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Cayo Guillermo

Cuba · Island · CUP · 22.583300, -78.666700
Family friendly 7/10 · Rank 786 of 2 709
Best season: November-April (dry season)

Best for

For beach lovers, diving and peaceful atmosphere

Best season

November-April (dry season)

Daily budget
$148.00 (≈ 12 420 ₽ · ≈ 3 552 CUP)
For 7 days
$1 036.00 (≈ 86 941 ₽ · ≈ 24 864 CUP)
Cayo Guillermo is a small resort island west of Cayo Coco, famous for its Playa Pilar beach, considered one of the most beautiful in Cuba. This island, connected to the mainland by a causeway, attracts tourists with its white-sand beaches, turquoise water, and the opportunity to see pink flamingos in their natural habitat.
Summer
33.0°C
Winter
19.0°C
Sea
29.0°C
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Description and atmosphere

Energy

calm

Pace of life

slow

Local character

Friendly, hospitable

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Playa Pilar — one of the best beaches
  • Crystal clear water
  • Good diving conditions
  • Fewer tourists than Varadero

Cons

  • High cost
  • Limited infrastructure
  • Remoteness
Climate
Summer Temperature
Average air temperature in June–August
28.3°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
19.0°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 (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 Pilar
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
None
Corals / Reefs
Presence of corals or reefs
Present
Jellyfish
Presence of jellyfish
None
Sharks
Presence of sharks
Present
Overall Danger
Overall danger rating
low
Note

Main dangers are corals and sharks (rare). Sea urchins are absent.

Sea urchins — details

  • Sea urchins are found on rocky and coral bottom areas along the Cayo Guillermo coast, especially near reefs
  • Water shoes recommended when swimming and snorkeling

Corals and reefs — details

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

Jellyfish — details

  • Jellyfish in waters off Cayo Guillermo appear seasonally, especially during warmer months when water temperature rises
  • Exercise caution and follow warning signs on the beach

Sharks — details

  • Sharks are present in the area but do not pose a danger to swimmers
Attractions

Playa Pilar

Famous beach with white sand and turquoise water, named after Hemingway's yacht.

Cayo Guillermo Dolphinarium

Cuba's seventh dolphinarium with dolphin shows.

Cayo Guillermo Nature Park

Park with sand dunes up to 16 metres high.

Cayo Guillermo Underwater Caves

Caves with black corals for certified divers.

Cayo Media Luna

Small island with reefs and snorkeling opportunities.

Best areas

Resort area

Area with hotels, beaches and restaurants.

Playa Pilar

Main beach area with white sand.

Must-try food

Lobster

Fresh grilled lobster with rice and salad.

Prawns

Fresh grilled prawns with garlic.

Tostones

Fried green plantains, popular side dish.

Cuban Soup

Traditional Cuban soup with meat and vegetables.

Grilled Pork

Marinated grilled pork.

Where to go next

Cayo Coco

Neighbouring island with beaches and diving, ~20 km.

Varadero

Large resort town, ~3 hours by car.

