This region comprises the islands sitting off the southern coast of Cuba, offering a remote escape focused entirely on the ocean. Cayo Largo del Sur is the star attraction for families, known for having some of the calmest waters in the Caribbean. The beaches here, such as Playa Sirena, have sand so white and fine it feels like flour, and the lack of strong currents makes it ideal for young swimmers. The island is resort-focused, meaning amenities are concentrated and easily accessible.
A major educational highlight is the Centro de Rescate de Tortugas Marinas (Sea Turtle Rescue Center). Children can see turtles up close and, if visiting in summer, might witness the hatching and release of hatchlings. The island also hosts a large population of iguanas that can often be seen sunning themselves on the rocks, which kids find entertaining.
Isla de la Juventud is larger and more rugged, known for the historic Presidio Modelo and excellent snorkeling at Punta Francés. Access to these islands is typically by domestic flight or boat; flight schedules can be subject to change, so flexible planning is necessary. These destinations are best for families who want to disconnect and spend their entire holiday in the water.
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Activities & Best Times
Beach resorts, marine activities: diving, snorkelling, kite surfing, wind surfing, sailing
Cayo Largo del Sur offers world-class, pristine white-sand beaches and turquoise waters comparable to the Maldives, providing a sophisticated and secluded escape. Peak season (Dec-Mar) aligns with minimal rainfall and optimal sea conditions, while the high humidity and heavy rains of the summer months are less suitable for discerning travelers.
Hiking, wildlife, outdoor exploration, ecotourism
Boasts untouched marine ecosystems and the Punta Francés Marine National Park, perfect for authentic ecotourism and wildlife observation. The dry season (Nov-Apr) provides the best conditions for outdoor exploration; summer months are characterized by extreme heat, high precipitation, and increased insect activity.
Sport tourism, fitness activities, active recreation
Isla de la Juventud is an internationally recognized diving destination featuring exceptional reef visibility and diverse underwater topography. The dry winter and spring months offer peak sea clarity and calm conditions, whereas the hurricane season (Jun-Oct) significantly disrupts maritime activities.
Spa retreats, wellness centers, peaceful getaways
Provides a serene, off-the-grid atmosphere for families seeking tranquility away from commercialized tourist hubs. The cooler, drier climate from December to April is ideal for relaxation, while the peak of the rainy season brings uncomfortable humidity and frequent storms.
Urban tourism, museums, historical sites, architecture
While lacking a world-class urban center, the local culture in Gerona is highly authentic and removed from the tourist trail. Travel is best during the cooler months to enjoy the slow pace of local life; summer months are characterized by oppressive humidity and heavy tropical downpours.
Learning experiences, scientific sites, historical education
Offers unique historical insights through the Presidio Modelo and regional pirate history on Isla de la Juventud. These educational sites are best explored during the milder dry season, as summer heat and heavy rains make architectural tours uncomfortable.
Attractions (32 total)
Natural Hot Spring / Thermal Bath / Historic Bathhouse
Balneario San Diego de los Baños
San Diego de los Baños
Established in 1844, this is one of Cuba's oldest and most significant thermal spa complexes. It features natural sulfate-calcium and sulfurous waters with temperatures ranging from 30°C to 40°C. The facility is housed in a historic neoclassical building and offers medicinal pools, massage therapy, and mud treatments.
Balneario de Santa Fe
Santa Fe
A historic 19th-century medicinal mineral spring facility on the Isle of Youth. It utilizes cold mineral waters exceptionally high in bicarbonates and magnesium, traditionally used to treat metabolic and skin conditions. The site features the historic architecture of the Baños de Santa Rita overlooking the Santa Fe River.
Hiking & Cycling Routes
Pico Turquino - Las Cuevas to Alto del Naranjo
Las Cuevas
25km challenging 2-day trek summiting Cuba's highest peak (1,974m) with approx. 2,000m elevation gain. Requires a mandatory park guide. Includes a visit to Fidel Castro's former mountain headquarters, La Comandancia de la Plata. Bike rentals are not available for this rugged terrain.
Visit website →Viñales Valley Cycling Route
Viñales
35km moderate gravel and paved loop, taking 4-6 hours with 450m elevation gain. The route passes the Mural de la Prehistoria and various tobacco plantations. Bike rental: Vinales Bike (vinalesbike.com)
Visit website →Cayo Largo del Sur Coastal Route
Cayo Largo del Sur
12km easy flat cycling or walking route along the white sand beaches and inland scrub. 4 hours round trip, minimal elevation gain. Focuses on the stretch between Playa Sirena and Playa Paraíso. Bike rental: Available at major resorts like Hotel Sol Cayo Largo.
Visit website →Salto del Caburní Trail
Topes de Collantes
5km moderate day hike with 350m elevation gain, taking about 3 hours. The trail leads through coffee plantations and tropical forests to a 62-meter waterfall. Terrain is steep and can be slippery. Equipment: No specialized gear needed beyond hiking boots.
Visit website →Sendero El Nicho
Cruces
2km easy day hike with 120m elevation gain, taking approximately 1 hour. This trail is famous for its cascading waterfalls and natural turquoise swimming pools within the Escambray Mountains. Accessible via Topes de Collantes. Bike rental: Cuba Cycling (cubacycling.com)
Visit website →Beach / Coastal Recreation Area
Playa Paraíso
Cayo Largo del Sur
Renowned for its calm turquoise waters and pristine white sand, this beach is consistently ranked among the most beautiful in the world and offers safe, shallow swimming for families.
