Although Cayo Santa Maria is an island in the middle of the sea connected by a 48 km causeway, there are some beautiful spots worth exploring on and around the island. There are a few ecological trails where Ligus (mollusk) can be spotted, lengthy walks east where one can feel like the last person on earth, a luxuriant vegetation and other attractions.

There is also the nearby cayos

The marina at Cayo Las Brujas, the hotel with it’s unspoiled beach with a quiet and shallow sea. The new Royal Hideaway Hotel at Cayo Ensenachos. The beaches at Ensenachos and Megano are truly outstanding. You must purchase a daily pass at the front desk of the hotels (Sol, Mélia and Las Dunas) to gain access to The Royal Hideaway.

And, of course, the villages; Caibarien and Remedios. To get there, a taxi, or a rented jeep/car will do the trick. (four people will have more fun and it’s less expensive) It’s a bit far for a scooter (48km) and the causeway is not safe at night due to poor lighting.

On the left, there is a list of points of interest worth visiting. (accessible links) Or, simply click on the image down below which interest you.

Enjoy the visit!

A lovely little villa located on the western part of the island (with access to the naturist beach near the Sol).

Private with a pool and access to the beach (bar and buffet services).

Out of this world! Cayo Ensenachos is a small island located west of Cayo Santa Maria. There is now a luxurious resort, The Royal Hideaway Ensenachos.

There are two magnificent beaches with powder white sands: Playa Megano and Playa Ensenachos.

Another small key west of CSM. Quite lovely and private. There is a hotel, a marina and a beach with shallow and calm water.

In 2002, a dinghy was needed to reach the catamaran, but now there is a beautiful marina with a bar and deep sea diving center.

We discovered, during our first trip, two ecological trails where those famous endemic molluscs the « Ligus » can be spotted, as well as a luxuriant vegetation.

The trail where the “Ligus” can be spotted is located between Cayo Ensenachos and Cayo Santa Maria. We took this trail twice, in January and in December of 2002.

The is another trail more to the east of the hotels in CSM.

Those ones that would like to experience snorkeling for the first time, this spot is for you. It is located 10 minutes walking distance west of the Sol’s last footbridge.

There are a few corals, colored fishes and mollusks in shallow water. Flippers are useful but not essential.

Click HERE to view pictures we took in December 2006.

A few points of interest located east of CSM hotels, among them, the beautiful unspoiled beach…Perla Blanca.

QSome pictures of the wildlife and flora in this region. (Cayo Santa Maria, Las Brujas and Ensenachos) one of which is this famous giant aloes.

Four of us rented a Jeep in January 2002 to visit the villages located between the causeway and Santa Clara (airport).

The fishing village of Caibarien,

The small village of Remedios with it’s church, schools and other points of interest.

If extreme thrills is your thing, then don’t miss the fiesta. Every December 24 at night, « Las Parrandas de Remedios », fireworks, light shows and cuban music. See the [excursions] section for more details.

Few photos of the international airport as well as the tranfer to the hotels (Cayo Santa Maria and Cayo Ensenachos) by buses (about 90 minutes).

It is like a « free » guided tour by bilingual guides during the transfer!