Varadero beach has to be one of the most beautiful I have been on. Has anybody been to Jabacoa and Cayo Santa Maria lately and can let me know the situation. WebHearing about a major seaweed issue happening now throughout the Caribbean, really bad in Punta Cana. If you prefer to plan and book your trip to the Cuba without any effort and hassle, use the expertise of our local travel experts to make sure your trip will be just like you dream it to be. Insubuy offers insurance plans for travelers to Cuba. Youre most likely to experience a hurricane in Cuba between August and October, so its safe to say your trip will be hurricane-free if you travel during spring or winter. To avoid losing anything, ensure your valuables are always safe whenever you are at the beach. Cayo Coco is famous for its coral reefs and perfect, white, sandy beaches. Same for Paraiso and Sirenis in CL. Head to the only beachside restaurant in Playa Los Cocos to pick some food and cold beers. Playa Cayo Santa Maria and Playa Ensenachos are two of the best beaches you can enjoy on this charming tiny island. This is the high run for harvesting. Hurricanes in the dry season Hurricanes during the dry season are exceedingly rare. If you need to visit an island with perfect shores for postcards, snorkeling, and generally having a good time, Cuban beaches will not disappoint. Plan your perfect budget honeymoon with this guide to cheaper destinations that you might not have considered. Cayo Cocos big three beaches, home to the all-inclusives and packed with boisterous activities, hog the narrow easternmost peninsula jutting out of the cays north coast. Some activities you can partake in at the Playa Pilar beach include diving and fishing. In fact, many beaches and resorts are clear. Re: Sargassum (seaweed) on beaches December/January. Head 40 minutes south along the bay and you can indulge all your snorkeling and diving whims on Playa Girns 300m (984ft) coral wall and nearby wrecks and cenotes (sinkholes). Known for their stunning white sands and clear blue waters, Cuba's beaches are deliciously uncrowded and full of tranquility. That means precipitation is low, and storms are infrequent. Some things to do in Playa Cayo Jutias include camping, swimming, and fishing. Youre most likely to experience a hurricane in Cuba between August and October, so its safe to say your trip will be hurricane-free if you travel during spring or winter. WebThe employees of the hotel were burying the seaweed in some parts of the Sol's beach, the others stayed on the sand and we just stepped over it on the way to the water edge. Playa Ancon is the best beach in Southern mainland Cuba. One of these is Playa Ensenachos, a popular tourist destination with almost untouched natural beauty. It is an ideal resort for tourists with its bars, pools, restaurants, and shopping center if you are up for a spree. Enjoy your vacations. Is it that bad around Cuba? Thanks a lot Cathy It is safe, clean and reasonable inexpensive. The beach also ranked 10th place in the Worlds Best Beaches for 2018 by FlightNetwork. A Word of Caution: The Worst Time to Visit Cuba, Drinkable water is relatively scarce in Cuba, reusable water bottle with a built-in filter, Cuban Tourist Card (a.k.a Cuban Tourist Visa), The Cubans: Ordinary Lives in Extraordinary Times, Cuba Travel Insurance: The 5 Ways to Get It in 2023, Havana Airport (HAV): Complete Guide to the Main Cuban Airport (2023), Backpacking Cuba: Activities, Itineraries, and Practical Tips (2023), Is There WiFi in Cuba? James Franks, of the University of Southern Mississippi's Gulf Coast Research Laboratory and co-author of a 2016 study on the subject, says the sargassum circulates through this band, consolidates off Brazil and then is periodically released northwards by currents into the Caribbean. Bacurano is the closest and most accessible beach in Playas del Este, though not necessarily the best. It also has rolling hills and sparkling white sand stretching over 1500 meters. Playa Varadero Varadero #3. Best beach for families and inclusive resort stays. Playa Varadero is the most famous beach in Cuba and comes second on our list. Let us know in the comments! The group has other resorts on the island which are not affected. But every year they are getting better. A few simple huts offer snacks and drinks. After all, compared to many places on Earth, Cuba has beautiful weather all year round. Its a popular beach stop while visiting the colonial village of Trinidad or French-inspired Cienfuegos. Hotels: Like casas, hotels fill up quickly during peak season. Finally, if you are on a tight budget, Playa Los Cocos is your best choice since the food and accommodation are less expensive on this side of the country. As a rule of thumb, the rainy season (May to October) is typically the cheapest time to travel to Cuba. That is one of the signs Cuba is gradually coming to terms with the reality of LGBTs. Guardalavaca is the name given to the strip of beaches comprising Playa Esmeralda, Playa Yuraguanal and Playa Pesquero theyre all sublime. Considered among the best beach hubs in the Caribbean, Varadero is one of those places that lingers in your memory long after your vacation is over. This tourist hub has three popular beaches: Guardalavaca, Playa Esmeralda, and Playa Pesquero. Now it is happening again and everything suggests 2018 could be the worst year yet. Internet in Cuba for Tourists (2023 Update), Cuba Travel Tips: 58 Things You Need to Know Before Traveling to Cuba (2023), Classic Cars of Cuba: Meet the Islands Timeless Treasures, Tipping in Cuba: The Ultimate Travelers Guide (Updated 2023), Havana