How to plan a trip to the Cuban Keys?

The Cuban Cays are a set of paradisiacal islands located in the Caribbean Sea and known for their white sandy beaches and rich biodiversity that invites you to dive into their crystal clear waters to discover coral reefs and marine species of a thousand colours. In total, the archipelago is made up of more than 4,000 islets, so we recommend that you plan your trip to the Cuban Keys carefully if you don’t want to miss out 😉

With this post we want to help you with all the preparations for your trip, so we have prepared several sections in which we accompany you in the first steps. Further on you can read about the best time to travel, the necessary documentation to enter the country, or how to get to and around the islands, among many other tips and recommendations that will make you enjoy your stay to the fullest. Are you ready to discover the Cuban Keys with Passporter?

1. Prepare the documentation to travel to the Cuban Keys

Before you start organising your trip, it’s essential to check the documentation you’ll need to enter Cuba and get to the Keys. You’ll need to apply for a visa, which you can apply for online or in person at the embassy or consulate. You can also apply for a visa through a travel agency or from some US airlines.

The price of the visa varies depending on where you apply. For example, online for European citizens it costs €35, while for US citizens it costs up to $103.

From the time the visa is issued, it’s valid for 6 months, so you shouldn’t apply more than 3 months in advance. This will also depend on how long you want to stay in the country. The tourist visa covers stays of up to 90 days with the possibility of extending it for a further 30 days. Here are all the details about visas to Cuba: Travel visas to Cuba: How to obtain a visa to travel to Cuba?

As you may already know, if you are travelling from the United States, this process is slightly different. Note that, while the vast majority of travellers have to apply for a blue visa, those travelling from the USA will have to apply for a pink visa. We tell you why in this post: What do I need to travel to Cuba from the United States?

Essential documents for Cuba

These are the documents you need to apply for your visa to Cuba:

• Passport: You will need to present your passport number along with the date of issue and expiry, and origin. It is also necessary to attach a photo of the first page of the passport.
• Personal details: The application form will ask for your first and last name, home and landline telephone number, and email address.
• Work details: are not compulsory, but you will also be asked for your place of work, telephone, fax and email.
• Flight details: You must specify the date of the flight, the date of entry into Cuba, the country and airport of embarkation and the airline you are flying with. It is also necessary to attach an image of the return ticket.
• Data relating to the stay: days of stay, place of accommodation, municipality and province. The hotel reservation must also be attached.

Remember that if you are travelling from the United States you must also request authorisation from the Office of Foreign Assets Control. We tell you how to do it in this post: 12 legal travel categories for Cuba

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.

2. Choose the date to plan your trip to the Cuban Keys

The best time to travel to the Cuban Keys is between November and April, during the dry season. During autumn and winter, temperatures are pleasant and rainfall is less likely; conditions are ideal for day trips to the beach and water sports.

However, these months are also the most touristy season, which can mean higher prices and more visitors. If you’re looking for a quiet holiday, it’s best to avoid these months.

And if you want an authentic local experience, we encourage you to go in February, when the Habano Festival is held, a major international event for cigar lovers, which includes visits to plantations and factories, as well as tastings and auctions.

3. Find out how to get to the Cuban Keys

Despite being an archipelago, you’ll be surprised to know that it’s possible to get there by car, among many other means of transport. The most common way is to travel from Havana, but it is also possible to get there from other parts of the island. We’ll tell you all about it!

• Car: there are several bridges that connect the main island with Cayo Coco, Cayo de Santa María, or Cayo Cruz. You can hire a car on arrival at the airport.
• Bus: Viazul and Transgaviota offer routes from Havana and other major cities to the cays. The journey time is about 7 hours, but the fare is no more than €20.
• Airplane: Cubana de Aviación offers flights from Havana and other international airports to Cayo Coco and Cayo Largo. The flight from Havana takes 1h20 and costs about €100. However, bear in mind that the frequency is limited, so we recommend you check in advance to schedule your travel dates.
• Boat: From Varadero and elsewhere you can buy a ticket for a catamaran trip, especially to Cayo Blanco.

From Jardines del Rey International Airport in Cayo Coco, you can take a taxi or private transfer service. Taxis usually cost between 30 and 50 CUC, depending on the destination within the cays. Transgaviota buses also offer transfers to the main resorts for about 20 CUC per person.

Moving around the Keys is easy thanks to the Jardines del Rey Bus Tour, a tour bus service that runs to the main hotels and points of interest. A day pass with unlimited rides costs around 5 CUC. Taxis are also available, although they can be more expensive. Renting bicycles or scooters is another popular option for exploring the islands at your own pace.

4. Find the accommodation that fits your expectations to enjoy the Cuban Keys

The Cuban Keys offer a variety of accommodation options, and while the most popular are the all-inclusive resorts, you’ll also find more intimate options such as cabanas. When choosing accommodation, we recommend choosing according to the keys you want to visit, and booking in advance to find the best deals. On the Passporter App you can start searching for your ideal accommodation through Booking today.

And if you don’t know where to start, here are a few of the best areas:

• Cayo Santa María: noted for its luxury resorts and all-inclusive options, Cayo Santa María is ideal for those seeking comfort and full services. It’s a bit pricey, but it’s also possible to find more affordable options.
• Cayo Coco: known for its beautiful beaches and nature, it offers a mix of luxury resorts and more affordable options.
• Cayo Guillermo: known for Playa Pilar, one of Cuba’s most beautiful beaches. Accommodation here tends to be high-end with few budget options.
• Cayo Largo del Sur: perfect for nature and tranquillity lovers, with numerous water and diving activities. Moderately expensive, but with some affordable options.

