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Home / Beaches / Guardalavaca Beach

Guardalavaca Beach

Пляж Гуардалавака
Cuba · Beach · Holguín
crystal
Best month: January

Best for

Ideal for families with children, couples and snorkelling enthusiasts thanks to the coral reef 100 metres from the shore. Suitable for quiet relaxation. Not suitable for those seeking solitude and wild nature.

Best month

January

Water
+27.0°C
Length
1 500 m
The most famous beach in Holguín with white sand and turquoise water. It features calm water and coral reefs, popular for swimming and snorkelling.
Surface
sand
Waves
calm
Entry
gentle
Description Pros & Cons Best For Features Beach & Entry Water & Waves Swim Season Safety Infrastructure Vibe Nature Activities Tips Nearby
Description
General information about the beach
The most famous beach in Holguín with white sand and turquoise water. It features calm water and coral reefs, popular for swimming and snorkelling.
Pros and cons
Main advantages and disadvantages

Pros

  • White sand
  • Crystal clear turquoise water
  • Coral reef 100 metres from the shore
  • No sargassum seaweed
  • Warm calm water
  • Developed hotel infrastructure
  • Historic site (Columbus landing)

Cons

  • Crowded in high season
  • Developed hotel infrastructure
  • Prices higher than in other regions
  • Limited natural shade
Best for
Who this beach is ideal for
Ideal for families with children, couples and snorkelling enthusiasts thanks to the coral reef 100 metres from the shore. Suitable for quiet relaxation. Not suitable for those seeking solitude and wild nature.
Features
What makes this beach unique
The beach is known as the landing site of Christopher Columbus in 1492. The coral reef 100 metres from the shore is ideal for diving and snorkelling. The beach is protected from sargassum by natural currents.
Beach & Entry
Surface, sand, water entry and bottom
Surface Type
Main surface type
sand
Sand Color
Main sand colour
white
Sand Texture
Grain size
fine
Water Entry
How steep the drop-off is
gentle
Shallow Distance
Metres to waist-deep water
30 m
Bottom Type
Main bottom type
sand
Water Shoes
Whether special footwear is needed
recommended
Beach Length
Beach length in metres
1 500 m
Water & Waves
Colour, clarity, temperature and waves
Water Colour
turquoise
Water Clarity
crystal
Underwater Visibility
20.0 m
Average Water Temp
+27.0 °C
Max Water Temp
+29.0 °C
Wave Type
calm
Wave Height
0.3 m
Swim Season
When the swimming season starts and ends
Season start
December
Season end
April
Best month
January
Safety
Currents, water quality, dangerous creatures, hospital
Rip Currents
Likelihood of rip currents
low
Water Quality
Water purity rating
excellent
Jellyfish Risk
Likelihood of jellyfish
low
Shark Risk
Likelihood of sharks
none
Crime Level
Overall safety level
safe
Hospital Distance
Kilometres to hospital
5.0 km
What exactly is dangerous
No serious threats. The beach is in a lively tourist area, well-lit and patrolled. Standard precautions are recommended.
Dangerous creatures
sea urchins
Insurance & Connectivity
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Infrastructure
Amenities on and near the beach
Sunbeds
Yes
Umbrellas
Yes
Showers
Yes
Toilets
Yes
Changing Rooms
Yes
Lifeguards
Yes
First Aid
Yes
Parking
Yes
Wi-Fi
Yes
Kids Playground
Yes
Sports Ground
Yes
Restaurants Nearby
10 pcs
Best restaurants

Hotel Restaurants

Cuban, International

Hotel restaurants with Cuban and international cuisine

Paladar Los Hermanos

Cuban, Seafood

Local paladar with Cuban cuisine and seafood

Nearby cuisines

Cuban

Traditional Cuban cuisine with rice, beans and meat

Must try: Ropa vieja, congrí, lechón asado

Seafood

Fresh seafood from the Atlantic Ocean

Must try: Lobster, prawns, grilled fish

International

International dishes at hotel restaurants

Must try: Pasta, pizza, steak
Vibe
Energy, crowd, silence and sunsets
Energy
calm
Crowd Level
moderate
Silence Level
moderate
Sunset Quality
beautiful
Nature
Trees and natural shade
Trees on Beach
Yes
Natural Shade
moderate
Activities
Snorkelling, diving, surfing, kayaking
Snorkeling
Yes
Diving
Yes
Surfing
No
Kayaking / SUP
Yes
Tips
What to bring, best time, local rules
What to Bring
SPF50+ cream Water Towel Swimsuit Water shoes Cash Hat Sunglasses First aid kit Snorkel mask
Best Time to Swim
The best time for swimming is the dry season from December to April. In the morning the water is calmer and there are fewer people. For snorkelling, the best time is morning.
Local Rules
Swim in the area marked by buoys. Do not touch the coral. Do not leave litter.
Getting there & Car rental
Flights, transfers and car rental to reach the beach
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Nearby
Attractions and places near the beach