International Ballet Festival (October-November), Old Havana: City in Movement (urban dance festival), Havana International Jazz Festival (December), International Festival of New Latin American Film (December). And although this initiative may not be the best, it has allowed for a few nude beaches on the island. Since Cuba is a tropical island, you really have to consider anything that could possibly happen and might affect your stay. The beautiful Caribbean has countless places where couples can discover romance. The Mexican government and hotels in the Yucatan Peninsula have stepped up their efforts to tackle it, however, the majority of low-budget hotels and hostels do not have the means to clean their beaches on a daily basis. Some of the best things to do in Varadero beach include: Varadero is also situated close to Cayo Blanco, another stunning beach discussed in detail below. "For us, the worst year we had for sargassum still remains 2015," says Carla Daniel of Barbados Sea Turtle Project. Essential Items to Pack Bring the essential travel necessities that you may not be able to get in Cuba: Find Accommodations Find hotels or casas particulares (private accommodations) on Skyscanner, which lists thousands of accommodations available in Cuba. But the journey, a total of 52km from the mainland, is worth it: the sand is as fine as it gets in Cuba. Go tailor-made! If you travel further in Cuba, read more about the best time to go and the best places to visit in Cuba. Three years later the seaweed returned, in larger quantities. Youre sure to have an awesome time, no matter when your trip falls on the calendar. Hey Dan, Most visitors know this beach to be a complete package resort for rejuvenating and enjoying the pleasures of a white sandy beach. Mr Franks says prediction strategies will be very important in planning for influxes but they are in "the elementary stage of development at this point". I stayed at a resort that was invaded by algae. Combined, we have two Bachelors degrees in Tourism Management, one Masters degree in Hospitality, and a Bachelors degree in Journalism. You will begin to understand just how captivating Guardalavaca is. Mi Cayito is popular mainly with gays. The place is also perfect for disconnecting from everyone and everything. and enjoy the ocean views from a wooden rocking chair until the sun sets. In Barbados, for example, the grabs used to load sugar cane onto trucks have proved good at picking up sargassum without removing sand from beaches. The beaches are often free of seaweed beyond the Hard Rock Hotel to Macao Beach. We also wrote a couple of books and academic articles about the travel industry in Cuba. Some travel costs to Cuba remain similar during most of the year, such as the cost of food and drinks, private transportation, Internet, and entertainment. Follow along; we will cover the best beaches in Cuba to suit all tastes. Varadero is undoubtedly the package holiday resort in Cuba and the glut of all-inclusive hotels, restaurants, and tour operators are all here for one reason: the beach one of the longest and one of the best beaches in Cuba. There is also the turtle population. The Mexican government and hotels in the Yucatan Peninsula have stepped up their efforts to tackle it, however, the majority of low-budget hotels and hostels do not have the means to clean their beaches on a daily basis. WebSo far, the Atlantic coast; Varadero Cayo Coco, Cayo Santa Maria and Holguin /Guradalavaca have not been affected. If you dont feel like spending your trip to the best beaches in Cuba suffering from food-related illnesses, avoid street food as much as you can. Also, beware of the dead mangroves! Sunburn, dehydration, and heat stroke are all serious risks if you arent prepared. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. Playa Cayo Santa Maria Cayo Santa Maria #4. "Sargassum mats can be up to seven metres deep.". Nearby (about 3 miles) is a jewel you cant miss: Playa Esmeralda. After exploring Havana's evocative colonial quarters, spending a day (or at least half of it) on the beach is the perfect way to rest both the bones and the senses. Tests have found some sargassum is high in arsenic, which rules out use as animal feed. "Certainly we've had it for longer and in huge amounts. 2. Prepare for mosquitoes lots of them. Beaches with the highest seaweed count include Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and some points between Cancun and Puerto Morelos. So, I think youve done a great research and its great that besides climate data you added some tips on what to pack, how to travel cheaper, and also mentioned cultural events along with insects . Tour Republic is a travel marketplace where local entrepreneurs offer memorable experiences in Cuba. WebAnswer 1 of 3: Hi we are planning holiday to Cuba,but are hearing of seaweed problem on beaches. Still, you will not lack somewhere to enjoy the local delicacies and grab a refreshing drink. One of the most popular beaches in Punta Cana, this white sand beach is located between Playa Bavaro This beach is located in Cayo Largo, a stunning secluded island with relatively modern tourist infrastructure, including an airstrip (nothing compared to the Havana Airport, though). Cayo Santa Maria beaches cover a big chunk of the islands northern coastline. But it is not clear what will happen next year, or the year after. Mi Cayito, as we mentioned before, is the most popular gay beach in Cuba. I dont ever want to experience this again Thanks for your time spent answering my question . Playa Paraiso Cayo Largo del Sur #2. As you probably know, Cuba has no shortage