The beaches of Cayo Guillermo, Cuba

(Approximate distances made ​​with Google Earth. The three beach areas continuously)

The beaches of Cayo Guillermo are all located north of the island, so the sun rises on the beach in front of the hotels, magnificent sight! There are three beaches on the island for a total distance of about five kilometers, but not continuously. Like all the islands of the king's gardens, beaches are separated by ancient coral reefs now emerged. It is impossible to cross these areas, between two beaches, without shoes or water sandals.

The section of the longest beach (approx. 3.2 km) is home of the four hotels in Cayo Guillermo. The sand is white, fine and dense enough to facilitate walking. The most beautiful and popular beach of Cayo Guillermo and even Cayo Coco (the two sister islands of this region of Cuba), Playa Pilar is located at the west end of the island.

Those wishing to walk to Playa Pilar from the hotel zone will opt for the paved road instead of the beach. If you still want to get there by the beach, do not forget to bring a good supply of water and sunscreen lotion.

There is a shuttle bus style « hop on / hop off » that runs all day between the islands of Cayo Coco and Cayo Guillermo up to toPlaya Pilar up for 5 CUC per person for the whole day. Click HERE to learn more about the transportation on these islands.

All beaches in Cuba are public, so access is unrestricted. The slope to enter the sea is low and the water is shallow due to its sand dune, the highest of the Caribbean (15 meters above sea level). Cayo Guillermo is a favorite spot for families, because the water is shallow and the dangers of drowning are minimal.

What surprises the most in Cayo Guillermo is the beach width that varies a lot depending of the tides. From six to more than fifty meters wide at low tide. Rarely, you will see a flag other than green at the beach!

(Cayo Guillermo beach at high and low tide. Photo taken from the beach of the Melia Cayo Guillermo)

Your all-inclusive package includes non-motorized water sports like kayaking, hobby cat, windsurfing, etc.

All the hotels have their own water sports center located on the beach. Beach chairs, palapas and beach towels are also included in your travel package. Upon arrival at the hotel, you'll receive a coupon to present to the club house to get your beach towels. You can redeem every day if you want.

HOWEVER, if you lose your beach towel, a fee of 20 CUC will be charged when you check out. Please do not leave your towels unattended all day at the beach, some tourists may steal towels from other tourists because they do not want to pay the fee. Be advised!

As everywhere in Cuba, topless is allowed on the beach. Sometimes some women will be topless around the pool, but rarely women will walk on the beach topless. About clothing optional, the western sector of Playa Pilar is a good option. As there are kilometers of beach on the island, you will surely find some good spots to relax enough private « Au Natural » experience. Click HERE for more information about Playa Pilar.

The beaches of the hotels of Cayo Guillermo

Click the thumbnails to see beach photos of the hotels.

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