📌Province
Cayo Coco is one of the most famous cays in Cuba, located in the Jardines del Rey archipelago, off the north coast of Ciego de Ávila province. It is a first-rate sun-and-beach destination, with kilometers of white sand beaches and turquoise waters, connected to the mainland by a long causeway (a road built over the sea). Together with neighboring Cayo Guillermo, it concentrates an important area of all-inclusive hotels and a spectacular natural setting of mangroves, lagoons and flamingos
📌Service town
Cayo Coco has its own international airport, Jardines del Rey (CCC), which receives charter and scheduled flights, mainly from Canada and Europe, the main gateway to the destination. All the tourist infrastructure (hotels, restaurants, dive centers, agencies) is on the cays themselves. The service town on the mainland is Morón, about 35 km away along the causeway, and the provincial capital, Ciego de Ávila, a bit farther. There you'll find hospitals, banks and 'real' Cuban life
📌Best time to go
The best time for Cayo Coco is the dry season, from November to April, with sunny days, low humidity, a calm sea and ideal beach temperatures: it's the high season. Summer (May to October) is hotter and more humid, with more rain, and it coincides with the hurricane season (September and October, the months of greatest risk). December to March are the busiest months and offer the best conditions for swimming and water sports
📌Suggested days
Cayo Coco is a destination for relaxing on the beach, so the number of days depends on how much you want to unwind: it's common to spend 4 to 7 days enjoying the sea and the all-inclusive regime. With 2 to 3 days you can combine the beach with an excursion (Cayo Guillermo and its Playa Pilar, a catamaran ride, snorkeling or diving, flamingo watching). For those who also want a bit of 'authentic' Cuba, a getaway to Morón or the nearby town of Remedios is worthwhile
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🌤️ Clima en Cayo Coco
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Cayo Coco is the postcard Caribbean in its purest form: kilometers of dazzling white sand beaches, a sea of turquoise gradients that looks painted and a nature of mangroves, lagoons and flocks of pink flamingos. It forms part of the Jardines del Rey archipelago, off the north-central coast of Cuba, and is —together with its neighbor Cayo Guillermo— one of the country's great sun-and-beach destinations, with an area of large all-inclusive hotels that host mainly travelers from Canada and Europe looking for rest and sea.
Unlike Cuba's urban destinations, here people come not so much for the history or culture as for the generous nature: swimming in warm, shallow waters, snorkeling over reefs, sailing by catamaran to pristine cays and disconnecting from the world. The name 'Cayo Coco' doesn't come from the coconut, but from a bird: the coco or white ibis, which is abundant in its mangroves. Indeed, the fauna —flamingos, pelicans, herons— is one of its great attractions, in an area that is a biosphere reserve.
This guide covers Cayo Coco with a practical eye: its most beautiful beaches, those of neighboring Cayo Guillermo (with the famous Playa Pilar), the sea and nature excursions, and its role as a relaxation base with possible getaways to Morón and the coast. It's a destination for those seeking a first-rate beach and comfort, with the bonus of a wild nature that reminds you that, even here, Cuba is much more than a resort.
📖 History of Cayo Coco
The cays of the Jardines del Rey archipelago, among them Cayo Coco, were for centuries a practically uninhabited territory, frequented only by fishermen, charcoal makers and, at different times, by pirates and smugglers who took advantage of their labyrinths of mangroves and islets. The name 'Jardines del Rey' (King's Gardens) is attributed to the navigator Diego Velázquez, who is said to have dedicated it to the king of Spain in the 16th century. 'Cayo Coco', for its part, owes its name to the coco or white ibis, a bird abundant in the area. For a long time, these cays remained on the margins of development, with an almost intact nature of beaches, lagoons and wildlife. The writer Ernest Hemingway frequented these waters in his yacht in search of fishing and adventure, and the area appears in some of his works (Cayo Guillermo is mentioned in 'Islands in the Stream'). The great change came in the last decades of the 20th century: from the 1980s and, above all, the 1990s, Cuba bet on international tourism as a source of foreign currency, and the long causeway connecting the cays with the mainland was built, along with the first large hotels. Since then, Cayo Coco and Cayo Guillermo have become one of the most important sun-and-beach tourist hubs in the country, combining modern resorts with protected natural areas. The full history is on our history page.
