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Cayo Coco

Cuba · Island · CUP · 22.509000, -78.407000
Family friendly 7.1/10 · Rank 656 of 2 709
Best season: November-April (dry season)

Best for

For beach lovers, diving, snorkeling and family holidays

Best season

November-April (dry season)

Daily budget
$178.00 (≈ 14 938 ₽ · ≈ 4 272 CUP)
For 7 days
$1 246.00 (≈ 104 564 ₽ · ≈ 29 904 CUP)
Cayo Coco is a resort island in the Jardines del Rey archipelago on Cuba's north coast, connected to the mainland by a 27-kilometre causeway. The island is famous for its paradise beaches, including the famous Playa Pilar, and is home to pink flamingos. This is the ideal place for a secluded beach holiday surrounded by pristine nature.
Summer
33.0°C
Winter
18.0°C
Sea
29.0°C
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Description and atmosphere

Energy

active

Pace of life

moderate

Local character

Friendly, hospitable, musical

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Best beaches in the Caribbean
  • Crystal clear water
  • Second largest barrier reef in the world
  • All-inclusive

Cons

  • High cost
  • Many tourists
  • Hurricane season
Climate
Summer Temperature
Average air temperature in June–August
28.2°C
Summer Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in June-August
31.0°C
Summer Max Temp
Maximum daytime temperature in summer months
33.0°C
Winter Temperature
Average air temperature in December–February
23.3°C
Winter Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in December-February
27.0°C
Winter Min Temp
Minimum temperature in winter months
18.0°C
Summer Water Temperature
Average sea temperature in the warm season
28.0°C
Water Max Temp
Maximum water temperature in warm season
29.0°C
Rainy Season
Months with the heaviest rainfall
May-October
Sea and beach
Sand Type
Type of beach surface
white sand (coral, fine)
Sand Color
Colour of the beach sand
white
Water Entry
Type of water entry
gentle
Waves
Level of waves
mild
Water Clarity
Clarity of the water
crystal clear
Best Beach
Name of the most popular beach
Playa Flamenco
Beach
Availability of a beach
Yes
Tides
Whether tides are noticeable
No
Rip Currents
Presence of dangerous rip currents
No
Sunbeds
Availability of sunbeds
Yes
Beach Cafe
Availability of a cafe or bar
Yes
Toilet / Shower
Availability of toilets and showers
Yes
Lifeguards
Presence of lifeguards
Yes
Safe for Swimming
Whether swimming is safe
Yes
Sea hazards
Sea Urchins
Presence of sea urchins
Present
Corals / Reefs
Presence of corals or reefs
Present
Jellyfish
Presence of jellyfish
Present
Sharks
Presence of sharks
None
Overall Danger
Overall danger rating
low
Note

Sea urchins, corals and occasional jellyfish are dangerous. Sharks are not a threat.

Sea urchins — details

  • Sea urchins occur on reefs

Corals and reefs — details

  • Coral reefs along the coast, do not step on them

Jellyfish — details

  • Purple jellyfish occur seasonally, can sting

Sharks — details

  • Reef sharks and nurse sharks are found in waters off Cayo Coco, but they are not dangerous to humans
  • Sharks are part of a healthy reef ecosystem
Attractions

