If you are looking for things to do in Cayo Santa Maria, Cuba, this destination offers a wide variety of activities to enjoy an unforgettable vacation. Located on the northern coast of the island, Cayo Santa Maria is known for its stunning white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. You can spend days sunbathing on the beach, swimming in the calm Caribbean waters and practicing water sports. You can enjoy snorkeling and scuba diving and explore the rich marine life of the coral reefs surrounding the island.
Besides its paradisiacal beaches, Cayo Santa Maria offers other options for those seeking more adventure and exploration. You can take exciting catamaran excursions, boat trips to discover nearby islets, visits to El Bagá Natural Park to admire the native flora and fauna. Or even explore the nearby colonial town of Remedios, where you can immerse yourself in Cuba’s culture and history. Read on and discover all there is to do in Cuba’s wonderful Cayo Santa Maria.
What are the best things to do in Cayo Santa Maria?
1. Relax at the beaches
Cayo Santa Maria is home to some of the best beaches in all of Cuba, where visitors can enjoy white sands and crystal-clear waters. One of the region’s jewels is Playa Perla Blanca. It’s a little-frequented beach that offers a quiet and picturesque environment. Its calm waters and soft sand invite you to relax and enjoy the natural beauty. And if you keep your eyes open, you’re sure to spot starfish and the occasional curious dolphin that wanders ashore!
Another outstanding beach is Playa Las Gaviotas, famous for its fine sand and colorful coral reef. Here you can explore the underwater world doing snorkeling. Or simply relax in the sun while taking in the breathtaking views.
Las Caletas is another charming option, known for its small coves and intimate atmosphere. These coves offer crystal-clear waters and are ideal for swimming and enjoying a more private setting.
Cuatro Puntas is another beach worth visiting. With its white sand and turquoise water, it is a perfect place to enjoy a day of sun and sea.
2. Snorkeling, the best way to observe the reefs of Cayo Santa Maria
Snorkeling in Cayo Santa María is an unforgettable experience to explore the incredible marine biodiversity of the region. It is one of the best ways to see the coral reefs of the cay as well.
The coral reefs are home to a wide variety of species, from colorful tropical fish to sea turtles and rays. Plus, you’ll fall in love with the beauty of the corals, which form a breathtaking underwater landscape. Popular snorkeling sites include Las Cañadas, El Salón and Playa Gaviota. There you’ll find calm, clear waters that are ideal for this activity.
It is advisable to join a snorkeling excursion organized by the resorts or dive centers in the area. The local guides know the best places and will provide valuable information about the marine life you will find during the activity. Remember to bring biodegradable sunscreen, respect the reefs and do not touch or damage the marine ecosystem.
3. Catamaran and boat trips
Catamaran and boat tours are a very exciting and popular option for exploring Cayo Santa Maria and its surroundings. These sea excursions give you the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful turquoise waters of the Caribbean while relaxing aboard a comfortable catamaran or boat.
During the ride, you’ll admire the panoramic views of the coastline, white-sand beaches and lush tropical landscapes surrounding the cay. In addition, many of these excursions include snorkeling stops at the coral reefs. There you will get the chance to observe the fascinating marine life. Some tours also offer additional activities, such as sport fishing, kayaking or even visits to neighboring cays.
There are several companies that offer this service and it is very easy to find them through your own accommodation.
4. Visiting the Dolphinarium
The Cayo Santa Maria Dolphinarium is an exciting and enchanting place to observe, interact with and learn about this intelligent and beautiful animal.
Located in a stunning natural environment, this dolphinarium allows you to enjoy aquatic shows where dolphins show their skills and abilities. It also offers interactive programs where you can swim with the dolphins. You can pet them and learn about their behavior and conservation there. It is an unforgettable experience for people of all ages. It provides a close connection with these fascinating marine animals.
5. Cultural visits: Parochial Church of San Juan Bautista
But in Cayo Santa Maria is not all sun and beach, you can also make cultural visits. One of the is the beautiful Parochial Church of San Juan Bautista.
This beautiful Catholic church is located in the center of the island and is an impressive example of colonial architecture. Built in the 19th century, the church features a picturesque facade with many details and an elegant tower. Its interior is equally impressive, with high vaulted ceilings and charming decor. In addition to its architectural beauty, the Church has important cultural and religious significance for the local community. It is a quiet and serene place where visitors can appreciate history and spirituality. If you are in Cayo Santa Maria, don’t miss the opportunity to visit this historic church and enjoy its unique charm.
