Best Beaches in Cuba

Cayo Jutias

Located 65 km from Viñales (in the province of Pinar del Rio), this may as well be heaven. The beach is simply perfect; 3 kilometers of white sandy beach, mangroves right on the shore, and crystal clear water. It is the perfect place to relax in the sun, go snorkeling or diving at the coral reef and even eat freshly fished lobster. Plenty of fishermen approach tourists there to offer to catch and cook some lobster.

Playa Maria la Gorda

Also located in the province of Pinar del Rio, this beach is especially famous for its coral reef that attracts divers from all over the world. At only 14 meters under the surface, divers can find black coral formations with fishes such as barracudas and red snappers.

Playa Maguana

Not far from Baracoa (in the province of Guantanamo), this beach is a local favorite and it is becoming increasingly popular with tourists – yet it is still relatively quiet and peaceful. Playa Maguana may well be the quintessential tropical beach: a long stretch of thin, white sand, lined by palm trees and a coral reef which can be easily reached. The sea is clear and inviting. I certainly did not miss a dip there!

Playa Ancon

Perhaps the best beach in Southern Cuba, Playa Ancon is only 12 km from Trinidad. It can be reached by bus, by taxi (opt for a coco taxi if you are looking for something cheaper) or even by bike. It is a lovely sandy beach with clear waters. The only downside of Playa Ancon is the many sandflies that become particularly aggressive at sunset and sunrise, so it is better to carry insect repellent.

Bahia de Cochinos

Not just a beach, but an entire bay! Bahia de Cochinos, known to the world as Bay of the Pigs, in the province of Matanzas, is an incredible place for snorkelling and diving. The water is perfectly clear, and visibility at its best. The area doesn’t really have sandy beaches, but it mostly has what is known locally as diente de perro (jagged rocks). I certainly did not care: the water is so clear that I spent my day exploring the coral reef. Top spots include Playa Gir—n and, at about 8 km from it, Caleta Buena, which is a lovely cove which is perfect for snorkeling as it is perfectly protected from the currents.