That means they entertain all kinds of people with different intentions. Thanks a lot Cathy Playa Varadero: one of the top beaches in Cuba. The beaches east of Cojmar town, famed for its Hemingway connection, are collectively known as the Playas del Este. "For us, the worst year we had for sargassum still remains 2015," says Carla Daniel of Barbados Sea Turtle Project. It may be popular but thanks to its sheer size theres enough space for everyone to indulge in a few days stress-free sloth. 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. The beach is as stunning as you can imagine: aquamarine waves gently lapping at the shoreline, sun-soaked sands flanked by coconut trees and enough space to feel like you're on your own private island. It is in the news right now, but has been a problem for years. Mornings and early evenings are perfect for beachgoers, but watch out for dark clouds, rain, and choppy waters around midday. Three years later the seaweed returned, in larger quantities. Best beach forday-tripping from Trinidad city. We also recommend finding plane tickets and accommodations in Cuba on Skyscanner. Dolphinfish (or mahi-mahi) are being caught much earlier in their development, prompting fears for the fishery down the line. Best Caribbean Beaches Without Seaweed: Where to Go in 2023. Still, you will not lack somewhere to enjoy the local delicacies and grab a refreshing drink. The clothing-optional beaches in Cuba are: Cayo Largo is Cubas most popular place for naturist beach lovers. But every year they are getting better. Check out some popular. Cayo Saetia a natural protected area with scenic beaches. A quick glance at sites like Facebook and TripAdvisor, nonetheless, shows tourists are concerned. Cuba is generally safe. Then, we sifted through numerous beaches and only selected those with the best reviews on Google and Tripadvisor. The impossibly white sand, the gemstone-blue belt of water around this narrow ribbon of land . Its also the most beautiful. Was wondering if thats possible? 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. Just a short drive from Cubas bustling capital lie white sands, palm trees and beautiful coral reefs. The small hoop of rather grubby, seaweed-strewn sand is somewhat redeemed by its friendly atmosphere and a striking hill behind, whose shadow lengthens over the beach in the afternoon. You might also like:The rules for Americans visiting Cuba in 2022Top things to do in Cuba: how to explore the richness of the country's culture and landCubas most beautiful national parks, This article was first published February 2019 and updated February 2022. Bearing in mind a wet season, possible hurricanes and a stretch of super-humid weather, here's when to visit Everglades National Park. Camaguey is the largest province in Cuba. That goes without saying. Playa Arena Gorda Fat Sand Beach. Where is it collecting. Hurricanes during the dry season are exceedingly rare. Visiting the nearby beaches is definitely among the top things to do in Havana. A few simple huts offer snacks and drinks. Playa Paraiso Cayo Largo del Sur #2. Heat is worst around midday, so plan indoor activities between 11 am and 3 pm. The deserted tranquillity of this private world is all part of what makes it exceptional, though this is sometimes destroyed by hordes of cruise-ship visitors. Trinidad, located about 7.5 miles from Playa Ancon, is a colonial town frozen in time. My question is what is the season for Jellyfish in Varadero and Cayo Coco? Casa particulares: Rooms are easier to find than during peak season, but we still recommend booking ahead of time. You may even be tempted to spend too much time outside trekking, visiting tourist attractions, or simply bathing in the sun. Although youre more likely to see dark clouds during the wet season, sunshine and blue skies are still plentiful. Visiting the archeological treasures in the peninsula, such as Cueva de Ambrosio, Cueva Saturno, and the Varahicacos Ecological Reserve. Due to the extreme heat, outdoor activities like backpacking and long-distance cycling may not be enjoyable. It is safe, clean and reasonable inexpensive. 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). A more serene retreat than its rowdier neighbour Cayo Coco, tiny Cayo Guillermo boasts 4km of stunning near-deserted beaches. Known for their stunning white sands and clear blue waters, Cuba's beaches are deliciously uncrowded and full of tranquility. 6. This is true all year round, but especially during the wet season. Playa Arena Gorda Fat Sand Beach. Traveling from the east coast of the USA is typically cheaper than the west coast. Its a popular beach stop while visiting the colonial village of Trinidad or French-inspired Cienfuegos. That means you can visit both beaches and enjoy the scenery without planning or waiting for another trip. Playa Varadero Varadero #3. The beautiful Caribbean has countless places where couples can discover romance. 1. The sandy beach in this area is beautiful with turquoise water and stooping palm trees. Bridge over the green water of Cayo Coco Shutterstock. From Namibias wind-swept Skeleton Coast to Javas G-Land, discover the best place to hang ten, whatever your surfing ability. 