6. Buying handicrafts, one of the best things to do in Cayo Santa Maria
Exploring the villages of La Estrella and Las Dunas in Cayo Santa Maria offers a unique opportunity to purchase beautiful Cuban handicrafts. These charming villages are known for their vibrant artisan scene and the variety of handmade products they offer. From colorful textiles and clothing to unique jewelry and decorative pottery, there is a wide selection of authentic handicrafts to choose from.
By purchasing handicrafts in these towns, you’ll not only get unique and beautiful pieces, but you’ll also be supporting local artists and contributing to the preservation of Cuban craft traditions.
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.
What to do around Cayo Santa Maria
1. Visit Remedios
Remedios, a charming colonial town located near Cayo Santa Maria in Cuba, is a destination worth visiting during your stay in the area. Known as Cuba’s “Eighth Village” due to its antiquity and rich history, Remedios will transport you back in time with its well-preserved colonial architecture and peaceful atmosphere.
One of the main attractions of Remedios is its impressive Main Church, known as the Church of San Juan Bautista. This neoclassical church, built in the 16th century, is considered one of the architectural treasures of Cuba. In addition, the city has other beautiful churches, charming squares and cobblestone streets that invite you to take relaxing strolls.
Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Museum of las Parrandas, where you can learn about the traditional local festival celebrated every December 24. You can also enjoy live music at the Casa de la Musica, where local artists perform Cuban rhythms and invite you to dance.
Remedios, one of the best things to do near Cayo Santa Maria @unsplash
Where to eat in Cayo Santa Maria
In Cayo Santa Maria you will find a wide variety of options for dining and enjoying the gastronomy during your stay. Most of the resorts and hotels in the area have restaurants offering a selection of local and international dishes. You will be able to taste delicious Cuban food, such as rice dishes, fresh seafood, roast pork, fried yucca and other typical dishes. In addition, there are other restaurants independent from the hotels, more familiar and homemade, which usually offer authentic Cuban cuisine, where you can taste local flavors and delight yourself with the famous Cuban mojitos.
What should I know before a trip to Cayo Santa Maria
- The currency of Cuba is the Cuban peso.
- We recommend that you exchange money before your trip to Cuba, as it will be cheaper than at the airport.
- Don’t forget to include light clothing, insect repellent and sunscreen in your luggage.
- Respect the fauna, flora and environment of Cayo Santa Maria
- Be sure to use sunscreen that respects the marine life
- On pristine beaches you won’t find trash cans. Take your trash with you and don’t throw garbage on the beach, it helps protect the natural beauty of the cay.
- Cover yourself for medical emergencies: travel insured.
- Always drink bottled water.
- Take sunscreen with you, especially in the summer months, as well as light clothing that covers you from the sun’s rays and stay hydrated.
- Although Cayo Santa Maria is a safe place for tourists, it’s always wise to be cautious with personal belongings.
How to organize what to do in Cayo Santa Maria
Register or download the Passporter App and discover all its possibilities.
- Get inspired by the experiences of other travelers.
- Create your own itinerary and add the app’s suggestions into it.
- Add the stops you are most interested in, as well as the restaurants and bars where you want to eat (you can use the points of interest we indicate in this post as a reference).
- Organize your itinerary by route days according to their location on the map (you can be inspired by the routes presented in the post)
- Make any modifications you need and you’ll be all set for your trip.
- Share your experience. Upload photos of the places you visited on your trip to the app and recommend other travelers things to do in Cayo Santa Maria
If you have doubts about how to do it, you can check our post: How to create your travel itinerary with Passporter.
Frequently asked questions about a trip to Cayo Santa Maria
The climate in Cayo Santa María is tropical, characterized by warm temperatures throughout the year. The months from November to April tend to be the dry season, with average temperatures around 25-30ºC. May to October is the rainy season, with higher temperatures that can reach 30-35ºC. During this time, occasional, usually short but heavy rains are common.
The best time to travel to Cayo Santa María is during the months of November to April, which correspond to the dry season. During these months, you can enjoy the beaches and outdoor activities in comfort. If you prefer to avoid the crowds and get cheaper deals, consider traveling from May to October, but keep in mind that there may be more rain and higher temperatures.
To get to Cayo Santa María, Cuba, you can choose to fly to Jardines del Rey International Airport, which has international connections, and then take a land transfer or domestic flight to Cayo Santa María. Another option is to arrive by road through the National Highway, either by car or by bus from different Cuban cities. It is important to bear in mind that Cayo Santa María is connected to the mainland by a bridge, so the main access is through that road. There is also the possibility of arriving by sea using maritime transportation, such as yachts or catamarans.
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