Cayo Santa María, a captivating destination in northern Cuba

Looking for beautiful, safe beaches where you can vacation to the fullest? Rejoice in experiencing just what you imagined: stroll outdoors, smile and fully enjoy an extraordinary island. Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away. This is a place where you can turn your dreams into experiences.

Cayo Santa María is a splendid, welcoming and warm destination in any season. Its calm and spacious beaches are the gateway to an underwater world that places it among the Caribbean’s top contemplative diving destinations. Its shallow waters are ideal for snorkeling and admiring the impressive diversity of marine life that inhabits the nearby reefs. Its flora and fauna are also interesting. This idyllic Caribbean refuge is part of the Bahía Buenavista ecosystem, declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. This distinction honors the territory’s biodiversity, its numerous endemic species and its landscapes of great ecological value.

On Cayo Santa María, you can experience everything from the most serene relaxation to the most stimulating activity.

Location

Located in the Jardines del Rey archipelago, Cayo Santa María is part of the northern keys of the province of Villa Clara and connects to the main island of Cuba via a long, winding, 48-kilometer-long sea highway. Driving along this waterway is part of the pleasant experience of this revitalizing trip.

Beaches

To speak of Cayo Santa María is to speak of magnificent beaches, where the fine sand plunges into a sea of astonishing clarity. Its remarkable state of conservation, its natural surroundings and the biodiversity of its seabed make this destination a place where anything is possible. Among its most notable beaches are:

Las Gaviotas Beach
Located at the northeastern end of the key, the area’s lush vegetation stands in stark contrast to the beach, giving it a unique charm. Las Gaviotas Beach is one of the best-preserved beaches on the key and one of the least encroached upon by human activity, as it has no tourist facilities, making it the perfect place to enjoy nature. Its shore is ideal for long walks, and swimming in its shallow waters provides a peaceful escape.

Perla Blanca Beach
A secluded retreat, where nature has conspired to overflow with perfection. The peace of the site and the serenity of its beach, combined with its extensive dunes and coastal vegetation, make it idyllic. Its location within the key makes it a popular spot for sunrises.

Neighboring islets
Many small islands are close to this key, but Las Brujas and Ensenachos are the closest.

Cayo Las Brujas
Its proximity to the Bahamas Channel means this key boasts spectacular coral reefs, perfect for scuba divers. Its long beaches are made up of ecosystems of high ecological value and extensive biodiversity. Adding to the beauty of its coasts is the variety of water sports available, including boat and catamaran excursions.

Cayo Ensenachos
A small slice of divine land, an island to enjoy without time limits. Its natural charm invites you to enjoy long days of sun and sea. This key is also part of the Buenavista Biosphere Reserve.

Nature

Cayo Santa María is also a natural refuge where biodiversity finds fertile ground. Wetlands and mangroves are home to numerous bird species, including pink flamingos, pelicans and herons, making the key an ideal area for birdwatching.

The nearby coral reef also offers curious visitors with diving skills a rich marine life full of exotic species. And for those who prefer a walk on land, excursions along ecological trails offer interesting strolls through the coastal vegetation.

A boundless sea

The sea in this area is a constant invitation to memorable experiences. Activities abound, including snorkeling, scuba diving and catamaran rides. For sport fishing enthusiasts, the island’s surroundings are the perfect setting. And if you’re looking for an exciting adventure, jet ski tours through the natural canals surrounding the island are the perfect challenge to rekindle your adrenaline rush.

Nearby cities

If you’d like to take advantage of the proximity to the mainland for city sightseeing, there are several destinations near Cayo Santa María. These include Santa Clara, a city steeped in Cuban history; Remedios, a small town known for its parrandas—one of Cuba’s oldest popular festivals; and Caibarién.

Trinidad, one of the country’s most popular and admired tourist destinations, is a legendary city about three hours away from Cayo Santa María by car. It’s worth the trip. A World Heritage Site, a World Craft City, and a UNESCO Creative City, Trinidad boasts one of the most beautiful and best-preserved architectural complexes in the Americas.

And to conclude an urban trip, the city of Cienfuegos, whose Historic Center also boasts the title of World Heritage Site. Located in south-central Cuba, it is the only 19th-century city in the Americas, founded by the French under the Spanish Crown. Its elegant neoclassical layout extends throughout the city’s perimeter, and its notable French heritage stands out in many of its most important buildings.

Services

The hotels on the key coexist in harmony with the environment, being one of the first in the country to use renewable energy. They offer all-inclusive services, distinguishing themselves by differentiating their clientele, from luxury, adults-only options to perfect family resorts. Most are co-managed by renowned international hotel chains such as Meliá, Iberostar, Blue Diamonds and ROC, among others. They feature pools, spas, a varied culinary offering and daytime and nighttime entertainment, thus guaranteeing a fulfilling stay.
Cayo Santa María is a destination you’ll want to return to whenever possible. It’s a dream island, an island to renew your energy, body and soul. Transform your dreams into vivid experiences. You’ll see that anything is possible.

Although it’s a refuge to escape from everyday life, there are access roads within a short distance of its location. The Abel Santamaría International Airport in Santa Clara is about an hour from the hotels, and another airport in Cayo Las Brujas connects with other destinations in the country.