Cayo Coco

While beautiful in terms of nature, Cayo Coco is isolated from typical Cuba, connected only by a man-made causeway 27 kilometers long. Access is controlled by a security checkpoint. A visit to Morón is a good way to see more of what Cuba really is like, with taxi drivers able to organize inexpensive tours for groups of 4-5 people that may include visiting a country farmhouse.

The language spoken in Cayo Coco is Spanish. Cubans have free education and you will often find a Cuban able to speak many languages but sometimes not fluently. Most employees of all-inclusive hotels understand and speak some basic English. Outside of resorts, you may have difficulties communicating if you don't understand or speak at least some basic Spanish.

Many airlines and charter flights fly to Cayo Coco airport (CCC). From Canada, Air Canada, Sunwing, Westjet, Air Transat, and Cubana provide service from many Canadian cities. European centres including London, Glasgow, Manchester, Milan, Moscow, Paris, and Warsaw are all connected to Cayo Coco by European carriers.

Transportation from the airport to resorts is organized in big comfortable buses, taking about 15 minutes to reach hotels all located on the north shore. Resorts sometimes organize disco trips to other properties or to the only nightclub on the island, the Bat Cave, providing transportation in vans or buses for a minimum fee.

Cayo Coco experiences a tropical climate. Most visitors come from Canada and Europe during their winter months to escape freezing temperatures at home, typically between November and March. The summer months (June to September) are hotter and more humid, though this is low season for European and Canadian tourists. Hurricane season runs from June to November.

All accommodations on Cayo Coco are all-inclusive resorts, most operated by foreign hotel chains. Properties include Melia Cayo Coco, Sol Club Cayo Coco, Iberostar Cayo Coco, Iberostar Mojito, Tryp Cayo Coco, Blau Colonial, Hotel Playa Coco, Memories Caribe, Iberostar Daiquiri, Memories Flamenco, Pestana Cayo Coco, Melia Jardines del Rey, and Pullman Cayo Coco. All hotels are located around the same area on the north shore of the island.

Cuban cuisine in Cayo Coco is limited by resource availability; Cuba does not import anything from the USA and goods come from Europe at high cost. Food is not spicy and is often bland. The diet consists mainly of chicken, pork, and fish with plenty of vegetables and some fruits. All meals are typically included in all-inclusive resort packages, which also feature snack bars and a la carte restaurants. Travelers are advised to bring steak spice and Tabasco for seasoning.

Playa Pilar on nearby Cayo Guillermo is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The local bus operates in hop-on, hop-off style costing 5 CUC per ride, though it takes about an hour since it stops at every resort. Sun loungers on the beach cost an additional 5 CUC. The island offers aquaform activities, dancing lessons, and night shows at the resorts, plus the Bat Cave nightclub. Tours from resorts can include visits to Morón town, capital city Ciego de Avila, and a crocodile farm.

Cayo Coco is generally safe for tourists. The controlled access via causeway and security checkpoint limits unauthorized visitors. Standard resort safety precautions apply. Travelers should be aware of limited medical facilities despite the presence of an international clinic on the island. Mosquito protection is recommended for outdoor activities.

The nearest town is Morón on the mainland, accessible by taxi. A cavern converted into a disco venue is a popular nightspot reachable by transportation from most resorts. From Morón, travelers can explore more of what Cuba has to offer, including country farmhouses and local culture. The capital city Ciego de Avila is also within day-trip range.