of stunning natural beaches. As a bonus, Playa Sirena, one of the various goldmines of adventures on the island, is within walking distance from Playa Paraiso (about 20 minutes). Sunscreen and water bottle with filter are a must. It is infamous for its clear turquoise water and bedazzling white-sand coastline and, as a result, has managed to top our list of the best Cuban beaches. If you are a member of the LGBT and would like to relax on a beach with a touch of fashion and panache associated with this group of people, Mi Cayito will not disappoint. Seaweed and algae will roll in one tide and wash up on the beaches. We are here to help you pick the best of the best. Removal is time-consuming, expensive and can damage the beaches. Subscribe to Lonely Planet newsletters and promotions. Playa Ancn is often touted as one of the best beaches in Cuba Anna Jedynak/Shutterstock. Playa Varadero: one of the top beaches in Cuba. Guardalavaca is the name given to the strip of beaches comprising Playa Esmeralda, Playa Yuraguanal and Playa Pesquero theyre all sublime. It's becoming a big problem to remove. All Facts Considered, What Is the Best Time to Visit Cuba? Temperatures fluctuate more during the dry season as cold fronts sweep down from the Eastern United States, so you may want to bring a light jacket or sweater. Picture a place that the great Columbus had that much to say about. Northeastern Holguin. "In 2011 it was the first time we'd seen it," says Professor Hazel Oxenford, an expert in fisheries biology and management at the University of the West Indies. This year sargassum is again washing up on Caribbean shores, Long Beach in Barbados was one of those affected by sargassum in July, People are trying to get to grips with sargassum on affected beaches across the Caribbean, Harry and Meghan told to 'vacate' Frogmore Cottage, Explosive found in check-in luggage at US airport, Whiskey fungus forces Jack Daniels to stop construction, Tulsa massacre survivors granted Ghana citizenship, Messages reveal battle over Covid school policy, Covid messages leak a massive betrayal - Hancock, Rare Jurassic-era bug found at Arkansas Walmart, Aboriginal spears taken in 1770 to return to Sydney. Mosquitoes are big fans of humidity, so you wont see as many during the dry season. Bearing in mind a wet season, possible hurricanes and a stretch of super-humid weather, here's when to visit Everglades National Park. A reusable water bottle with a built-in filter will be your best traveling companion. WebDownload Cuba Seaweed stock photos. Here are the best times to visit Cuba's capital, Havana. 06 of 10 Isla Blanca Doug Depies / Getty Images The best time to go to Cuba is the dry season (November to April). Report inappropriate content. "They need support they are suffering. If so, is it a difficult process? "The same way we prepare for hurricanes, we have to prepare for sargassum," Antigua's environment minister said recently. Playa Pilar Cayo Coco #5. Astoundingly beautiful and yet still deserted, Cayo Sabinal is so paradisiacal its almost eerie. are the closest beaches to Cubas capital a 30-minute taxi ride leads to half a dozen delightful palm-fringed strips of sand. The sargassum has remained in the Caribbean and some outlets to the Atlantic. Visiting the archeological treasures in the peninsula, such as Cueva de Ambrosio, Cueva Saturno, and the Varahicacos Ecological Reserve. The sandy beach in this area is beautiful with turquoise water and stooping palm trees. Morne Rouge Beach on Grenada. La Finquita Alegre and Don Pepe Grill Restaurant are recommended. The impossibly white sand, the gemstone-blue belt of water around this narrow ribbon of land . Hi, Michelle. Web2023 beaches impacted by Sargassum seaweeds. Playas del Este has a few beaches near Havana that are worth a shot. Carry some cash with you, but not too much, Worlds Leading Beach Destination by World Travel Awards, 10th place in the Worlds Best Beaches for 2018, top spot for the best beach in the Caribbean, Some locations in Cuba are rife with mosquitoes, Cuban Tourist Card (a.k.a Cuban Tourist Visa), The Cubans: Ordinary Lives in Extraordinary Times, Cuba Travel Insurance: The 5 Ways to Get It in 2023, Havana Airport (HAV): Complete Guide to the Main Cuban Airport (2023), Backpacking Cuba: Activities, Itineraries, and Practical Tips (2023), Sand Fleas and Mosquitoes in Cuba: The Survival Guide (2023), Travelling to Cuba from Canada: The Complete Guide (2023), Is There WiFi in Cuba? The prize beaches of Trinidad include Playa Ancon and Playa Maria Aguilar. However, to avoid unpleasant situations, carry a small amount. Playa Cayo Jutias Cayo Jutias #8. And so far so good the sargassum is not there according to this handy tracking tool. Planning to travel here? No parts of this The multiple strands at Playas del Este are the closest beaches to Cubas capital a 30-minute taxi ride leads to half a dozen delightful palm-fringed strips of sand. If you are such a frolicker, you will find the community at Cayo Santa Maria quite open-minded. Varadero is undoubtedly the package holiday resort in Cuba and the glut of all-inclusive hotels, restaurants, and tour operators are all here for one reason: the beach one of the longest and one of the best beaches in Cuba. Santa Lucia is also famous for its coral reef, bull sharks, and tropical fishes. Stretching almost the entire length of a 25km peninsula that shoots out from the mainland, Varadero fits the classic Caribbean image: downy sand that forms a runway between palm trees along one edge and unruffled, sparkling waters along the other. 2. Free or royalty-free photos and images.