Excursions to Cayo Media Luna: An experience to share with all

TEXT and PHOTOS: Román Romero López

Viewed from Playa Pilar, the islet seems closer. However, the catamaran trip, with the wind blowing in your favor, takes almost 30 minutes, although the time perception is shorter due to the attractions of the journey.

The sea appears before the traveler’s eyes, with its different hues, and even in the deep areas, the waters resemble the glass of a fish tank, allowing you to observe the spectacle of the fish and the beauty of the seabed, above which a picturesque coral reef rises.

Your attention soon shifts toward the horizon on arriving to Cayo Media Luna, the destination so often perceived from Playa Pilar, stimulating the desire to sail the waters and enjoy the offshore experience.

Cayo Media Luna (Half Moon Cay) is barely a speck on the map, with less than 14 hectares and a fascinating history surrounding the rusty remains of a ship believed to have sunk in 1920 when it hit the coral reef.

The remains of the vessel are sometimes visible, but at high tide, a reddish-brown mass that is an underwater natural museum is barely distinguishable, with cannons, propellers, anchors, and pieces of marine life trapped in the silence of the coral.

A visit to this islet evokes the famous writer Ernest Hemingway, who traveled through these areas aboard his boat, El Pilar, in the 1930s and after World War II, obsessed with the search for enemy submarines and the power of nature.

Bordered by beautiful stretches of beach, ideal for snorkeling, it is longer than it is wide, with abundant vegetation, predominantly pine and casuarina trees, where numerous birds find refuge, interrupting the tranquility with their songs.

On the surface of the area, a large population of hermit crabs can be seen, disguised in various shells that inhabit the coastal environment; and small red crabs also appear, incredibly agile at moving and hiding among the plants and rocks.

This key is a large rock overlooking the sea, popular for leisure activities thanks to the quality of its beach, the opportunity for water activities, and the excellent dining options at a ranch nestled among gardens filled with native and introduced vegetation. A line of solar panels is located on the man-made infrastructure, demonstrating the commitment to the use of clean energy.

Details and experiences of the trip

The Marina Marlin Jardines del Rey branch, located on Cayo Guillermo, offers a close-up look at the striking islet through the Media Luna Adventure excursion, which includes attractive offers for groups of six people.

Upon arriving at the nautical point of Playa Pilar, guests who choose this option have a reserved sun lounger and lounge chairs. Then, at 10:00 a.m., they depart by catamaran to the coral reef, where they can snorkel for an hour to better observe this aquatic paradise and the remains of the ship that sank in that area more than a century ago.

Afterward, guests are transferred to Media Luna, where they can enjoy excellent stretches of beach with greater privacy and the opportunity to relax on lounge chairs very close to the shore.

Lázaro Germán Fernández, sales and tourism training promoter for the Marina Marlin Jardines del Rey branch, stated that, “This island is home to the most beautiful restaurant in the northern Ciego de Ávila keys, offering a varied lunch menu: chicken or pork loin as main courses and access to a small buffet with white or seafood rice, salads, fresh fruit, root vegetables, juices, and desserts, in addition to drinks.

At 2:00 p.m., guests return to Playa Pilar, where they have free time on the beach, with access to various nautical equipment for one hour, until 4:00 p.m.

It is an offer primarily aimed at domestic tourists, with high demand during the summer and ideal for family enjoyment, as Yoelis Azahares Rodríguez, whose family chose the Media Luna Adventure to celebrate her birthday, explained in an interview with Sol de Cuba.

“I had never visited this key before. My sister, a cousin, and friends invited me to see it, and I think it’s spectacular, not only because of the surroundings, but because we received excellent service and a variety of culinary offers.”

A sea lover, this Ciego de Avila native was impressed by the coral reef and the remains of the sunken ship, an experience that moved her especially amidst the celebrations for her 25th birthday.

“The service was attentive from the moment we arrived at the nautical point, where the staff offered pertinent explanations for the excursion, in addition to answering our questions and guiding us to fully enjoy a summer day.”

Yoelis also had words of praise for Playa Pilar, describing it as “the most beautiful, even better than the resorts of Cayo Coco and Varadero, especially for the quality of the water, the beautiful surroundings, and the fine, white sands.” She did not hesitate to recommend this option for enjoying two wonderful places.

With the same journey and similar options, the Marina Marlin Jardines del Rey branch presents Pilar Exclusiva, an offer specially designed for international tourists. It takes place aboard a two-story vessel, the first floor of which has a glass bottom with seats all around to contemplate the underwater surroundings.

Additionally, during the trip, excursionists can listen to music, enjoy the scenery, take photos from a terrace, and jump into the sea with the facilities offered by two diving boards.

Lunch at Cayo Media Luna includes lobster and fish fillet as the main course, with the option to select other dishes if you do not want seafood. It also includes a small buffet with other foods, as well as drinks.

“It’s an initiative that has remained a favorite among Canadian and Russian tourists, essentially,” explained Germán Fernández.

During his first stay in Cuba, Canadian Jean Philippe Lagacé enjoyed this excursion, “a complete package: a perfect natural environment, especially the beach, and excellent service; the staff go out of their way to meet guests’ needs.

“I didn’t feel like I was in a tourist resort, but rather in a family atmosphere. It’s a good option, so I would suggest that my friends visit Cuba, especially this place, because it’s safe and relaxing for vacationers.”

Travelers’ opinions confirm that not far from Playa Pilar, there is a small and fascinating world to discover, a space that invites you to repeat the experience, as travelers are enchanted by the perfection of the surroundings and the attention of staff capable of creating an ideal environment for complete enjoyment.