Coral Reef

Reef 100 metres from the shore, ideal for diving and snorkelling

Chorro de Maita Museum

Historic museum with Taíno artefacts

Holguín

City with historic centre, 50 km from the beach

Where to stay
Hotels and apartments near the beach
Frequently asked questions
Guardalavaca Beach: what is the water like at this beach?
At this beach, water colour — turquoise, clarity crystal, average temperature +27.0°C, warms up to +29.0°C in the warmest season. Check the exact temperature by month in the chart section.
Guardalavaca Beach: what are the waves like and is it safe to swim?
Waves at this beach are — calm. Average wave height — 0.3 m. Calm water is great for families with children and those who prefer not to deal with strong swell.
Guardalavaca Beach: what is the water entry and bottom like?
Water entry is — gentle. The shallow area extends for 30 metres from the shore. Bottom — sand. It is recommended to bring aqua shoes — parts of the bottom have rocks or corals. The gentle slope is safe for children and inexperienced swimmers.
Guardalavaca Beach: what kind of sand and surface does the beach have?
Beach surface — sand. Sand colour — white. Texture — fine. Beach length — 1 500 metres.
Guardalavaca Beach: when is the swimming season?
The swimming season starts in December. It ends in April. The best month for a holiday is January. This is when the water is warmest and the weather is most comfortable.
Guardalavaca Beach: is it safe to swim?
Water quality is rated as excellent. Rip currents are unlikely. Jellyfish risk — low. Always watch for warning signs and follow lifeguards instructions.
Guardalavaca Beach: which dangerous creatures live in the water?
The water contains: sea urchins. We recommend wearing protective footwear, not touching marine life and taking care when entering the water.
Guardalavaca Beach: what infrastructure is available on the beach?
The beach offers: sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, toilets, changing rooms, parking, Wi-Fi, kids playground, sports ground. All amenities are listed in the "Infrastructure" section above.
Guardalavaca Beach: are there lifeguards and a first aid station?
Lifeguards are on duty on the beach — an important safety factor. A first aid station is available.
Guardalavaca Beach: where can I eat near the beach?
Popular places nearby: Hotel Restaurants, Paladar Los Hermanos. Cuisines available: Cuban, Seafood, International. See the "Infrastructure" section for details.
Guardalavaca Beach: what should I bring to the beach?
We recommend bringing: SPF50+ cream, Water, Towel, Swimsuit, Water shoes, Cash, Hat, Sunglasses, First aid kit, Snorkel mask.
Guardalavaca Beach: when is the best time to swim?
The best time for swimming is the dry season from December to April. In the morning the water is calmer and there are fewer people. For snorkelling, the best time is morning.
Guardalavaca Beach: what are the rules and restrictions on the beach?
Swim in the area marked by buoys. Do not touch the coral. Do not leave litter.
Guardalavaca Beach: what activities are available?
The beach offers: snorkelling, diving, kayaking and SUP. See the "Activities" section above for details.
Guardalavaca Beach: who is this beach best for?
Ideal for families with children, couples and snorkelling enthusiasts thanks to the coral reef 100 metres from the shore. Suitable for quiet relaxation. Not suitable for those seeking solitude and wild nature.
Guardalavaca Beach: what makes this beach unique?
The beach is known as the landing site of Christopher Columbus in 1492. The coral reef 100 metres from the shore is ideal for diving and snorkelling. The beach is protected from sargassum by natural currents.
Guardalavaca Beach: what are the pros and cons of the beach?
Pros: White sand, Crystal clear turquoise water, Coral reef 100 metres from the shore, No sargassum seaweed, Warm calm water, Developed hotel infrastructure, Historic site (Columbus landing). Cons: Crowded in high season, Developed hotel infrastructure, Prices higher than in other regions, Limited natural shade.
Guardalavaca Beach: what is near the beach?
Nearby you can visit: Coral Reef, Chorro de Maita Museum, Holguín. Detailed descriptions in the "Nearby" section above.
Guardalavaca Beach: how do I get to the city of Holguín?
The beach is located near the city of Holguín. Full information about the city — hotels, restaurants, attractions, transport — is available on the city page for Holguín.

City

Holguín

Full information about the city: prices, hotels, attractions.