Playa Flamenco

Cayo Coco's longest beach with white sand and turquoise water

Playa Larga

2.5-km beach, popular for swimming and kite surfing

Snorkeling on Coral Reefs

Nearby reefs with rich marine life, accessible directly from the beach

Flamingo Watching

Salt flats in the northwest attract large flocks of flamingos

Mangrove Speedboat Tours

Speedboats through mangrove tunnels with bird watching

Best areas

Resort area

Area with hotels, beaches and restaurants

Playa Flamenco

Main beach area with white sand

Must-try food

Ropa Vieja

Shredded beef stew with vegetables

Cubano Sandwich

Cuban sandwich with roast pork, ham, cheese and pickles

Arroz con Pollo

Rice with chicken, saffron and vegetables

Seafood

Fresh lobster, prawns and fish grilled

Where to go next

Cayo Guillermo

Neighbouring island with Playa Pilar beach, ~15 km

Varadero

Large resort town, ~3 hours by car

Family Friendly
Suitable for families with children
Yes
Nightlife
Level of nightlife
moderate
Getting there
Nearest airports
Международный аэропорт Хардинес-дель-Рей (CCC).
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Visa
Visa requirements
eVisa for most countries
Best Season
Months with the most comfortable weather
November-April (dry season)
Accommodation
Hostel (Dorm Bed)
Average price for a hostel dorm bed
$45.00
≈ 3 776 ₽ · ≈ 1 080 CUP
3-Star Hotel
Average price for a 3-star hotel room
$130.00
≈ 10 910 ₽ · ≈ 3 120 CUP
4-Star Hotel
Average price for a 4-star hotel room
$220.00
≈ 18 462 ₽ · ≈ 5 280 CUP
5-Star Hotel
Average price for a 5-star hotel room
$350.00
≈ 29 372 ₽ · ≈ 8 400 CUP
Villa / House
Average nightly rate for a villa or house
$280.00
≈ 23 498 ₽ · ≈ 6 720 CUP
Apartment
Average nightly rate for an apartment
$180.00
≈ 15 106 ₽ · ≈ 4 320 CUP
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Food and drinks
Lunch at a Cafe
Average price for lunch at a casual cafe
$12.00
≈ 1 007 ₽ · ≈ 288 CUP
Dinner at a Restaurant
Average check for dinner at a nice restaurant
$30.00
≈ 2 518 ₽ · ≈ 720 CUP
Coffee (Cappuccino)
Average price for a cappuccino
$3.50
≈ 294 ₽ · ≈ 84 CUP
Beer (0.5L)
Average price for a 0.5L beer
$4.00
≈ 336 ₽ · ≈ 96 CUP
Water (1.5L)
Average price for a 1.5L bottle of water
$1.50
≈ 126 ₽ · ≈ 36 CUP
Pizza
Average price for a pizza
$12.00
≈ 1 007 ₽ · ≈ 288 CUP
Burger
Average price for a burger
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽ · ≈ 240 CUP
Dessert
Average price for a dessert
$6.00
≈ 504 ₽ · ≈ 144 CUP
Fast Food Combo
Average price for a fast food combo
$8.00
≈ 671 ₽ · ≈ 192 CUP
Transport
Airport Taxi
Average taxi fare from the airport to the city centre
$100.00
≈ 8 392 ₽ · ≈ 2 400 CUP
Public Transport
Average price for a single public transport ticket
$2.00
≈ 168 ₽ · ≈ 48 CUP
Short Taxi Ride
Average fare for a short taxi ride
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽ · ≈ 240 CUP
Car Rental (per day)
Average daily rate for an economy car rental
$60.00
≈ 5 035 ₽ · ≈ 1 440 CUP
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Activities and rentals
Bike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a bike or scooter
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽ · ≈ 360 CUP
Motorbike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a motorbike or scooter
$25.00
≈ 2 098 ₽ · ≈ 600 CUP
Excursion
Average price for an organised excursion
$70.00
≈ 5 874 ₽ · ≈ 1 680 CUP
Yacht / Boat Cruise
Average price for a boat cruise
$100.00
≈ 8 392 ₽ · ≈ 2 400 CUP
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Shopping
Shopping
Average amount spent on shopping
$60.00
≈ 5 035 ₽ · ≈ 1 440 CUP
Souvenirs
Average amount spent on souvenirs
$20.00
≈ 1 678 ₽ · ≈ 480 CUP
Tourist SIM / Internet
Average price for a tourist SIM card
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽ · ≈ 360 CUP
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Frequently asked questions
Cayo Coco: when is the best time to go?
The best season for a holiday is November-April (dry season). At this time of year the weather is the most comfortable: minimal chance of rain, moderate humidity and optimal air temperature. This is also when the tourist infrastructure runs at full capacity — all hotels, restaurants and entertainment are open. If you want to save money, consider the period right after the high season ends: accommodation prices are lower, and the weather is still pleasant. You can check the temperature by month in the match-by-month tool.
Cayo Coco: what is the weather like in summer?
In summer, the air warms up to an average of +33.0°C, during the day — up to +31.0°C. This is a great time for beach holidays and long walks. Sunscreen is recommended during the peak hours from 11:00 to 16:00.
Cayo Coco: what is the weather like in winter?
In winter, the air temperature stays around +18.0°C, during the day — up to +27.0°C. For the winter period these are very comfortable figures that allow swimming and sunbathing. Evenings can be cooler, so a light jacket will not go amiss.
Cayo Coco: what is the sea temperature?
The sea near the resort warms up to an average of +29.0°C in the warm season. This water temperature is considered ideal for long swims — you can stay in the sea for hours without discomfort. The water is comfortable for both adults and children. If you want to know the exact temperature by month, use the match-by-month tool.
