CAYO SANTA MARÍA & NORTHERN KEYS
Cayo Santa María and the Northern Keys represent Cuba’s ultimate tropical escape. This pristine archipelago, linked to the mainland by an impressive causeway, offers turquoise waters and untouched white sands.
This region is a sanctuary of natural beauty and secluded luxury. It serves as a gateway to vibrant coral reefs, endemic wildlife, and the quiet rhythm of the Caribbean Sea.
Most Popular Attractions
Beachfronts & Natural Escapes:
Playa Perla Blanca: A stunning, secluded beach at the eastern tip of the key, famous for its powdery white sand and shallow turquoise waters.
Playa Las Caletas: A serene stretch of coastline perfect for those seeking tranquility away from the larger resort clusters.
Playa Cañón: A beautiful beach area known for its romantic atmosphere and wide expanse of sand.
Playa Cuatro Punta: A popular spot for long walks along the shore, offering breathtaking sunset views over the Atlantic.
Cayo Ensenachos: An exclusive neighboring key featuring two of the most beautiful horseshoe-shaped beaches in all of Cuba.
Cayo Las Brujas: The first key reached via the causeway, home to a charming marina and a small, intimate airfield.
Cayo Francés: A nearby islet famous for the shipwreck of the San Pascual, a concrete ship steeped in local history.
Refugio de Fauna Cayo Santa María: A protected nature reserve home to various species of birds, reptiles, and lush tropical flora.
Nautical & Modern Attractions:
Marina Gaviota Las Brujas: The main nautical hub for the keys, offering catamaran tours, deep-sea fishing, and diving excursions.
Delfinario Cayo Santa María: A large dolphinarium where visitors can watch shows and swim with dolphins in a controlled natural environment.
Pueblo La Estrella: A themed tourist village designed like a colonial town, featuring shops, restaurants, and entertainment spaces.
Pueblo Las Terrazas: A vibrant plaza offering artisanal markets, bowling, and spa services for visitors staying across the keys.
The Pedraplén: The award-winning 48km stone causeway across the sea, a feat of engineering providing incredible panoramic ocean views.
Crucero del Sol: A popular full-day catamaran excursion that explores the surrounding coral reefs and includes snorkeling sessions.
Nearby Cultural & Regional Sites:
Remedios: A historic colonial town on the mainland, famous for its 16th-century church and the “Parrandas” winter festival.
San Pascual Shipwreck: A permanent “concrete ship” anchored off Cayo Francés, used historically as a hotel and now a curious landmark.
Caibarién: A coastal fishing town known as the “Crab City,” serving as the gateway to the causeway and the keys.
Cayo Gavilán: A small islet ideal for birdwatching and observing the local flamingos in their natural habitat.
Buenavista Biosphere Reserve: A UNESCO-recognized area surrounding the keys, protecting the diverse marine and terrestrial ecosystems of the region.
Plaza Las Salinas: A central gathering point for tourists featuring local music performances and traditional Cuban cocktail bars.
Activities & Experiences
Catamaran Cruise to San Pascual: Embark on a full-day sailing excursion on a catamaran. Most tours include an open bar, music, and a stop at the San Pascual, a concrete ship grounded since 1933.
Snorkel at the Barrier Reef: Explore the world’s second-largest coral reef system. The crystal-clear waters of the keys offer incredible visibility to see tropical fish and vibrant coral formations.
Visit the “Crucero del Sol”: This is the flagship excursion of the region, combining a catamaran sail, swimming with dolphins at the local dolphinarium, and a seafood lunch on a private beach.
Swim with Dolphins at the Cayo Santa María Dolphinarium: One of the largest in Cuba, this facility allows you to interact and swim with semi-captive dolphins in a natural seawater environment.
Day Trip to Remedios: Take a colonial steam train or a taxi to the mainland to visit San Juan de los Remedios, the eighth-oldest city in Cuba, famous for its beautiful central plaza and 16th-century church.
