Cayo Largos beaches have the finest and whitest sand in Cuba. Stretching almost the entire length of a 25km peninsula that shoots out from the mainland, Varadero fits the classic Caribbean image: downy sand that forms a runway between palm trees along one edge and unruffled, sparkling waters along the other. The beach may have put the area on the tourist map, but it has managed to keep a natural feel, with trees and shrubs creeping down to the shoreline. Travel Health Insurance Travel medical insurance is an entry requirement for Cuba, so you cant skip it. Three years later the seaweed returned, in larger quantities. Travel protection benefits such as trip interruption and cancellation, baggage delay insurance, etc., are not required. Playas del Este has a few beaches near Havana that are worth a shot. But it is not clear what will happen next year, or the year after. One of the most popular beaches in Punta Cana, this white sand beach is located between Playa Bavaro Cayo Coco has many all-inclusive resorts and natural features like marshes and lagoons. I stayed at a resort that was invaded by algae. Mornings and early evenings are perfect for beachgoers, but watch out for dark clouds, rain, and choppy waters around midday. Playa Cayo Jutias Cayo Jutias #8. However, if you happen to visit Cayo Santa Maria between December 16 and Christmas, you cant miss Las Parrandas de Remedios. That may be just one of the many tall tales told about Papa, but Pilar is definitely a beach where time seems to stop. Report inappropriate content 1-8 of 8 replies Sorted by 1 cubacarol Follow the brown seaweeds invasion, check the older maps : 2022 , 2021 , 2020 , 2019 , 2018. Is it that bad around Cuba? In that case, you may fall in love with Varadero, which has two of the best Cuba beaches: Varadero Beach and Cayo Blanco. Geared toward beach holidays, the peninsula unfurls for 12 stunning miles, meaning there's room on the beach for, well, everyone. 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 beaches here are entirely private and secluded, therefore ideal for nudists. Beautiful Grande Anse beach in Grenada has not been hit by sargassum seaweed 2. 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. Some of the awards we considered while hunting for the best Cuba beaches include: Not to brag, but our team has more than 10 years of academic background and experience in all topics related to traveling to Cuba. Re: Sargassum (seaweed) on beaches December/January. The worst time to visit Cuba is at the end of the rainy season when hurricanes start popping up on the map. Essential Items to Pack Bring the essential travel necessities that you may not be able to get in Cuba: Find Accommodations Find hotels or casas particulares (private accommodations) on Skyscanner, which lists thousands of accommodations available in Cuba. April is the ideal time of year for mild-weather hikes, cherry blossom festivals, fresh produce and more. 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). * Do not embed this map in a website or a blog without permission from Sargassum Monitoring. Varadero and the islands of the Jardines del Rey archipelago are just a few essential stops on the long list of flawless turquoise-edged strands surrounding the island. 3. Tarara is one of the most popular beaches on the Playas del Este strip. Websargassum seaweed in Cuba. This is your guide to exactly what they are, where they happen, and how you can join the party. The most popular months to visit Cuba are March, January, and February. I've seen pics of the weed 12ft. La Finquita Alegre and Don Pepe Grill Restaurant are recommended. Some articles may contain affiliates links at no cost to you. Websargassum seaweed in Cuba. Incoming rafts smother sea grasses and coral reefs, while fishermen struggle to get in the water. Note that not all beaches in Northeastern Holguin are rocky. 1. If you love seafood, youll be pleased to hear that Cubas lobster season runs from June to February, so you can get your shellfish fix. Casas particulares: Rooms are cheaper at around $20/night and much easier to find, even in popular areas like Havana. Complete Cuba - Nature, Tradition and Sights of the Revolution. And so far so good the sargassum is not there according to this handy tracking tool. Afterwards, return to the city to learn more about Trinidad's history and culture. Best Caribbean Beaches Without Seaweed: Where to Go in 2023. Heres the lowdown on the most heavenly beaches on the Caribbeans biggest island. Morne Rouge Beach on Grenada. My question is what is the season for Jellyfish in Varadero and Cayo Coco? If you travel further in Cuba, read more about the best time to go and the best places to visit in Cuba. And some of the islands are getting it for the first time.". Hurricanes usually make their appearance at the tail end of the rainy season. The waters on this gorgeous beach also have sandbars that make sitting and dipping your toes in the warm water enjoyable. Cayo Coco. Thanks a lot Cathy Cayo Santa Maria. 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. It might not have the bright turquoise tone of Cubas northern beaches, but, is one of the islands most beautiful sand-and-sea escapes and definitely the best beach on the southern coastline. The peninsula is usually flooded with tourists and locals, especially during Summer. These items are enough to get you started, but we also recommend something a bit heavier duty like travel medical insurance. Head to the western tip of the cay where giant starfish can be spotted in the crystal clear shallows. The beaches at Varadero get the usual flotsam and jetsam overnight and are raked each morning. Visit Cuba at the time of year that works best for you. Just a short drive from Cubas bustling capital lie white sands, palm trees and beautiful coral reefs. Cuba is generally safe. A handful of all-inclusive hotels dot the area, but beaches are public and popular among locals from May to September. 6 years ago This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. But please, dont play with the starfishes out of the water since they can die intoxicated. Re: Sargassum (seaweed) on beaches December/January. 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. Let us know in the comments! Equally attractive are the nearby reefs; the beach lies within the islands ecologically protected area, which is renowned for its superb diving. 