Read the full history →🗺️ What to see
1
Cayo Coco beaches
Kilometers of white sand and turquoise sea, the cay's great attraction, with several spectacular beaches.
The beaches are, without question, the reason for Cayo Coco's existence and its great treasure. The cay has several kilometers of white, fine, soft sand coastline, bathed by a warm, transparent, shallow sea in turquoise tones, ideal for swimming, floating and resting for hours. It's the perfect setting for total relaxation and water sports.
Among the best-known beaches are Playa Larga, a long strip of sand ideal for long walks, and other beaches in front of the large hotels, many equipped with loungers, umbrellas and water-sport services. The waters are usually calm and suitable for the whole family, although in some stretches there is sargassum or seagrass depending on the season. The beauty of the water's color, especially in the sun, is among the most photographed in the Cuban Caribbean.
Most of the beaches are associated with all-inclusive hotels, but the coast is public and can be walked. There are also spots for snorkeling, kayaking, windsurfing and other sports. Tips: bring good sun protection (the sun is very intense), stay hydrated and check the state of the sea and the presence of sargassum by season. To find quieter stretches, move away from the areas in front of the large resorts. Sunset over the sea is an everyday spectacle.
ℹ️ Distance: Along Cayo Coco (Playa Larga and beaches in front of the hotels) · Best time to go: Dry season (November to April); all year for swimming · Entry: Free (public beaches); hotel services separate · Duration: From half a day to several days
2
Playa Pilar (Cayo Guillermo)
Considered one of the best beaches in Cuba, on neighboring Cayo Guillermo, with dunes and very fine sand.
Playa Pilar, on neighboring Cayo Guillermo (connected to Cayo Coco by road), is considered by many to be one of the best beaches in Cuba and the entire Caribbean, and an essential excursion for anyone staying in the area. Its name pays tribute to the 'Pilar', the yacht of the writer Ernest Hemingway, which sailed these waters.
What sets Playa Pilar apart is the combination of white, very fine and abundant sand, some of the highest dunes in the Caribbean (fed by the wind) and a sea of crystal-clear, intensely turquoise waters, especially beautiful. The beach has a more natural, wild air than those of the large resorts, with basic services (a bar-restaurant, lounger rental and water sports) but no big hotels on top of it, which preserves its charm.
From Playa Pilar boat excursions also depart to nearby cays, such as Cayo Media Luna, with good seabeds for snorkeling. It's a perfect place to spend the day enjoying the sea in a more pristine setting. Tips: it's best to go early to enjoy it with fewer people; bring sun protection, water and something to eat or use the site's services. You get there by taxi, excursion or car from Cayo Coco. It's the crowning touch of a trip to the area.
ℹ️ Distance: At the western tip of Cayo Guillermo (taxi, excursion or car from Cayo Coco) · Best time to go: Dry season; early for fewer people · Entry: Beach free; lounger approx. US$ 3–5; organized excursion from Cayo Coco US$ 15–30 per person (source: agencies and traveler forums, verified July 2026) · Duration: Half a day or more
3
Flamingo and bird watching (mangroves and lagoons)
The cay's other great treasure: flocks of pink flamingos and birds in its mangroves and lagoons.
Beyond the beaches, Cayo Coco and the Jardines del Rey archipelago are a paradise for bird watching, in an area declared a biosphere reserve. The great natural spectacle is the flocks of pink flamingos that inhabit the lagoons and mangrove areas of the cays: seeing them fly or feed in a group, with their intense pink color set against the water, is one of the most memorable images of the destination.
The mangroves, lagoons and coastal areas of the cays are home, besides flamingos, to a rich birdlife: pelicans, herons, spoonbills, ibis (the 'coco' that gives the cay its name) and many other species, some endemic. The causeway road itself and certain points of the cays allow you to spot flamingos in the wild, especially in certain lagoons and at certain times of day.