Jeep Safari Adventure: Drive your own jeep across the stone causeway (Pedraplén) to the mainland, exploring the Cuban countryside, visiting a local farm (finca), and enjoying a traditional Creole lunch.
Explore Cayo Las Brujas: Visit the neighboring key to enjoy its more secluded, “wilder” beaches and its cozy marina, which is the hub for most nautical activities in the northern keys.
Sunset Dinner at Las Terrazas: Enjoy a romantic seafood dinner at one of the specialized restaurants overlooking the ocean as the sun sets over the Caribbean.
Birdwatching in the Biosphere Reserve: Hike the nature trails in the protected areas of the keys to spot endemic species like the Cuban Trogon (Tocororo) and pink flamingos in the lagoons.
Stroll through the Gaviota Tourist Villages: Visit “Pueblo La Estrella” or “Pueblo Las Dunas.” These are designed like traditional Cuban towns and offer shopping, bowling, spas, and live music for a change of pace from the resort.
Deep Sea Fishing: Rent a charter from the Marina Gaviota and head into the deep blue waters to try your luck at catching marlin, sailfish, or mahi-mahi.
Local Tips & Transport
The Pedraplén (The Causeway): The keys are connected to the mainland by an impressive 48km-long stone causeway. While a feat of engineering, it is a toll road (if driving yourself), so keep small change ready.
Tourist Bus (Panoramic Bus): An open-top hop-on, hop-off bus runs throughout the day, connecting all the major hotels with the “Pueblos” (tourist villages) and the Marina. It is an affordable and breezy way to get around the keys.
Taxis: Classic 1950s American cars and modern government taxis are available at every hotel lobby. They are the fastest way to travel between keys but agree on the price before starting the journey.
Car Rentals: Rentals are available but limited. If you plan to drive to the mainland (to Santa Clara or Remedios), book well in advance. Be mindful that gas stations can be sparse once you leave the main highway.
Walking: While the resort grounds are walkable, the keys themselves are quite spread out. Walking between different hotels or to the Marina is generally not recommended due to the heat and distance.
The All-Inclusive Environment: Almost all accommodation in Cayo Santa María is all-inclusive. While convenient, the “real” Cuba is across the causeway. Make an effort to take at least one day trip to the mainland to experience local life.
Pack for the Insects: Being a tropical mangrove environment, “jejenes” (no-see-ums) and mosquitoes can be active at dusk and dawn. Bring a strong repellent and light, long-sleeved clothing for the evenings.
Currency and Tipping: While most things are included, tips are highly appreciated by the staff. Small denominations of Euros or CAD are often preferred over USD.
Internet Access: Wi-Fi is generally available in hotel lobbies and increasingly in rooms via a NAUTA card or account. However, connection speeds can be inconsistent—embrace the “digital detox.”
Sun Protection: The sun in the keys is exceptionally strong due to the white sand reflection. Use biodegradable sunscreen to protect the coral reefs and stay hydrated with bottled water, which is provided in your resort.
Hidden Gems:
- Playa Perla Blanca: Located at the very tip of Cayo Santa María, this beach is often less crowded than those in front of the main hotels and offers a pristine, “desert island” feel.
- The Sugar Mills Museum (Marcelo Salado): On the way to Remedios, stop at this former sugar mill to see a collection of vintage steam locomotives and learn about the industry that built Cuba.
- Cayo Ensenachos: Often cited as having the best sand in the entire archipelago. If you aren’t staying there, you can sometimes access the beach area (Playa El Mégano) for a day fee to enjoy its turquoise, pool-like waters.
- Santa Clara Day Trip: It’s a 90-minute drive, but visiting the Che Guevara Mausoleum and the “Tren Blindado” monument provides a deep dive into Cuban revolutionary history that you won’t find on the beach.
Language: Staff speak excellent English, but a “Gracias” or “Buenos días” goes a long way. Cubans are famously friendly and love to chat about music or baseball.