5. Where and what to eat in the Cuban Keys

The cuisine in the Cuban Keys is a delicious blend of Caribbean and Creole flavours. It’s main characterics is the use of fresh ingredients such as seafood, fish, tropical fruits, and root vegetables. Dishes often include spices and aromatic herbs that enhance the natural flavour of the food, and African and Spanish influences are also present in the cooking techniques and variety of recipes.

Here are some of the dishes you can’t miss:

1. Ropa vieja: is a dish of shredded meat, usually beef, slowly cooked with a mixture of tomatoes, peppers, onions and garlic. It is seasoned with spices and commonly served with rice.
2. Moros y cristianos: a combination of white rice and black beans cooked together, seasoned with garlic, onions and peppers. It is a classic side dish in Cuban cuisine.
3. Tostones: twice-fried green plantains, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Served as an appetizer or side dish, often with a garlic sauce.
4. Pargo a la parrilla: a fresh fish dish, usually snapper, marinated with citrus and spices, then grilled. Served with a side of vegetables or rice.
5. Enchilado de camarones: shrimp cooked in a spicy tomato sauce with onions, peppers and spices. It is a tasty dish served with white rice or tostones.

As for drinks, the mojito and daiquiri are iconic in the region. You’re probably already seeing yourself on the beach with a chilled mojito in hand.

6. Choose the activities you want to do in the Cuban Keys

To explore the Cuban Keys and discover their wonders, we recommend spending at least 5 days, which is the time we spent enjoying the beaches, water activities and exploring the rich biodiversity. In this post you can read about the main keys to see, and here’s a preview of the most popular activities and most interesting places to explore:

• Playa Pilar (Cayo Guillermo): one of the most beautiful beaches, famous for its white sands and crystal-clear waters.
• Dolphinarium of Cayo Santa Maria: interaction with dolphins in a natural environment. Entrance fee: $25 USD.
• El Bagá Nature Park (Cayo Coco): observation of local flora and fauna. Entrance fee: $10 USD.
• Catamaran excursion to Cayo Blanco: includes snorkelling and open bar. Price: $70 USD per person.
• Cayo Ensenachos: unspoilt beach ideal for snorkelling and diving.
• Cayo Levisa: a quiet beach perfect for unwinding. Ferry from Palma Rubia: $15 USD round trip.
• Cayo Largo: has stunning Sirena and Paraíso beaches.
• Cueva del Jabalí (Cayo Coco): natural caves with night shows. Admission: $5 USD.
• Rocarena Climbing Center (Cayo Coco): Modern climbing wall. Entry fee: $15 USD.
• Deep Sea Fishing (Cayo Guillermo): Popular activity with equipment available for rent. Price: $50 USD per person.

Besides the cays, there are activities such as diving, snorkelling and catamaran excursions that allow you to appreciate the underwater beauty and wildlife.

7. Organise a trip with friends to the Cuban Keys

If you’ve ever travelled with friends, you’re probably familiar with the challenges of going on holiday in large groups. One example is the conflicts related to budget, each other’s interests and schedules. On top of that, there are the pre-trip challenges, such as finding a date you can all agree on, agreeing on a destination or organising a travel itinerary. Luckily, there are tools like the Passporter app that make it easier to organise your trip.

Download the Passporter App and start organising trips with your friends together today. Create an itinerary for the Cuban Keys and invite your friends, get inspired by the experiences of other travellers and create your ideal tour together. You can also share your experience through the pictures you take during your trip. To help you even more, we have prepared an article with useful tips for travelling with friends: Group travel: The best way to travel with your group of friends.

8. Tips for planning a trip to the Cuban Keys

• To travel to Cuba it is necessary to apply for a visa which can be processed online: Cuba travel visas: How to obtain a visa to travel to Cuba?
• Remember that if you are travelling from the United States you will need to apply for a different visa and request travel authorisation: What do I need to travel to Cuba from the United States?
• The currency used in Cuba is the Cuban peso.
• Although Spanish is the predominant language, English is also widely understood.
• It is advisable to bring a first aid kit with essential medicines, due to possible shortages in pharmacies.
• Remember that credit and debit cards issued by US banks are not accepted in Cuba; therefore, it is necessary to carry cash for exchange into local currency.
• Be covered for medical emergencies with mandatory travel insurance.
• To avoid health problems, drink only bottled water and avoid ice.
• Sun protection is a must, along with clothing suitable for the heat that also protects you from sun exposure, and staying well hydrated is vital.
• Keep your travel documents accessible at all times.

9. How to prepare what to see on your trip to the Cuban Keys?

Download the Passporter App and discover all its possibilities.

• Get inspired by other travellers’ experiences, photos and itineraries.
• Organise your trip by the categories that suit you best: dates, number of days or type of trip (beach, mountain, restaurants…).
• Add your friends so they can see and modify all the plans and trip information.
• Create your own itinerary of your destination with everything you want to visit each day.
• Add the stops that interest you most, including your accommodation, restaurants, museums.
• Book your flights, accommodation, transfers and activities through a single app.
• Save all your documents in the app so you always have everything at hand: reservations, boarding passes, important documents…
• Make any changes you need to make and you’re all set for your trip.
• Share your experience with other users. Upload photos of the places you have visited on your trip to the app and inspire other travellers with your experience. You can also share your experience on how to plan your trip to the Cuban Keys.

If you have any doubts about how to create your itinerary, you can check our post: How to create a travel itinerary on Passporter.

10. Frequently asked questions about a trip to the Cuban Keys