There are guided nature and bird-watching excursions and tours that combine the mangroves, the lagoons and the viewing spots. It's an ideal activity for those who want to go beyond the beach and get to know the valuable ecosystem of the cays. Tips: bring binoculars if you have them, insect repellent, sun protection and water; early morning and dusk are usually the best times to see birds. Check out guided nature excursions to make the most of the experience.
ℹ️ Distance: Lagoons and mangroves of the cays and the causeway (guided tours) · Best time to go: Early morning or dusk; dry season · Entry: Spotting flamingos from the causeway is free; guided nature excursion approx. US$ 20–40 per person (source: Ecotur/Cubatur agencies and forums, verified July 2026) · Duration: 1 to 3 hours
4
Diving and snorkeling on the reefs
Well-preserved coral reefs off the cays, ideal for diving and snorkeling.
The waters surrounding Cayo Coco and Cayo Guillermo, in the Jardines del Rey archipelago, offer excellent conditions for diving and snorkeling. Off the north coast of the cays stretches a long coral reef barrier, one of the most important in Cuba, with coral formations, walls, caves and rich marine life: colorful tropical fish, sponges, lobsters, turtles and, depending on the area, other marine animals.
The transparency of the water and the health of much of the reefs make this a highly valued area for divers. There are dive centers in the hotels and at points on the cays that organize dives for different levels, as well as snorkeling trips to reefs and nearby cays. For those who don't dive, snorkeling from the coast or on an excursion lets you peer into this underwater world with just a mask and snorkel.
It's one of the best ways to enjoy the marine nature of the destination. Tips: if you're going to dive, bring your certification if you have it (or do an intro dive with a center); for snorkeling, boat excursions usually take you to the best spots. Sun protection and respect for the corals (don't touch them or stand on them). Check the sea conditions and available operators.
ℹ️ Distance: Reefs off the north coast of the cays (from the shore or by boat) · Best time to go: Dry season, with calm sea and good visibility · Entry: Scuba dive approx. US$ 40–60 (two tanks); intro dive US$ 60–80; snorkeling trip US$ 25–45 (source: Marlin dive centers and forums, verified July 2026) · Duration: Half a day to a full day
5
Catamaran excursion around the cays
A catamaran ride over turquoise waters, with snorkeling, lunch and a stop at pristine cays.
One of the most popular and enjoyed excursions in Cayo Coco and Cayo Guillermo is the catamaran ride over the waters of the Jardines del Rey archipelago. It's a full sea day that combines sailing, snorkeling and beach time on pristine cays, ideal for those who want to go beyond the hotel beach and explore the marine beauty of the area.
The excursion usually includes the catamaran crossing over spectacularly turquoise waters, one or several stops to snorkel over reefs with colorful fish, and arrival at a pristine cay or beach where you spend a while enjoying the sea. Many outings include a grilled seafood or fish lunch, an open bar on board and, in some cases, encounters with marine wildlife. It's a festive, very Caribbean plan.
There are different formats and operators, with departures from the cays' marinas. Tips: book with an agency or from the hotel; bring sun protection, a swimsuit, a towel and some cash. Check exactly what each excursion includes (lunch, drinks, snorkeling, stops) and the sea conditions. It's usually a full day and one of the best memories of the trip.
ℹ️ Distance: Departures from Cayo Coco/Guillermo marinas toward nearby cays · Best time to go: Dry season, calm-sea days · Entry: Catamaran excursion approx. US$ 60–95 per person, usually includes snorkeling, lunch and open bar (source: Marlin marinas and agencies, verified July 2026) · Duration: Full day
6
The causeway and a getaway to Morón
The impressive road over the sea and the nearby city of Morón, to see the 'real' Cuba.
The causeway that connects Cayo Coco with the mainland is, in itself, an experience: a very long road built over the sea, several kilometers long, that crosses the Bahía de Perros like a ribbon between sky and water. Traveling it lets you enjoy unique views of the open sea on both sides and, often, spot flamingos and other birds in the shallow waters that surround it. It's the entrance (and exit) by land to the cays.