Cayo Coco: when is the rainy season?
The rainy season falls on May-October. During this period rainfall is more frequent, but usually short — the rain lasts 1-2 hours, after which the sun comes out again. Humidity is higher, so being outside may be less comfortable. At the same time, accommodation and flight prices during the rainy season are significantly lower — an excellent option for a budget holiday.
Cayo Coco: what are the beaches like?
The beaches here are with a "white sand (coral, fine)" surface, white sand, crystal clear water. The most popular beaches: Playa Flamenco. The beaches have sunbeds and cafes and bars.
Cayo Coco: is it safe to swim in the sea?
Swimming is allowed here, but standard precautions should be taken. The overall danger level in the sea is rated as low — you can swim and enjoy water sports without worry. Lifeguards are on duty on the beaches.
Cayo Coco: what are the sea hazards?
The sea contains: sea urchins, corals, jellyfish. Sea urchins, corals and occasional jellyfish are dangerous. Sharks are not a threat.. It is recommended to swim in special shoes and avoid contact with marine life.
Cayo Coco: how much does a holiday cost?
A holiday for one person will cost around $178.00 (≈ 14 938 ₽ · ≈ 4 272 CUP) per day. The daily budget includes: a 3-star hotel, lunch at a cafe, dinner at a restaurant, drinking water, two public transport trips. Flights are not included in the calculation. You can calculate the cost of your holiday in more detail in the trip planning calculator across all 70 parameters.
Cayo Coco: how much does accommodation cost?
Accommodation is available for every budget: a hostel dorm bed — $45.00 per night, a 3-star hotel room — $130.00 per night, a 4-star hotel — $220.00 per night, a five-star hotel — $350.00 per night, an apartment — $180.00 per night, a villa — $280.00 per night. In high season prices can be 20-30% higher, and in low season — lower.
Cayo Coco: how much does food cost?
Food is one of the main expense items: lunch at an affordable cafe — $12.00, dinner at a restaurant — $30.00, a cup of cappuccino — $3.50, a 0.5L beer — $4.00, a 1.5L bottle of water — $1.50. You can eat significantly cheaper at markets and street cafes.
Cayo Coco: how much does transport cost?
a taxi from the airport — $100.00, a single public transport ticket — $2.00, a short taxi ride — $10.00, car rental — $60.00 per day. Public transport is the most budget-friendly way to get around.
Cayo Coco: what is there to see?
Among the main attractions are: Playa Flamenco — Cayo Coco's longest beach with white sand and turquoise water; Playa Larga — 2.5-km beach, popular for swimming and kite surfing; Snorkeling on Coral Reefs — Nearby reefs with rich marine life, accessible directly from the beach; Flamingo Watching — Salt flats in the northwest attract large flocks of flamingos; Mangrove Speedboat Tours — Speedboats through mangrove tunnels with bird watching. These places are worth visiting first to get a full impression of the destination.
Cayo Coco: what local food should I try?
Be sure to try the local cuisine: Ropa Vieja — Shredded beef stew with vegetables; Cubano Sandwich — Cuban sandwich with roast pork, ham, cheese and pickles; Arroz con Pollo — Rice with chicken, saffron and vegetables; Seafood — Fresh lobster, prawns and fish grilled. Local dishes are an important part of the travel experience.
Cayo Coco: what are the best areas to stay?
For accommodation you can consider the following areas: Resort area — Area with hotels, beaches and restaurants; Playa Flamenco — Main beach area with white sand. The choice of area depends on your preferences: active or relaxing holiday.
Cayo Coco: is a visa required?
Visa: eVisa for most countries. Before your trip, be sure to check the current requirements with official sources, as the rules may change.
Cayo Coco: how do I get from the airport?
The nearest airport — Международный аэропорт Хардинес-дель-Рей (code CCC). You can get from the airport to the centre by taxi, the average cost is $100.00. Public transport is also available — a more budget-friendly option.
Cayo Coco: what is the currency and how much money should I take?
Currency — CUP. It is recommended to have cash for small expenses and a bank card for larger purchases. The approximate daily budget is $178.00 (≈ 14 938 ₽ · ≈ 4 272 CUP). Check the current exchange rate before your trip.
Cayo Coco: is it suitable for a holiday with children?
Yes, the destination is excellent for a family holiday with children. It has all the necessary infrastructure: well-maintained beaches, cafes and restaurants with children's menus, and entertainment for all ages.
Cayo Coco: what is the nightlife like?
Nightlife is rated as moderate. There is not much nightlife, but the basics are available.
Cayo Coco: where can I go nearby?
Nearby you can visit: Cayo Guillermo — Neighbouring island with Playa Pilar beach, ~15 km; Varadero — Large resort town, ~3 hours by car. These places are convenient to visit on a day trip.

Putivator rating

7.1/10
Overall rank: 656 of 2 709
Rank among coastal: 469

Best season

November-April (dry season)

Useful information

Currency: CUP
Coordinates: 22.509000, -78.407000