06 of 10 Isla Blanca Doug Depies / Getty Images Seaweed and algae will roll in one tide and wash up on the beaches. . Youll be grateful for the lack of thunderstorms and swarms of hungry mosquitoes! For example, in 2021, Playa Cayo Santa Maria ranked 2nd as the best beach globally and won the top spot for the best beach in the Caribbean by Tripadvisors Travelers Choice Awards. 06 of 10 Isla Blanca Doug Depies / Getty Images Coming from the Carribean I know I would appreciate the culture and cusine. 2023 BBC. To avoid the risk of hurricanes, avoid traveling to Cuba from mid-August through October. Matted piles swamped coastlines from Tobago to Anguilla. Playa Arena Gorda Fat Sand Beach. Some activities you can partake in at the Playa Pilar beach include diving and fishing. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); I am an American, thinking about traveling to Cuba later this year. Report inappropriate content 8. Although youre more likely to see dark clouds during the wet season, sunshine and blue skies are still plentiful. The beach boasts sparkling golden sandy scenery and crystal clear turquoise waters. Best beach forday-tripping from Trinidad city. The beaches east of Cojmar town, famed for its Hemingway connection, are collectively known as the Playas del Este. These are the best. I've seen pics of the weed 12ft. Playa Pilars waters contain abundant marine life, so fishing should be enjoyable. 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. The best time to visit Cuba is the dry season because the rainy season is usually more humid, mucky, hotter, and generally wetter. Some locations in Cuba are rife with mosquitoes, especially in the wet season. Re: Seaweed problem in Cuba? The raft came in, they became entangled and unable to surface, and over 40 turtles died.". A more serene retreat than its rowdier neighbour Cayo Coco, tiny Cayo Guillermo boasts 4km of stunning near-deserted beaches. Hotels: Vacancies are more common, but prices still run between $150 and $350/night. Hotels are not luxurious here, but the beach itself is breathtaking, and huts on the sand rent out equipment for kayaking and catamaran trips. There are no sharp rocks or strong currents; the water is calm and relatively shallow. 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. 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. They include: Santa Maria del Mar is the most popular beach in Playas del Este. If you fancy swapping the beach resorts for a tucked-away, tranquil fishing village on a sandy shore, Playa Larga offers. Im unsure of what the weather is expected to be. A number of beachfront mini-malls and private restaurants offer snacks and refreshments before you head back to Havana. Havana has some gorgeous beaches that you can easily access via a short drive from the city center. Head 40 minutes south along the bay and you can indulge all your snorkeling and diving whims on, s 300m (984ft) coral wall and nearby wrecks and. This beach is located in Cayo Largo, a stunning secluded island with relatively modern tourist infrastructure, including an airstrip (nothing compared to the Havana Airport, though). One of these is Playa Ensenachos, a popular tourist destination with almost untouched natural beauty. Cuba is one of those destinations that Canadians really love. Was wondering if thats possible? 2. Playa Arena Gorda Fat Sand Beach. WebIt is, indeed, a beautiful beach, and I would have no worries at all, on that particular score. WebDownload Cuba Seaweed stock photos. The wet season is when 70% of the islands rainfall occurs, which means lots of heat and humidity between May and October. WebAnswer 1 of 3: Hi we are planning holiday to Cuba,but are hearing of seaweed problem on beaches. There is also talk of bio-gas but Prof Oxenford says this depends on a regular supply of biomass and affordable collection costs. We are here to help you pick the best of the best. It's a secluded spot, with shallow shores protected from rough waves by an offshore coral reef. The beaches east of Cojmar town, famed for its Hemingway connection, are collectively known as the Playas del Este. Dolphinfish (or mahi-mahi) are being caught much earlier in their development, prompting fears for the fishery down the line. Pilar was a favorite hideaway for American writer Ernest Hemingway, and rumor has it he searched for WWII German U-boats in the area. Is it that bad around Cuba? No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. If you are interested in naturist walks or snorkeling, this is the perfect place. One of the most popular beaches in Cuba, Playa Varadero, is near Cayo Blanco. Not too many tour operators offer it anymore from Canada, last time we were there, mostly Euro, Italians and Germans, a few Canadians. There are plenty of things to do in Trinidad, but that would deserve its article. In the meantime Canadians can continue to visit Cuba as often as they like. 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. Youre most likely to experience a hurricane from mid-August through the end of October. 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. Due to the extreme heat, outdoor activities like backpacking and long-distance cycling may not be enjoyable. Beaches along the section east of Punta Cancun, like Playa Langosta and Playa Tortugas, were largely protected by their northern orientation, offering golden sand and sparkling clear water throughout most of the season. Morne Rouge Beach on Grenada. "We had a large single raft come in at Long Beach with a foraging turtle population in the water. The seaweed youll see on the shore at Macao Beach and at the waters edge is usually seagrass and not sargassum. As a bonus, Playa Sirena, one of the various goldmines of adventures on the island, is within walking distance from Playa Paraiso (about 20 minutes). This is the high run for harvesting. The experience may be life-changing. All in All, Which Parts of Cuba Have the Best Beaches? The beaches at Varadero get the usual flotsam and jetsam overnight and are raked each morning. A handful of all-inclusive hotels dot the area, but beaches are public and popular among locals from May to September. The best time to visit Cuba is during the dry season (November to April). The beaches are often free of seaweed beyond the Hard Rock Hotel to Macao Beach. Follow the brown seaweeds invasion, check the older maps : 2022 , 2021 , 2020 , 2019 , 2018. 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