Family Friendly
Suitable for families with children
Yes
Nightlife
Level of nightlife
low
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
$100.00
≈ 8 392 ₽ · ≈ 2 400 CUP
4-Star Hotel
Average price for a 4-star hotel room
$160.00
≈ 13 427 ₽ · ≈ 3 840 CUP
5-Star Hotel
Average price for a 5-star hotel room
$250.00
≈ 20 980 ₽ · ≈ 6 000 CUP
Villa / House
Average nightly rate for a villa or house
$200.00
≈ 16 784 ₽ · ≈ 4 800 CUP
Apartment
Average nightly rate for an apartment
$130.00
≈ 10 910 ₽ · ≈ 3 120 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
$5.00
≈ 420 ₽ · ≈ 120 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
$30.00
≈ 2 518 ₽ · ≈ 720 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
$8.00
≈ 671 ₽ · ≈ 192 CUP
Car Rental (per day)
Average daily rate for an economy car rental
$50.00
≈ 4 196 ₽ · ≈ 1 200 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
$60.00
≈ 5 035 ₽ · ≈ 1 440 CUP
Yacht / Boat Cruise
Average price for a boat cruise
$90.00
≈ 7 553 ₽ · ≈ 2 160 CUP
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Shopping
Shopping
Average amount spent on shopping
$50.00
≈ 4 196 ₽ · ≈ 1 200 CUP
Souvenirs
Average amount spent on souvenirs
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽ · ≈ 360 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 Guillermo: 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 Guillermo: 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 Guillermo: what is the weather like in winter?
In winter, the air temperature stays around +19.0°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 Guillermo: 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 Guillermo: 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 Guillermo: what are the beaches like?
The beaches here are with a "white sand (fine)" surface, white sand, crystal clear water. The most popular beaches: Playa Pilar. The beaches have sunbeds and cafes and bars.
Cayo Guillermo: 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 Guillermo: what are the sea hazards?
The sea contains: corals, sharks. Main dangers are corals and sharks (rare). Sea urchins are absent.. It is recommended to swim in special shoes and avoid contact with marine life.
Cayo Guillermo: how much does a holiday cost?
A holiday for one person will cost around $148.00 (≈ 12 420 ₽ · ≈ 3 552 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 Guillermo: how much does accommodation cost?
Accommodation is available for every budget: a hostel dorm bed — $45.00 per night, a 3-star hotel room — $100.00 per night, a 4-star hotel — $160.00 per night, a five-star hotel — $250.00 per night, an apartment — $130.00 per night, a villa — $200.00 per night. In high season prices can be 20-30% higher, and in low season — lower.
Cayo Guillermo: 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 Guillermo: how much does transport cost?
a taxi from the airport — $30.00, a single public transport ticket — $2.00, a short taxi ride — $8.00, car rental — $50.00 per day. Public transport is the most budget-friendly way to get around.
Cayo Guillermo: what is there to see?
Among the main attractions are: Playa Pilar — Famous beach with white sand and turquoise water, named after Hemingway's yacht.; Cayo Guillermo Dolphinarium — Cuba's seventh dolphinarium with dolphin shows.; Cayo Guillermo Nature Park — Park with sand dunes up to 16 metres high.; Cayo Guillermo Underwater Caves — Caves with black corals for certified divers.; Cayo Media Luna — Small island with reefs and snorkeling opportunities.. These places are worth visiting first to get a full impression of the destination.
Cayo Guillermo: what local food should I try?
Be sure to try the local cuisine: Lobster — Fresh grilled lobster with rice and salad.; Prawns — Fresh grilled prawns with garlic.; Tostones — Fried green plantains, popular side dish.; Cuban Soup — Traditional Cuban soup with meat and vegetables.; Grilled Pork — Marinated grilled pork.. Local dishes are an important part of the travel experience.
Cayo Guillermo: what are the best areas to stay?
For accommodation you can consider the following areas: Resort area — Area with hotels, beaches and restaurants.; Playa Pilar — Main beach area with white sand.. The choice of area depends on your preferences: active or relaxing holiday.
Cayo Guillermo: 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 Guillermo: 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 $30.00. Public transport is also available — a more budget-friendly option.
Cayo Guillermo: 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 $148.00 (≈ 12 420 ₽ · ≈ 3 552 CUP). Check the current exchange rate before your trip.
Cayo Guillermo: 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 Guillermo: what is the nightlife like?
Nightlife is rated as low. There is not much nightlife, but the basics are available.
Cayo Guillermo: where can I go nearby?
Nearby you can visit: Cayo Coco — Neighbouring island with beaches and diving, ~20 km.; Varadero — Large resort town, ~3 hours by car.. These places are convenient to visit on a day trip.

Putivator rating

7/10
Overall rank: 786 of 2 709
Rank among coastal: 525

Best season

November-April (dry season)

Useful information

Currency: CUP
Coordinates: 22.583300, -78.666700