At the end of the causeway, on the mainland, is the city of Morón, about 35 km away, a 'real' Cuban town that offers an interesting contrast with the resort bubble. Known as 'the City of the Rooster' (for the famous bronze rooster sculpture at the entrance), Morón is a quiet inland city, with its main street, its houses, its local atmosphere and the chance to eat at paladares and see everyday Cuban life.
A getaway to Morón —or beyond, to the provincial capital Ciego de Ávila, or to the nearby colonial town of Remedios— is a good way to complement resting on the beach with a bit of authentic Cuba. Tips: to cross the causeway to/from the cays there is usually a checkpoint and a toll. You can go to Morón by taxi, excursion or car. Ideal for a different morning or half day.
ℹ️ Distance: Causeway several km long; Morón about 35 km away on the mainland · Best time to go: Any day; morning to see birds on the causeway · Entry: Causeway toll (38 km stretch) 40 CUP per car (official fare in effect since February 2025, source: Granma / Cubadebate, verified July 2026); excursion to Morón US$ 25–50 per person (source: agencies and forums, verified July 2026) · Duration: Half a day (with Morón)
💵 Prices
Tickets
| Type | Price |
|---|
| Cayo Coco beaches and Playa Pilar (Cayo Guillermo) | Free (public beaches); lounger/umbrella approx. US$ 3–5 if you're not at a hotel (source: traveler reports, verified July 2026) |
| Nature tours and flamingo watching | Approx. US$ 20–40 per person on a guided excursion (source: Ecotur/Cubatur agencies, verified July 2026) |
| Diving / intro dive | Two-tank dive US$ 40–60; intro dive (no certification) US$ 60–80 (source: Marlin dive centers, verified July 2026) |
| Catamaran excursion (with snorkeling and lunch) | Approx. US$ 60–95 per person, usually includes lunch and open bar (source: Marlin marinas and agencies, verified July 2026) |
| Causeway toll (access to the cays) | 40 CUP per car on the 38 km stretch (official fare in effect since February 2025; source: Granma / Cubadebate, verified July 2026) |
| Water sports (kayak, windsurf, paddle) | Kayak/paddle US$ 5–15 per hour; usually included at all-inclusive hotels (source: hotels and forums, verified July 2026) |
🔄 updated monthlyOfficial / reference values · double-check when buying
Activities and tours
| Activity | Price | Duration | Operator |
|---|
| Catamaran around the cays (snorkeling, pristine beach, lunch) | Approx. US$ 60–95 per person (includes snorkeling, lunch and open bar) (source: Marlin marinas and agencies, verified July 2026) | Full day | Cays' marinas and agencies (Marlin, Cubanacán) |
| Diving on the Jardines del Rey reefs | Two-tank dive US$ 40–60; packages with more dives, discounted (source: Marlin dive centers, verified July 2026) | Half a day | Marlin dive centers at the hotels and marinas |
| Nature excursion and flamingo/bird watching | Approx. US$ 20–40 per person with a guide (source: Ecotur/Cubatur agencies, verified July 2026) | Half a day | Nature guides and agencies (Ecotur, Cubatur) |
| Day at Playa Pilar (Cayo Guillermo) and snorkeling at Cayo Media Luna | Approx. US$ 25–50 per person on an excursion (transfer and snorkeling) (source: local operators, verified July 2026) | Full day | Local operators and taxis |
| Getaway to Morón and/or Remedios | Approx. US$ 25–50 per person on an organized excursion; private taxi US$ 60–100 per car (source: agencies and taxi drivers, verified July 2026) | Half a day to a full day | Taxis and agencies (Cubatur, Havanatur) |
| Sport fishing and water sports | Fishing trip US$ 250–450 per boat (half day, several people); jet-ski US$ 40–70 per half hour (source: Marlin marinas, verified July 2026) | Variable | Marlin marinas and hotels |
🔄 updated monthlyOfficial / reference values · double-check when buying
🚌 How to get there and distances
Getting around
| Mode | Price | Duration | Notes |
|---|
