Cuba, A Day Trip To Cayo Largo
My day trip to Cayo Largo Cuba was the absolute best I’ve ever lived so far and spending even just a day at Playa Paraiso and Playa Sirena is still a big winning lottery ticket. Based on this statement, it is now easy to understand why I chose the Cuban adventure to be my first article of Explore in just 1 day series.
Learn all about Cayo Largo from the answers to the most important questions about this exotic destination:
What and where is Cayo Largo and what to expect
Why should you go see Cayo Largo, Cuba
When to go to Cayo Largo, Cuba
How to book trips and hotels with agencies in Cuba
Is it easy to reach Cayo Largo?
Can I get to Cayo Largo by boat?
And also tips about:
First step on the way to Cayo Largo
The beautiful island of Cayo Largo and the breathtaking beaches around it
Playa Sirena and Playa Paraiso – one of the most beautiful beaches in the world
What not to forget or miss on your 1 day trip to Cayo Largo
At the end of the day in Cayo Largo
Playa Paraiso in Cayo Largo del Sur Cuba
The following article will not be advertising anything. It is only an accurate description of the way I chose to spend a day in Cayo Largo.
I will show you a totally different side of Cuba, well, different from what you usually get from this exquisite destination anyway. I have a feeling that only a few made it to Cayo Largo and that’s a shame, as the island is pure bliss.
Still, what makes the place truly charming and feels surreal is exactly very few tourists hard to spot and the airy atmosphere.
Ready to learn more about Cayo Largo – home island of some of the best beaches in Cuba – how to get there and what to do on the island? ⠀
What and where is Cayo Largo and what to expect
My significant other exploring Cayo Largo in 1 day and inventing outdoor activities
Cayo Largo is a less known destination. Why’s that? Don’t make the wrong assumption that it is probably not popular because it’s not much to see/do there. Nobody says that about the Maldives, right? The problem is the lack of proper advertising and also the very few transport options to the island.
A Perfect Maldives Trip – 28 Tips
Cayo Largo, or Key Largo if you like, is located in the south coast of Cuba. It looks like Paradise on Earth, but, aside form the snorkel, sunbathing and enjoying the beaches, you can’t find anything else. There are few hotels on the island, therefore you need to book in advance.
Cayo Largo is unique and I see it as one of the best beach destinations, next to places like the Maldives, Seychelles, Bora Bora or other similar exotic destinations.
As for your expectations, may I remind you this is a true Paradise, quite remote and wild, and the whole beauty is that you enjoy the views and forget about anything else.
Why should you go see Cayo Largo, Cuba
Visiting Cuba has been a long-time dream, let’s say like 10 years long before I landed in Havana. But it came with an advantage: I had time to do my homework. And, trust me, Cuba is a destination to go with your homework done.
Although today I will focus on Cayo Largo, you probably want to know it was part of a bigger Cuban tour. When you are there, you want to see as much as possible.
I had an itinerary in mind and knew almost everything I had to do, but reaching Playa Paraiso in Cayo Largo seemed to be a big fail. I wanted to see this breathtaking beach with my own eyes, after finding some random photos and videos on the internet. Booking from home (or from Europe, if you like) was impossible.
I thought I should just accept this won’t happen and move on with my itinerary but then I entered a Cubatur travel agency in Santa Clara.
When to go to Cayo Largo, Cuba
Anytime, really, despite the risk of bad weather between June and November. The hurricanes reach the Northern Cuban coast. Cayo Largo is not really affected by these.
Cuba is one of the 22 best winter destinations. Check the other ones too!
Usually, the northern part of the country is severely hit by the hurricanes, including Havana. Cayo Largo is in South, overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Here, the weather is bliss all year round. Of course, a rainy season is still a rainy season. Still, isn’t rain more beautiful on a vacation than home?
If seeing Cayo Largo is a one lifetime opportunity during summer – autumn, go for it!
How to book trips and hotels with agencies in Cuba
Cubatur is the National travel agency and you will often see everywhere around there. Don’t mind the outdated look, the staff are doing a wonderful job despite the lack of high tech features of the system. Sometimes it can be a little line but it’s worth the wait.
I happened to be in Santa Clara when I decided to ask the agency for an All Inclusive hotel in Varadero and a 1 day trip to Cayo Largo, Cuba. With just an worn out catalog and a couple of phone calls, I was all set and ready to enjoy both destinations. All within minutes. I could not believe how easy it was!
I had a yellow ticket and all was left to do was to make a confirmation phone call a day prior to the trip, like a check in. Easy. Just go to another Cubatur agency and ask for help or dial from your hotel room. It is very important not to miss the confirmation phone call. And also very important not to lose the yellow ticket like I almost did…
You can go to Cayo Largo either from Havana or from Varadero. Given my itinerary, I took the tour from Havana. OK, I admit, I also miscalculated, as I could have left from Varadero even easier. Oh, well, holiday mistakes are funny after a while.
Is it easy to reach Cayo Largo?
No, not really. First, because you simply cannot book from home anything like domestic flights or day trips. Maybe other travelers found a way, I did not, not in 2016/2017 anyway. You need to be there in order to be able to book some things and I recommend you to go this way. You don’t have to wonder what’s included in your package when you can actually go stress free and stick to the plan.
The online prices are higher than what you are offered at the agency in Cuba. For example, flights (and only flights) for two adults are around $500 if booked online, from outside Cuba, while the agency there has a day trip for two at the same price.