Playa Sirena
Cayo Largo del Sur
A wide expanse of fine white sand with very gentle waves, ideal for families and known for its resident starfish and proximity to turtle conservation efforts.
Playa Bibijagua
Nueva Gerona
Famous for its unique naturally black sand formed from the erosion of nearby marble mountains, this beach offers a tranquil and distinctive setting for a family day out.
Punta Francés National Marine Park
Isla de la Juventud
Located within a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, this protected area features secluded white sand beaches and some of the Caribbean's most vibrant coral reefs for snorkeling.
Castle / Palace / Historic Site
Presidio Modelo
Nueva Gerona
A hauntingly impressive panopticon-style prison complex where Fidel Castro was once held, now serving as a museum and national monument.
Museo Municipal (Former Governor's Palace)
Nueva Gerona
Housed in the island's oldest building, this former Spanish Governor's palace displays historical artifacts ranging from indigenous history to pirate lore.
Finca El Abra Museum
Nueva Gerona
A well-preserved 19th-century estate and national monument where Cuban hero José Martí lived during his exile in 1870.
National Park / Nature Reserve
Cayo Iguana
Cayo Largo del Sur
A small, protected islet where visitors can observe endemic iguanas roaming freely in their natural island habitat.
Sea Turtle Rescue Center
Cayo Largo del Sur
A dedicated conservation facility where families can learn about the lifecycle of endangered sea turtles and see rehabilitation efforts.
Farm Park / Petting Zoo / Rural Experience
Criadero de Cocodrilos de la Isla de la Juventud
Nueva Gerona
An educational conservation facility dedicated to breeding the endemic Cuban crocodile, offering visitors a chance to see hundreds of reptiles in a natural wetland setting.
Granja de las Tortugas
Cayo Largo del Sur
A marine conservation center where families can observe and learn about endangered sea turtles and their life cycles in a hands-on environment.
Zoo / Wildlife Park / Safari Park
Crocodile Breeding Center
Nueva Gerona
An educational breeding facility focused on the conservation of the endangered Cuban crocodile within the Lanier Swamp area.
Art Gallery / Fine Art Museum
Galería de Arte Martha Machado
Nueva Gerona
A vibrant cultural hub and gallery showcasing contemporary Cuban art and local craftsmanship, founded by the world-renowned artist Kcho.
Science Museum / Natural History Museum / Discovery Centre
Museo de Historia Natural
Nueva Gerona
A local science hub featuring a planetarium and exhibits on the unique prehistoric fossils and endemic wildlife of the Isle of Youth.
Centro de Rescate de Tortugas Marinas
Cayo Largo del Sur
A marine discovery center where families can learn about sea turtle conservation and observe hatchlings before their release into the wild.
Historic Town / Village / Cultural Area
Nueva Gerona Historic Center
Nueva Gerona
The island's capital featuring colorful colonial-era architecture, marble-paved pedestrian streets, and the historic 1853 Casa de Gobierno.
Museo Finca El Abra
Nueva Gerona
The historic 19th-century farmstead where Cuban national hero José Martí lived during his exile, featuring a well-preserved colonial house and gardens.
Road Trips & Scenic Drives
Nueva Gerona to Siguanea Scenic Drive
Nueva Gerona
Approximately 42km paved road (1 hour) crossing the Isle of Youth from the capital to the Ensenada de la Siguanea. The route transitions from the urban center into rural landscapes characterized by citrus plantations, dense pine forests—giving the island its former name, 'Isle of Pines'—and views of the white marble mogotes (karst hills). It terminates at the Siguanea Bay, a hub for international diving enthusiasts.
Visit website →The Marble Coast Route
Nueva Gerona
8km paved coastal and mountain-side road (15-20 minutes). This short but iconic drive leads east from Nueva Gerona toward the Sierra de Caballos. Key stops include the historic Presidio Modelo (the panopticon prison where Fidel Castro was once held) and the marble quarries of the mountainside. The route ends at Playa Bibijagua, famous for being the only natural black sand beach in Cuba, framed by dramatic marble cliffs.
Visit website →Aquarium / Sea Life Centre
Sea Turtle Rescue Center (Centro de Rescate de Tortugas Marinas)
Cayo Largo del Sur
A dedicated conservation facility where visitors can observe various species of sea turtles and learn about egg protection and release programs.
Delfinario Cayo Largo
Cayo Largo del Sur
An interactive marine park located in a natural lagoon where families can swim with dolphins and watch educational presentations.
Natural Feature / Scenic Site
Cueva de Punta del Este
Isla de la Juventud
Known as the Sistine Chapel of Caribbean rock art, this cave features hundreds of ancient aboriginal pictographs in a natural limestone setting.
Landmark / Monument / Iconic Urban Attraction
Finca El Abra
Nueva Gerona
A historic 19th-century farmstead and national monument where the Cuban national hero José Martí lived during his period of exile.
Adventure Park / Outdoor Activity Center
International Diving Center El Colony
Siguanea
A premier outdoor activity center providing access to the Punta Francés Marine National Park for world-class snorkeling and scuba diving expeditions.
Marlin Marina Cayo Largo
Cayo Largo del Sur
The primary hub for aquatic adventures, offering catamaran excursions to coral reefs and neighboring islands inhabited by iguanas.