| Panoramic cays bus (hop-on hop-off) | US$ 5 per person for the day pass on the Cayo Coco–Cayo Guillermo circuit; US$ 10 per person for the pass that adds Cayo Paredón; paid on board in cash (source: cayococococuba.net, verified July 2026) | All day | Open-top panoramic bus that runs Cayo Coco and Cayo Guillermo stopping at hotels, shopping centers, plazas, dolphinariums, Playa Pilar and the docks; the ticket is bought on board and the schedule is posted at each hotel entrance. It's the only 'public' transport on the cays and the cheapest way to get around without a car. Important: these buses do NOT cross the causeway to the mainland, they only run within the cays |
| Dotto tourist train and horse-drawn carriage (within a hotel/area) | Dotto train approx. US$ 2 per person per trip; horse-drawn carriage approx. US$ 5 per person (source: cayococococuba.net, verified July 2026) | Short trips | The little Dotto train and the horse-drawn carriages cover short distances between hotels and nearby attractions; useful for occasional trips within the hotel zone |
| Taxis | Trips between hotels US$ 5–15; to Playa Pilar US$ 25–40 round trip per car (source: traveler reports, verified July 2026) | Variable | For transfers between hotels, to Playa Pilar, to the airport or to the mainland (Morón). It's best to agree the fare in advance |
| Scooter, motorbike or car rental | Scooter approx. US$ 25–40 per day; car US$ 70–120 per day plus insurance and fuel (source: rental agencies and forums, verified July 2026) | Variable | A comfortable way to explore the cays independently (the distances between hotels and beaches are large). Book in advance |
| Bicycle rental | Approx. US$ 5–10 per day (sometimes included at the hotel) (source: hotels and forums, verified July 2026) | Variable | Useful for short distances within a hotel area; the heat and long distances can be demanding |
| Transport payment and apps (how it's paid today) | Cash in USD for the panoramic bus, taxis, rentals and the causeway toll (source: cayococococuba.net and traveler reports, verified July 2026) | — | On the cays everything is paid in cash, preferably in USD: the panoramic bus (on board), the taxis, the rentals and the causeway toll/checkpoint (official fare of 40 CUP per car, in effect since February 2025; the old CUC charge became obsolete after that currency was eliminated in 2021). There is no real-time transport app: in Cuba apps like Moovit or Transit don't work, and 'La Nave' (the 'Cuban Uber') only operates in Havana; for the panoramic bus, the schedule posted at each hotel is enough. The QR payment (Transfermóvil/EnZona) that Ómnibus Nacionales added in 2025 is for state interprovincial buses and requires a Cuban account, so it doesn't apply on the cays. Bring enough cash: on the cays there are few ATMs and foreign cards rarely work |
🔄 updated monthlyOfficial / reference values · double-check when buying
How to get there
| Route | Airlines / operators | Avg. price | Duration |
|---|
| Jardines del Rey Airport (CCC) → cays' hotels | Taxis and hotel transfers | Transfer included in many packages; taxi approx. US$ 15–30 per car (source: hotel transfers and forums, verified July 2026) | 20 to 40 min depending on the hotel |
| Havana → Cayo Coco (Víazul to Ciego de Ávila + transfer) | Víazul + taxi/transfer over the causeway | Víazul Havana–Ciego de Ávila approx. US$ 30; plus transfer to the cays US$ 30–50 (source: Víazul and forums, verified July 2026) | Several hours (about 500 km); with a transfer to the cays |
| Havana → Cayo Coco (private transfer or car over the causeway) | Private transfers and rental cars | Private transfer approx. US$ 180–280 per car; rental car from US$ 70/day plus fuel (source: transfer and rental agencies, verified July 2026) | Approx. 5 to 6 h |
| Santa Clara / Remedios → Cayo Coco (taxi or transfer) | Taxis and transfers | Approx. US$ 90–150 per car depending on origin (source: taxi drivers and transfers, verified July 2026) | Depending on origin (several hours); over the causeway |
| Morón → Cayo Coco (over the causeway) | Taxis and local transport | Taxi approx. US$ 30–50 per car, plus a toll of 40 CUP per car on the causeway (source: taxi drivers and official Granma/Cubadebate fare, verified July 2026) | Approx. 45 min to 1 h (about 35 km) |
🔄 updated monthlyOfficial / reference values · double-check when buying
🏨 Where to stay
No exact prices: a scale from $ (budget) to $$$$$ (luxury), with 2-3 options per category.
