7 Days • 6 Nights
Viva Cuba Beaches: Cayo Coco & Cayo Santa Maria
Tour Includes
About the Trip
Trip Highlights
- The powder-white sands of Cayo Coco and Cayo Santa Maria
- Snorkelling vibrant coral reefs
- Catamaran cruises on turquoise water
- Flamingos on the causeway lagoons
- Colonial Remedios on the mainland
- All-inclusive beach relaxation
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 7-day journey.
You are met on arrival and transferred to Cayo Coco, crossing the long causeway over flamingo-filled lagoons. Check into your beach resort and unwind on the powder-white sand with a welcome dinner.
A catamaran cruise along the reef with snorkelling among coral and colourful fish, a beach barbecue, and time to swim in the warm turquoise shallows.
A free beach day to sunbathe, try water sports, walk the endless sands of Playa Pilar, or simply relax with a cocktail by the sea.
A scenic causeway drive brings you to Cayo Santa Maria, another jewel of white sand and clear water. Settle into your resort and enjoy a first sunset over the cays.
A day trip to the mainland town of Remedios, a beautifully preserved colonial gem with a lovely central plaza and famous Christmas 'parrandas' traditions, before returning to the beach.
A final free beach day to swim, snorkel, kayak, or simply soak up the sun on one of Cuba's most beautiful shores.
A last morning by the sea before transferring to the airport for your onward flight home.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- 6 nights accommodation in hotels or casas particulares
- Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner and a catamaran snorkelling cruise
- Airport transfers
- Touring and activities as per itinerary with English-speaking guides
- Ground transfers between cities
- Entrance fees as per itinerary
- a Remedios colonial-town excursion
Exclusions
- International airfare
- Visa or tourist card fees where applicable
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Domestic flight or transfer to the cays (arranged; approximate cost advised)
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional excursions and experiences
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Tourist card: Almost all visitors need a Cuban Tourist Card (visa) to enter, which we help you arrange before travel, along with a passport valid for at least six months. Requirements vary by nationality and by the country you fly from
- US travellers: US citizens and residents face specific restrictions and must travel under one of the authorised categories rather than general tourism, and US-issued bank and credit cards do not work in Cuba; we will advise you carefully if this applies to you
- Cash is king: Cuba is largely a cash economy and many foreign cards, especially those linked to US banks, do not work; bring enough cash (euros, pounds, Canadian dollars or US dollars) to exchange for local currency and cover your trip
- Currency: The local currency is the Cuban Peso. Exchange rates and rules change frequently, so we brief you on the current situation before you travel and recommend carrying cash in good condition
- Medical insurance: Proof of travel medical insurance is required to enter Cuba and is strongly recommended in any case; we can advise on suitable cover
- Internet: Internet access is limited and can be slow, typically via wifi in hotels and public squares using prepaid cards; embrace the chance to disconnect and enjoy Cuba's music and street life
- Best time to visit: The dry season from November to April offers the most pleasant weather and is ideal for sightseeing and beaches; the summer is hotter and wetter and falls within the Atlantic hurricane season
- Casas particulares: Staying in a casa particular, a licensed private guesthouse, is a wonderful way to meet Cubans and enjoy home cooking; we can mix these with hotels to suit your comfort and style. Tipping in cash is customary and appreciated
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these all-inclusive resorts?
The cays are known for their all-inclusive beach resorts, and we can book one to suit your style and budget. Boutique options are more limited on the cays but can be arranged on the mainland.
Can we combine the cays with Havana?
Absolutely. Many travellers pair a few days of Havana culture with the beaches of the cays for a perfect city-and-beach holiday, and we can add a domestic flight to connect them easily.
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included throughout, along with any meals named in the itinerary such as a welcome dinner. Cuba's paladares (private restaurants) and casa home-cooking are a highlight, so most lunches and dinners are left free, and we are happy to recommend the best.
Do I need a visa for Cuba?
Almost all visitors need a Cuban Tourist Card, which we help arrange before you travel. US citizens and residents face additional rules and must travel under an authorised category; we advise you fully based on your nationality.
Can I use my credit card and ATMs in Cuba?
Cuba is largely a cash economy, and many foreign cards, especially US-linked ones, do not work. Bring enough cash in euros, pounds or Canadian dollars to exchange; we brief you on the current money situation before departure.
When is the best time to visit Cuba?
The dry season from November to April is the most comfortable and popular, ideal for Havana, the colonial towns and the beaches. Summer is hotter, wetter and within the hurricane season.
Is Cuba safe for travellers?
Cuba is generally very safe for visitors, with low levels of violent crime and warm, welcoming people. As anywhere, take normal precautions with valuables, and your guides are on hand throughout to help.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. We can adjust the balance of city, colonial towns and beach, mix hotels and casas particulares, add regions like Santiago or the cays, and tailor the pace to your interests.
More Beach Journeys
Beach
Customizable
El Salvador Surf & Beach: Pacific Coast
El Salvador Surf & Beach: Pacific Coast
El Salvador
Beach
Customizable
Pura Vida Beaches: Guanacaste & Nicoya
Pura Vida Beaches: Guanacaste & Nicoya
Costa Rica
Beach
Customizable
Belize Barrier Reef & Cayes
Belize Barrier Reef & Cayes
Belize