Cayo Coco

The beautiful white sand beaches and shallow waters of Cayo Coco make it one of Cuba's most popular tourist destinations. Cayo Coco is the fourth largest island in Cuba. As part of the Jardines del Rey, the combined archipelago of Sabana-Camaguey, Cayo Coco is connected to the mainland by a bridge. The island is promoted as an ecotourism destination where resorts have been built with the environment in mind, but rapid expansion over the past few years, and continued development are changing that image.

There is a bridge that allows access to the island from the mainland but many visitors arrive via the airport on the island. The only Cubans allowed on the island are employees so don't expect much culture or interaction with locals. The most popular beaches are the 5km / 3mi long, white sand, Playa Los Flamencos on the Atlantic side of the island. Flamingoes are present here year round. From the quiet and undeveloped Playa Prohibidad a nature trail leads inland. Other attractions on the Cayo Coco include a cave, Cueva Jabali, and the El Baba Nature Park. The park is home to a range of wildlife including, crocodiles and flamingoes.