and is without a doubt one of the most beautiful beaches in Cuba.
Due to its lesser influx of travellers compared to other beaches, Playa Pilar is practically untouched. The beach has crystal clear waters typical of the Caribbean Sea and an impressive stretch of white sand. It is also surrounded by dunes that reach up to 16 metres, as well as a group of palm trees that turn this beach into a real paradise. If you want to enjoy more than just the sun and the sea, don’t hesitate to try scuba diving and discover its impressive coral reef. You will be truly impressed.
6. Catamaran trip in Jardines del Rey
One of the things you can’t miss on your trip to Jardines del Rey is a catamaran tour of the archipelago’s impressive coral reefs. Most catamaran tours depart from Cayo Coco.
During the experience, you’ll enjoy a variety of activities both in and out of the water. You will enjoy the incredible crystal clear waters on board the catamaran. There is the option of making a stop to snorkel and discover the infinite number of marine species that hide in the depths of the sea. The catamaran usually stops at a beach, so you can also enjoy some time in the sun on the white sands. You can’t miss this experience at an exceptional price!
7. Cueva del Jabalí
The Cueva del Jabalí, also known as the Cueva de la Fiesta, is one of the most famous and fun nightspots in Jardines del Rey. It is located in Cayo Coco, and currently offers a nightclub/cabaret service where you can have a great night out.
You can enjoy numerous live events in an unbeatable natural environment, with a spacious dance floor where you can move to the rhythm of the most typical Cuban songs. Most of the decorative elements of this discotheque are completely natural. Such as its stalactites, and you can even see totally harmless bats! Don’t miss out on a fun night out at the Cueva del Jabalí.
8. Water sports in Jardines del Rey, Cuba
If there’s one thing Jardines del Rey is known for, it’s its stunning cays, whose stretches of crystal-clear waters offer endless opportunities for water sports. The cays that offer the most water sports are Coco and Guillermo Cays.
The most accessible water activity, and also one of the most popular, is scuba diving. Bearing in mind that these waters are home to the second largest coral reef in the world. Also, you will be able to get to know all the fascinating species found under the sea, both fauna and flora. Another option is to go on a catamaran excursion and enjoy some great views of the ocean while you enjoy lunch or dinner on board. Finally, don’t miss out on a trip to one of the famous lagoons and try your hand at fishing if you’ve never tried it before. There’s no room for boredom in Jardines del Rey!
What to do in Jardines del Rey with kids?
1. El Bagá Natural Park
El Bagá Natural Park is located in the middle of Cayo Coco, and offers one of the most beautiful places in Jardines del Rey. Don’t hesitate to take a trip there and enjoy a wonderful sunny day in the middle of nature.
In this park you can mainly go on numerous hiking trails, as well as climb up to a tower that is over 25 metres tall. From here you can enjoy breathtaking views of the entire natural park. In addition, during your walk through its forests you will discover different animal species. Among the most impressive are flamingos and crocodiles. Are you going to miss it?
2. Fishing in La Redonda Lagoon
The Laguna La Redonda is located just 8 kilometres from the town of Morón, and covers an area of almost 5 square kilometres. In addition to its waters, you will find an impressive natural landscape full of mangroves.
This lagoon is highly visited for fishing, since the depths of its waters are home to a wide range of marine fauna, from the most common species such as perch and trout, to impressive crocodiles, eels and manatees. There you’ll find the International Fishing Centre, where you can buy passes for boat trips on the lake or fishing circuits. A place especially recommended for those who love this sport!
3. Jeep Safari Tour
There are a myriad of activities to do in Jardines del Rey, but among the most exceptional is a Jeep Safari tour. It can be the ideal plan for a different and fun day out, especially if you are travelling with children.
This excursion offers the opportunity to take a Jeep tour through numerous trails in a completely natural environment, inside Cayo Coco. Throughout the excursion, you will get to know the great variety of local fauna and flora; once the tour is over, you can enjoy a typical Cuban meal in a restaurant chosen by the organising company. And if that wasn’t enough, some tours even offer a visit to a crocodile farm. Exciting, isn’t it?
What to do in Jardines del Rey, Cuba in 3 days?
- Visit the Guillermo Key
- Climb the Torre de Cristal
- Enjoy the Pilar Beach
- Go scuba diving in Jardines del Rey
What to do in Jardines del Rey, Cuba in 5 days?
- Visit the El Bagá Natural Park
- Spend the night in the Cueva del Jabalí Cave
- Visit La Güira Site
- Go to Cayo Coco
- Take a catamaran tour in Jardines del Rey
- Enjoy a Jeep Safari Tour
Tips for your trip to Jardines del Rey, Cuba
- Don’t forget to bring enough swimwear
- Always carry sunscreen with you
- Check in advance for transport links between different destinations.
- Use mosquito repellent whenever possible.
Frequently asked questions about travelling to Jardines del Rey, Cuba
You can find great places to stay in Jardines del Rey depending on your interests. Here are some of the best.
– The Kimpiski Resort is located in the heart of Cayo Guillermo, and is one of the best hotels you can find in the area. It offers an atmosphere of pure tranquillity, offering all the necessary services and, if that wasn’t enough, it is only a short distance away from Pilar Beach.
– Hotel Grand Muthu is a five-star hotel located in Cayo Guillermo, on the beachfront. It offers luxurious services and is just 3 kilometres from Pilar Beach.
– Another hotel not to be missed is the Iberostar Playa Pilar, also located in Cayo Guillermo and undoubtedly the ideal accommodation for the whole family. You will be able to enjoy breathtaking views of the sea as it is located on the seafront.
– The Meliá Cayo Coco Hotel is a resort that includes all services. It is located right on Las Coloradas Beach, so you will have perfect accessibility to enjoy the sea and its various activities.
– Finally, we recommend staying at Pullman Cayo Coco, an impressive resort that offers all kinds of services, from the most chic restaurants to the most fun activities. And all this in an unbeatable location.
The most common way to get to Jardines del Rey is to take a bus from Havana and the journey takes about 7 hours, so it may be a good option to make intermediate stops at other points of interest to make the trip more enjoyable.
– First of all, we recommend you try the restaurant El Ranchón, located right on Flamenco Beach. You will be able to enjoy a menu with several options that will satisfy all tastes. If you arrive early, you can get a table with sea views.
– You can’t miss a visit to Ranchón Cuba Libre, where you can enjoy the best Caribbean and Cuban food. It is located on the beautiful Playa Pilar beach, so you can enjoy your lunch or dinner with incredible views.
To get to the lagoon, you have to rent a car and leave from the Morón Hotel, making a journey of approximately 17 kilometres to the destination.
How to order your itinerary with the places you would like to see in Jardines del Rey, Cuba?
Download the Passporter app, then organise your itinerary depending on the days and places you want to see in Jardines del Rey.
With this app, you can:
- Be inspired by the experiences of other travellers.
- Save information about places you have found on a website.
- Keep your tickets and reservations with you at all times.
- Organise routes on Google maps taking into account where you are starting and where you want to go.
- Know the different means of transport you can use to get around.
- Save and share photos and experiences of the different places you have visited, visible on your Passporter traveller profile.
For more information, you can read our post: How to create a travel itinerary with Passporter.
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