Cayo Blanco: Another paradise near Varadero

Cayo Blanco

By: Yoanna Cervera

If you’re in Varadero, Cuba’s premier sun and beach destination, it’s hard to leave the comfort of the sand. With 20 kilometers of coastline, every visitor finds their ideal spot, and it’s difficult to be tempted away. However, just a 45-minute boat ride offers an experience worth setting aside a few hours for: discovering another nearby paradise.

We’re referring to Cayo Blanco, an uninhabited islet about 15 kilometers long and barely 500 meters wide, located in the Gulf of Cazones, east of Varadero. Its name says it all: the whiteness of its fine sand and its pristine beaches are the main attraction. The island is part of the Cayo Mono-Galindo Ecological Reserve, created in 2006 to protect its biodiversity. Mangroves, the Cuban iguana, and endangered species like black coral coexist.

The excursion begins with hotel pick-up. From there, a bus takes travelers to Marina Chapelín, where they board a catamaran with an open bar and music on board. During the trip, there’s a stop for snorkeling at a coral reef. Equipment is included, allowing you to observe a variety of marine life: colorful fish, crustaceans, and sponges. Upon arrival at the key, visitors have approximately an hour and a half to swim and relax on the beach.

On land, there’s a thatched-roof restaurant where a buffet lunch is served. The menu includes lobster, shrimp, chicken, or fish, accompanied by rice, vegetables, fruit, bread, and Cuban coffee. Some tours offer the option of adding a swim with dolphins at the Varadero Dolphinarium. The total duration of the activity is between seven and eight hours, with the return to the starting point. The best time to do this is from December to May, when the weather is drier.

But you should know that Cayo Blanco can only be visited through organized excursions. There are no private boats that arrive independently. Reservations can be made directly at the hotel with tourism representatives or online through various travel agencies. On all these platforms, you select the date, pay, and receive an electronic voucher to show on the day of the tour. It is advisable to book in advance, especially during peak season, as spaces fill up quickly.

For those looking to combine sailing, snorkeling, good food, and beach time in a natural setting without venturing too far from the coast, this excursion is a complete option. The catamaran trip, free time on the beach, and seafood lunch make up an experience that has received nearly 1,500 positive reviews on TripAdvisor. A day well worth adding to your itinerary.

Within the framework of the 2026 Cuba International Tourism Fair, Cayo Blanco reaffirms itself as a top excursion that combines nature, comfort, and authenticity—values that distinguish Cuba as a Caribbean destination.