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. Hurricanes in the dry season Hurricanes during the dry season are exceedingly rare. Tipping in Cuba is typically a friendly way of showing appreciation for good service. Visiting Cuba in the Wet Season (May to October), Average temperatures and humidity in the wet season, Visiting Cuba in the Dry Season (November to April), Average temperatures and humidity in the dry season, Peak season in Cuba (December to March, July, and August), Shoulder season in Cuba (April, May, June, and November), Low season in Cuba (September and October). The beaches are often free of seaweed beyond the Hard Rock Hotel to Macao Beach. Some of the fishes you may find here include marlin. It might not have the bright turquoise tone of Cubas northern beaches, but Playa Ancn is one of the islands most beautiful sand-and-sea escapes and definitely the best beach on the southern coastline. Take an e-bike ride along the coastline and the Valley of Sugar Mills to explore Trinidad's countryside. Playa Varadero Varadero #3. That may be just one of the many tall tales told about Papa, but Pilar is definitely a beach where time seems to stop. A company in Guadeloupe has developed a boat which collects it using a conveyor belt. One major question is how long the phenomenon will continue. Also, as a general rule, you will want to bring just the essentials to Cuba. If you are an avid bird enthusiast, you will enjoy watching the colony of more than 12,000 flamingos that always gather on this island to feed. "Certainly we've had it for longer and in huge amounts. 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 Cayo Santa Maria has recently won increasing praise from travelers and experts alike. The seaweed youll see on the shore at Macao Beach and at the waters edge is usually seagrass and not sargassum. Stringy, brown seaweed that spends its life floating, Traditionally starts life in the Gulf of Mexico and is pushed by currents out into the North Atlantic to float in the Sargasso Sea, Forms rafts that serve as vital feeding and breeding grounds for marine life, Not harmful to humans and in small amounts, it can help nourish beaches. Needless to say, visiting Cuban beaches is one of the best things to do in Cuba. This occurs from November through April and is characterized by dryer, cooler weather. Matted piles swamped coastlines from Tobago to Anguilla. Web2023 beaches impacted by Sargassum seaweeds. WebIt is, indeed, a beautiful beach, and I would have no worries at all, on that particular score. In 2016, Playa Paraiso, or Paradise beach, was voted the 3rd most beautiful beach worldwide by Travellers Choice, and rightly so. Re: Seaweed problem in Cuba? Satellite images from the University of South Florida's (USF) Optical Oceanography Laboratory currently show historically high monthly levels of sargassum in the region. You will begin to understand just how captivating Guardalavaca is. when the journey actually takes two hours, but it's worth it. The beaches here are entirely private and secluded, therefore ideal for nudists. Tour Republic is a travel marketplace where local entrepreneurs offer memorable experiences in Cuba. Hotels and restaurants are far from the beach, but you can take a taxi, scooter, or shuttle to travel back and forth. There is over 3km of beach in all, split by a sandy headland into two broad curves of soft, silver shore ringed on one side by the lush green of a woody, palm-specked thicket and on the other by the glassy Caribbean Sea. These are reasons why Playa Varadero was picked as the 2nd best beach in the world in 2019 and the 4th best beach in The Caribbean in 2021 by Tripadvisors Travelers Choice Awards. We also write about our passion for Cuba, from in-depth travel guides to myth-busting articles. A handful of all-inclusive hotels dot the area, but beaches are public and popular among locals from May to September. Some things to do in Playa Cayo Jutias include camping, swimming, and fishing. Removal techniques have improved and experts have written management guidelines. A few simple huts offer snacks and drinks. 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. The rainy season is much less popular since its wetter, hotter, and more humid. No parts of this Playa Pilar is also famously known as the setting for Ernest Hemingways last novel, Islands in the Stream. Websargassum seaweed in Cuba. Second line parades are a key part of New Orleans' culture. Floating off the southern shore of Cuba's main island in the Jardines del Rey archipelago, this low-lying cay offers a heaven-on-earth feeling few places in the Caribbean can match. Since 2018: Our maps are updated 365 days/year with photos/videos & dates. It also helps that Varadero is just two hours away from the capital, so a day tour from Havana is feasible.. and recommended. This key is located in central Cuba, in Jardines del Rey. High humidity levels magnify the heat, so prepare wisely if you travel during this time. Most fresh vegetables become scarce or frozen at buffets in the wet season, but fruits are in vogue. Re: Seaweed problem in Cuba? These items are enough to get you started, but we also recommend something a bit heavier duty like travel medical insurance. Hotels: Like casas, hotels fill up quickly during peak season. Some 5km west from Guardalavaca, picture-perfect Playa Esmeralda (also known as Estero Ciego) boasts clear blue water, powdery sand speckled with thatched sunshades and two luxury hotels hidden from view by thoughtfully planted bushes and shrubs. 2. You might think that its always the best time to visit Cuba. 