A day trip to Cayo Largo includes a bus transfer to/from airport, a flight to the island, another bus taking you to the pier, a catamaran for the day and free lunch and drinks. And, if you are really lucky (yes, like I was), you get a free dinner too, at hotel Sol Cayo Largo.
The nicest way to reach the island is, in my opinion, by boat. On a shared car from Vinales to Trinidad I met a French couple heading to Cienfuegos, to their boat. From Cienfuegos they were sailing to Cayo Largo. I was so close to abandon all of my plans and join them. I had nothing booked for Cayo Largo at that time.
In the end I decided to stick to my plans and I got lucky with the travel agency in Santa Clara. Patience is a virtue, you’d say? Maybe, but usually try to follow your instinct.
Can I get to Cayo Largo by boat?
The only answer to this question is always a no. Tourists can only reach Cayo Largo del Sur by plane. Period. But is it really so?
On my trip to Cuba in 2017 I’ve met a French couple traveling around the country and stating they had a boat waiting in Cienfuegos. From that point, their next destination was – exactly – Cayo Largo del Sur!
Apparently, there is the possibility to sail to Cayo Largo, but it’s nothing official and definitely not easy. My suggestion is to fly there and not waste more precious time trying to find other ways.
First step on the way to Cayo Largo
A day trip to this heavenly destination starts from one of the main hotels in Havana. If you stay at a casa particular, just make sure you choose one of the listed hotels and get there around 4:30 am. That’s right, the tour starts very early in the morning.
A comfy and modern air conditioned bus will be collecting the travelers on a ride to Baracoa Domestic Airport. It is the moment you meet your guide. You sure won the Jackpot if your guide is Teresa!
My collection point was Hotel Parque Central and I chose it based on the vicinity of my guest house.
Disappointing visibility level through the ATR42 window during the 1 day trip to Cayo Largo, Cuba
The domestic airport is small and it’s quite funny to find the lights off and the main door locked. It could easily give the feeling you are in the wrong place, but you’re not. In a few minutes you’ll be given the ticket (no seat assigned, just act quick on boarding) This was the moment I’ve learnt I was going to fly with Aerogaviota, a first timer in my case! No worries, no stress about the seats, there’s plenty of room for everybody, just don’t expect to see a lot on the window anyway. Why’s that? Because it’s still too early, because of potential clouds or fog and… last but not the least – the ATR windows are pretty dirty. Bummer.
The beautiful island of Cayo Largo and the breathtaking beaches around it
I’m not sure I should write about this or simply let the photos and videos speak for themselves. If they don’t make you crave for it, then you are not a beach person.
As we were about to exit the small airport in Cayo Laro, we’ve been charmed by a couple of salsa dancers and a live band. We immediately fell in love with this kind of Cuban welcome.
Nothing but joy when seeing one of the pristine beaches around Cayo Largo
A few minutes later, our small group, 10 people and a guide, stopped by the Turtle Rescue Center. This was a really touching experience and we learned so much about the endangered species.
Half an hour later, we’ve been presented the catamaran that gave our day a big boost. The cruise is simply perfect, including free drinks, yes, even alcoholic drinks, free snorkeling gear and a few amazing stops near pristine beaches like you’ve never seen in your life, I assure you.
What else is included, you may ask? A perfect day trip, guaranteed!
Check my short video about making new friends while cruising. (personal archive)
Playa Paraiso and Playa Sirena
As soon as you reach the main destination of this cruise, you will take a lunch break at the buffet/terrace next to the beach. The meal and a drink are free and of your choice. Just don’t waste too much time here because…
Well, because just a few meters away, there’s a Paradise waiting for you!
The crowds will go straight to the beach across the restaurant. It’s best to let them do so. Instead, turn left, pass the salty showers, follow the sandy alley and cross to Playa Paraiso. You’re welcome!
You will have around 4 hours to wander around or just chill. Playa Paraiso is remote and wild, but Playa Sirena has sunbeds and umbrellas and, of course, the restaurant you had lunch at. It is completely up to you what to choose.
I went for the spectacular and chose Playa Paraiso.
What to pack for a day trip to Cayo Largo
- The sunscreen – under no circumstances, please, I beg you, do not forget this life saver home!
- Sunglasses and even a hat or scarf could come in handy.
- Pills in case of migraines or seasick.
- Your own water bottle, just in case.
- Exploring the island on your own. Don’t fear of leaving the group behind, just go look for the truly heavenly beaches yourself.
- Perhaps is nice to have a towel but I didn’t find it necessary. The Paradise is so remote and wild, you will easily forget about the modern essentials. Just don’t forget the sunscreen!
- A camera or a phone to take some photos, otherwise no one will believe you.
- To let yourself carried away and try to become one with the island. I can’t tell you how to do this, you need to get there and you’ll figure out.
If you like Cayo Largo, then you will want to check Varadero as well!
Classic car in Cayo Largo Cuba
At the end of the day in Cayo Largo
In the afternoon, everybody will get to the ferry, free of charge, and then the bus will take you back to the airport. Unless… well, unless the 6 pm plane is fully booked and you need to wait for the 9 pm one. But hey, why not spending even more time on the island and get a delicious complimentary dinner at Hotel Sol Cayo Largo? Exactly, why not.
This is what I did on my 1 day trip to Cayo Largo, Cuba. Would I repeat? Anytime! Will I? For sure!
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