| Category | Price | Recommended options |
|---|
| Luxury all-inclusive resorts (5 stars) | $$$$$ | Large all-inclusive resorts of international chains (e.g. Meliá Jardines del Rey, Meliá Cayo Coco, Meliá Costa Rey —formerly Pullman Gran Marena—), beachfront, with pools, buffets and shows: approx. US$ 150–300 per person per night in high season (source: Meliá / Tripadvisor, verified July 2026) |
| Mid-range all-inclusive hotels (3-4 stars) | $$$$$ | Mid-range all-inclusive hotels along the cays (e.g. Memories Flamenco Beach Resort, Iberostar Daiquiri, Sol Cayo Coco): approx. US$ 80–160 per person per night, good value for families (source: hotel aggregators / Tripadvisor, verified July 2026) |
| Lodging in Morón (mainland) | $$$$$ | In Morón there are modest hotels (e.g. Hotel Morón, Hotel La Casona) and casas particulares: approx. US$ 30–60 per night. For those who prefer Cuban life and travel to the cays for the day (source: aggregators and forums, verified July 2026) |
| Casas particulares in Morón or Ciego de Ávila | $$$$$ | The cheapest and most authentic option: family homes with homemade breakfast. Approx. US$ 15–30 per night (breakfast US$ 5 separate). They combine 'real' Cuba with beach days on the cays (source: Airbnb and traveler forums, verified July 2026) |
🍴 Where to eat
| Type | Price | Options / signature dish |
|---|
| Resort buffets and restaurants (all-inclusive) | $$$$$ | International buffets and themed à la carte restaurants included in the hotel plan; variable quality. Extra meals outside the plan approx. US$ 15–30 per person (source: traveler reports, verified July 2026) |
| Seafood and fish restaurants | $$$$$ | Fresh fish, lobster and shrimp at the cays' restaurants and on excursions: grilled lobster approx. US$ 12–25; catch of the day US$ 8–15 (source: traveler reports, verified July 2026) |
| Paladares in Morón (mainland) | $$$$$ | Homemade creole cuisine (pork, congrí, root vegetables) at paladares in Morón, away from the resort scheme: approx. US$ 6–12 per main dish, better value (source: traveler reports, verified July 2026) |
| Beach bar-restaurants (Playa Pilar and others) | $$$$$ | Bar-restaurant on natural beaches like Playa Pilar for a seafood lunch or something light by the sea: approx. US$ 10–20 per person with a drink (source: traveler reports, verified July 2026) |
❓ Frequently asked questions
How do you get to Cayo Coco?+
The most direct way is to fly to Jardines del Rey Airport (CCC), on Cayo Coco itself, which receives charter and scheduled flights (mainly from Canada and Europe). By land, you get there crossing the long causeway from Morón/Ciego de Ávila, by private transfer, taxi or car; from Havana it's about 5 to 6 hours (about 500 km). To enter the cays there is a checkpoint and a toll of 40 CUP per car on the causeway (official fare in effect since February 2025).
What's the difference between Cayo Coco and Cayo Guillermo?+
They are two neighboring cays, connected by road, within the Jardines del Rey archipelago. Cayo Coco is the larger one with more hotels; Cayo Guillermo is somewhat smaller and home to the famous Playa Pilar, considered one of the best in Cuba, with its high dunes and very fine sand. Whoever stays on one usually visits the other: Playa Pilar is an essential excursion.
Where does the name 'Cayo Coco' come from?+
It doesn't come from the coconut (the fruit), but from a bird: the 'coco' or white ibis, abundant in the cay's mangroves and lagoons. The area forms part of the Jardines del Rey archipelago, a name attributed to the navigator Diego Velázquez, who is said to have dedicated it to the king of Spain in the 16th century. The fauna —flamingos, ibis, pelicans— is one of the great attractions of the place.