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. Copyright 2022 Apa Digital AG, all rights reserved. That is one of the signs Cuba is gradually coming to terms with the reality of LGBTs. Northern Camaguey. The dry season brings cooler weather to Cuba. It's a secluded spot, with shallow shores protected from rough waves by an offshore coral reef. Tropical beach in Cayo Largo Paraiso beach, Cuba Shutterstock. So if your idea of a beach vacation is to get far away from the hustle and bustle of a beach town, then Varadero might not be what you are looking for. The airport is closed due to repairs of the runway and might be open by spring 2022. At the far end of the chain lies Cayo Santa Mara, home to Playa Perla Blanca, one of the most splendid beaches in the area. For inspiration use the itineraries from The Rough Guide to Cuba and our local travel experts. Some locations in Cuba are rife with mosquitoes, especially in the wet season. WebIt is, indeed, a beautiful beach, and I would have no worries at all, on that particular score. Playa Pilar Cayo Coco #5. "They need support they are suffering. These places are best for beaches in Cuba: Varadero Beach; Guardalavaca Beach; Ancon Beach; Santa Maria Beach; Playa Paraiso; See more beaches in Cuba on Tripadvisor On the western tip of Cayo Guillermo, Playa Pilar is named after Ernest Hemingways yacht, Pilar, and was the authors favourite hideaway in Cuba. Furthermore, birdwatchers can lay back and enjoy the sights of flamingoes strutting back and forth in this area. If you want to experience the best gay holiday on a Cuban beach, visit Mi Cayito. Dont expect many bars or restaurants near the beach, though. Playa Paraiso Cayo Largo del Sur #2. Free or royalty-free photos and images. However, we will also introduce you to others that are secluded and, therefore, the best if you want to avoid overcrowded spots. Cayo Largos beaches have the finest and whitest sand in Cuba. Insubuy offers insurance plans for travelers to Cuba. Its offshore reefs, lazy waves, good fishing sites, and superb diving spots are beautiful. Salads, juices, and natural covers for the face and red skin will make you delighted. The beaches at Varadero get the usual flotsam and jetsam overnight and are raked each morning. And so far so good the sargassum is not there according to this handy tracking tool. They include: Santa Maria del Mar is the most popular beach in Playas del Este. 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. A number of beachfront mini-malls and private restaurants offer snacks and refreshments before you head back to Havana. Im unsure of what the weather is expected to be. I stayed at a resort that was invaded by algae. If your idea of having a good time includes clear water, beautiful sandy beaches, and diverse culture and traditions, Cuban beaches should be on your bucket list. 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? It is also surrounded by numerous other secluded beaches that may be ideal if you are looking for a place to enjoy a romantic getaway or private picnic. Since Cuba doesnt get much rain during the dry season, you can expect consistently clear, sunny skies. If you are in a hurry, here is a map that lists what we consider the best beaches in Cuba. In one extreme case, a resort in Antigua was forced to close its doors until 30 September. The average temperature from April to May is 78 degrees, while Cubas coolest months, December to March, hover around 72 degrees. 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. That means precipitation is low, and storms are infrequent. Cuba: a feast for the senses - take 10 days to discover Havana in depth before heading out to Cienfuegos and Trinidad. However, some regions in Cuba are more blessed than others. Marine life is also pretty quiet during this time, so you wont have to worry about jellyfish, algae, or seaweed ruining the view. 6. Some articles may contain affiliates links at no cost to you. These are all excellent choices: During the dry season, you also get to appreciate popular Cuban traditions during Christmas and New Years Eve. Best Caribbean Beaches Without Seaweed: Where to Go in 2023. Be prepared. A handful of all-inclusive hotels dot the area, but beaches are public and popular among locals from May to September. Best beach forsunbathing in a secluded paradise. Beaches with the highest seaweed count include Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and some points between Cancun and Puerto Morelos. WebAnswer 1 of 3: Hi we are planning holiday to Cuba,but are hearing of seaweed problem on beaches. Expect the weather to worsen in late summer when hurricane season kicks off. Book Your Flight Book cheap flights to Cuba on Skyscanner, our favorite flight search engine to find deals on flights to Cuba. Playa Cayo Santa Maria has no shortage of natural scenery like tropical mangrove trees and powdery sand. WebSo far, the Atlantic coast; Varadero Cayo Coco, Cayo Santa Maria and Holguin /Guradalavaca have not been affected. It is an ideal resort for tourists with its bars, pools, restaurants, and shopping center if you are up for a spree. 3 years ago Save There is a new long range ecological problem in the Caribbean: Sargassum algae which looks like seaweed is a mess on many Caribbean beaches. If you have barely heard about Varadero, but have no idea of what else Cuba has to offer, dont fret. WebDownload Cuba Seaweed stock photos. The tiny islet of Cayo Largo, a narrow ribbon of land flanked by pale downy sands, is separated from Isla de la Juventud by 100km of sea. Nowadays, Playa Cayo Marias entire west side is dedicated to people who like to enjoy a session on the beach, rocking nothing but their birthday suits. Read about our approach to external linking. Beaches in Cuba run the gamut there's one to suit every need. Its remained untouched thanks to its geographical isolation: to get here you have to drive 7km down a very bumpy dirt track, some of which is a causeway, a journey that no public transport and very few cars bother to make. "We've spent an ungodly amount of money on tractors, heavy equipment, we've tried a number of different barrier systems on the water, none of which has worked well.". 2023 BBC. Hurricanes in the dry season Hurricanes during the dry season are exceedingly rare. Playa Varadero is the most famous beach in Cuba and comes second on our list. One of Cubas most contrasting landscapes, the northern coast at Holgun has aquamarine shallows stretching as far as the eye can see and verdant hills lining the sandy shoreline. 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. 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