Découvrez Cayo Santa Maria Cuba

Cayo Santa Maria, Cuba

www.cayosantamaria.info

A paradise of pristine beaches
and endless turquoise waters
located in the Jardines del Rey archipelago

Discover Cayo Santa Maria and its surroundings

Although Cayo Santa Maria is an island, connected by a forty-eight kilometer causeway, there are interesting places to visit on the island and its surroundings like Cayo Las Brujas, Cayo Ensenachos, flora of the region, villages of Caibarien and Remedios, etc.

The Pedraplen is paved as all the roads leading to the hotels. All other roads are sandy trails. Driving a scooter (or Jeep) is possible, but with caution, especially on the road to get to the eastern beaches (Playa Perla Blanca). Recently they built a new road going East up to Playa Perla Blanca. This should help to visit this virgin beach. Please note that there are fees of 2 CUC per car to cross the pedraplen. A gate is installed at the entrance of pedraplen (Caibarien) and officers will ask you to show a proof that you are staying at one of the hotels in Cayo Ensenachos or Cayo Santa Maria.

In November 2011, we witnessed Kitesurfing in the western sector of the island, near the hotel Melia Buenavista. In Cuba, this activity is well-known in Cayo Guillermo (small island located East of CSM) BUT more recently in Cayo Santa Maria. IMPORTANT! Check with your travel agent, because fees may apply for the transportation of your equipment.

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Pueblo La Estrella

The Pueblo La Estrella (town) is located between the Barcelo Cayo Santa Maria Beach and the Memories Paraiso Beach Resort (formerly the Barcelo Cayo Santa Maria Caribe). It opened its door in December 12th 2009. It offers with many services like fine cuisine restaurants, bars, disco, bowling, cigar loundge, billards, spa and massage. It is not part of the all inclusive!

Pueblo Las Dunas

The Pueblo Las Dunas is located between the hotels Melia Cayo Santa Maria and Melia Las Dunas. It opened its doors in 2011. Like the Pueblo La Estrella, it offers many services. The Melia Hotels are famous for their weddings, the restaurants located in the Pueblo Las Dunas may be booked exclusively for the groups. For A more private evening!

Delphinarium

Do you know where is located the largest dolphinarium in all of Latin America? Yes! It is in Cayo Santa Maria. It is located near the neighboring island, Cayo Ensenachos. It opened in summer 2011. There are several pools, big enough for two dolphins. They can swim and perform easily in these pools. Dolphins and sea lions shows are presented in a lovely setting. A must to visit!

Cayo Ensenachos

A little gem! Cayo Ensenachos is a tiny island located west of Cayo Santa Maria. There is a luxury 5-stars hotel, the Iberostar Ensenachos (formerly Occidental Royal Hideaway Ensenachos). There are two magnificent beaches of fine white sand, Playa Ensenachos and Playa Megano. You may buy a day pass to enjoy a day in this island. Ask your Tour Operative.

Cayo Las Brujas

Another small island west of Cayo Santa Maria. Very nice and private. Cayo Las Brujas has one hotel, a marina and a 2 km beach located in a bay (the sea is very calm). In 2002, for the catamaran excursion we left the dock in a dingy to get on the boat. Now there is a modern marina with a bar and a dive center. There is a local airport on this island for flight to and from Havana.

Village of Caibarien

We visited the village of Caibarien. We were four in a Jeep. An excellent option for those wishing to discover the real Cuba. As you take the « pedraplen », it is recommended to drive during the day. Caibarien is a small fishermen village. There are good restaurants and bars in this village. The gouvernement built many houses for Cuban workers in Cayo Santa Maria.

Village of Remedios

The small village of Remedios with his church, schools and other attractions. If you are looking for a thrill, every evening of December 24th, there is a fiesta with floats, fireworks and firecrackers. See the excursion section of our site to know more about this event. We were there in 2002 and 2006. We will remember this event forever!

Santa Clara airport

Click to see photos of the Santa Clara airport and transfer to the hotels in Cayo Santa Maria and Cayo Ensenachos (approximately 90 minutes in bus). During the transfer, a guide will explain the history of villages we pass through and all you need to know about Cuba. A free guided tour! This airport is alaways under construction to accomodate more and more tourists!

Fauna and flora

Photos of fauna and flora of the region (Cayo Santa Maria, Cayo Las Brujas and Cayo Ensenachos) including this impressive giant agave located on East sector of Cayo Santa Maria.

We have never seen any dangerous animals in Cayo Santa Maria like scorpions, snakes, tarantulas or other nasty creatures.

Snorkeling

There are few places for snorkeling. This is not the Caribbean Sea. There is a small island in West sector (Melia Buenavista) where you can enjoy free snorkeling ONLY during calm sea (not too often!). There are also clumps of corals near the hotel Sol Cayo Santa Maria.

Visit the beach's section or our site for more informations.

Click the logo to learn more about the « Casa Particular » of Cuba (in Spanish only). A great site for those wishing to discover the real Cuba! There are a few of these in the province of Villa Clara. There is no problem for tourist to stay in these casas!

http://www.cubalocal.es

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This website is personal, the information which is ensued there is simply from our experience and appreciation as travelers and lover of Cuba. Our sites are non-officials and opened to general public. In spite of we did our best to share the most exact informations, we cannot be held responsible for changes, errors or omissions. No part of this website may be reproduced, modified, distributed, published, broadcast, retransmitted or circulated in any form without our prior consent.