Can you see flamingos in Cayo Coco?+
Yes. The lagoons and mangroves of Cayo Coco and the archipelago are home to flocks of pink flamingos, which can be spotted in the wild, especially in certain lagoons and, often, from the causeway itself (free). There are also guided nature and bird-watching excursions (approx. US$ 20–40 per person). Early morning and dusk are the best times. The area is a biosphere reserve.
How much do the most popular excursions cost?+
The catamaran ride with snorkeling, pristine beach and lunch runs about US$ 60–95 per person; a two-tank scuba dive, US$ 40–60; a nature excursion to see flamingos, US$ 20–40; and a day at Playa Pilar with transfer, US$ 25–50 (prices verified in July 2026; it's best to confirm with the agency or hotel). To see the 'real' Cuba, a getaway to Morón costs about US$ 25–50 per person.
Is it better to stay on the cays or on the mainland?+
It depends on your style. The all-inclusive resorts on the cays (US$ 80–300 per person per night) offer total comfort and beach right there, ideal for disconnecting. Staying in Morón or Ciego de Ávila, in a casa particular (US$ 15–30 per night), is cheaper and more authentic, and means traveling to the cays for the day. Most beach travelers choose the resorts; those seeking 'real' Cuba, the mainland.
Is Cayo Coco safe and do I need cash?+
Cayo Coco is a very safe and controlled tourist destination. At the resorts card payment is usually accepted (check that they're not cards issued by U.S. banks, which don't work in Cuba), but for excursions, tips and purchases outside the hotel it's best to bring cash in local currency, obtained by exchanging euros or dollars. On the cays there are few ATMs, so it's wise to plan your cash. Check the current exchange situation before traveling.
How do you get around Cayo Coco, and is there a transport app?+
Within the cays, the cheapest option is the hop-on hop-off panoramic bus, which links Cayo Coco and Cayo Guillermo (US$ 5 for the day pass; US$ 10 for the one that adds Cayo Paredón) stopping at hotels, beaches and Playa Pilar; the ticket is bought on board and the schedule is posted at each hotel entrance. For occasional trips there are taxis, the little Dotto train (US$ 2) and horse-drawn carriages, and to have independence you can rent scooters (US$ 25–40/day), cars or bicycles. There is no real-time transport app: in Cuba apps like Moovit or Transit don't work, and 'La Nave' (the 'Cuban Uber') only operates in Havana; Google Maps locates you but doesn't show the panoramic bus. Everything is paid in cash, preferably in USD. Note: the panoramic bus doesn't cross the causeway, it only runs on the cays.
Sources consulted (11)
- Wikipedia (ES) — «Cayo Coco»: https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cayo_Coco
- Wikipedia (EN) — «Cayo Coco»: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cayo_Coco
- Wikipedia (ES) — «Jardines del Rey»: https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jardines_del_Rey
- Wikipedia (EN) — «Cayo Guillermo»: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cayo_Guillermo
- Wikipedia (ES) — «Morón (Cuba)»: https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mor%C3%B3n_(Cuba)
- Wikipedia (ES) — «Provincia de Ciego de Ávila»: https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Provincia_de_Ciego_de_%C3%81vila
- Cayo Coco Cuba (net) — «Getting Around: hop-on hop-off bus, Dotto train, taxis» (US$ 5/10 pase, circuitos Coco–Guillermo–Paredón): https://www.cayocococuba.net/gettingaround.html
- Granma — «Incrementarán la tasa de peaje a partir del 10 de febrero» (2025): https://www.granma.cu/cuba/2025-02-05/incrementaran-tasa-de-peaje-a-partir-del-proximo-10-de-febrero
- Cubadebate — «Cuba impulsa alza de peajes para modernizar red vial» (2025): http://www.cubadebate.cu/noticias/2025/02/05/cuba-impulsa-alza-de-peajes-para-modernizar-red-vial/
- Meliá Hotels — «Meliá Jardines del Rey, Cayo Coco»: https://www.melia.com/en/hotels/cuba/cayo-coco/melia-jardines-del-rey
- Tripadvisor — «Cayo Coco All-Inclusive Hotels»: https://www.tripadvisor.com/HotelsList-Cayo_Coco-All-Inclusive-Hotels-zfp12714233.html
