Cayo Coco, Cuba: travel guide
A causeway-linked resort cay with flamingos and quiet beaches
A resort cay in the Jardines del Rey archipelago (Ciego de Ávila), reached by causeway; flamingo-fringed beaches and neighbouring Cayo Guillermo.
About Cayo Coco
Cayo Coco is an island cay, not a town, in the Jardines del Rey archipelago off Cuba's northern coast. A long causeway links it to the mainland, and it is largely given over to beach resorts set among mangrove, dune and shallow lagoons.
The beaches are the focus, with Playa Los Flamencos and Playa Pilar on neighbouring Cayo Guillermo well known for pale sand and calm turquoise water. Wildlife is part of the appeal, and flamingos can often be seen in the shallow waters, while Parque Natural El Baga offers a small nature stop with walking paths. Cueva del Jabali is a cave that doubles as a nightspot.
Cayo Coco suits beach holidays and snorkellers. The drier months from November to April are the most comfortable.
- Country
- Cuba
- Currency
- CUP
- Time zone
- America/Havana
- Nearest airport
- CCC
Last updated
Top places to visit in Cayo Coco
Playa Pilar
beach · about 3 h · check the fee at the gate
Reputedly Cuba's finest beach, on Cayo Guillermo, with high dunes and shallow sandbars named for Hemingway's boat.
Playa Los Flamencos
beach · about 3 h · check the fee at the gate
A long, calm turquoise beach on Cayo Coco, often visited by wild flamingos.
Parque Natural El Bagá
park · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
A coastal nature park with lagoons, crocodiles, birds and trails on Cayo Coco.
Cueva del Jabalí
cave-club · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
A natural cave turned cabaret/disco on Cayo Coco.
Things to do
- Catamaran & Snorkel to Cayo Media Luna Boat · 6 h · from USD 80 per person
- Flamingo & Lagoon Kayak Tour Nature · 3 h · from USD 45 per person
- Deep-Sea Fishing off Cayo Guillermo Adventure · 5 h · from USD 120 per person
- Jardines del Rey Reef Diving Adventure · 4 h · from USD 75 per person
Day trips and tours
- Jardines del Rey Sea Safari 8 h · from USD 85
Where to stay in Cayo Coco
- Cayo Coco Resorts about CUP 200 per night
All-inclusive beachfront resorts on the cay, reached by the 17 km causeway.
- Cayo Guillermo about CUP 210 per night
Quieter neighbouring cay with Playa Pilar, sandbars and Hemingway lore.
Hotels
- Meliá Cayo Coco 5-star
- Meliá Jardines del Rey 5-star
- Iberostar Playa Pilar 5-star
Getting to Cayo Coco
Airport: Cayo Coco (CCC)
Getting around
- Bicycle
- Shuttle
- Taxi
- Walking
More in Cuba
Frequently asked questions about Cayo Coco
- What are the main places to visit in Cayo Coco?
- Places covered in our Cayo Coco guide include Playa Pilar, Playa Los Flamencos, Parque Natural El Bagá, Cueva del Jabalí.
- Where should I stay in Cayo Coco?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Cayo Coco: Cayo Coco Resorts, Cayo Guillermo.
- How do I get around Cayo Coco?
- Ways to get around Cayo Coco covered in our guide: Bicycle, Shuttle, Taxi, Walking.
- Which airport is nearest to Cayo Coco?
- The nearest airport to Cayo Coco has the code CCC.