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Discovering Cayo Santa Maria: A preserved gem for your holidays in Cuba



Immersion in an exceptional natural setting

A paradise between sea and wild nature

Nestled in the heart of the Jardines del Rey archipelago, Cayo Santa Maria is a dream destination for those seeking relaxation and escape during their holidays in Cuba. This small islet, 13 kilometers long and 2 kilometers wide, offers a stunning setting of white sand beaches, turquoise waters, lush vegetation, and a peaceful atmosphere.

A protected biosphere reserve

Classified as a biosphere reserve by UNESCO, Cayo Santa Maria is an ecological sanctuary. It's remarkable biodiversity attracts nature lovers looking for an environmentally friendly stay. Between mangroves, wetlands, flamingos, and tropical birds, this island invites you to connect deeply with local wildlife and flora.

A unique access road over the sea

Linked to Cuba’s mainland by an elevated road stretching 50 kilometers and crossing 48 bridges over the crystal-clear Caribbean Sea, the island offers a foretaste of paradise upon arrival. This scenic journey is a true excursion, perfect for photography enthusiasts and lovers of marine landscapes.

An ideal destination to recharge in Cayo Santa Maria

Private and preserved beaches

Cayo Santa Maria’s beaches rank among the most beautiful in the Caribbean. Their soft, white sand contrasts beautifully with the deep blue sea. Far from the crowds, these beaches offer precious privacy, perfect for relaxation and sunbathing. You’ll also find quiet spots to enjoy private beaches and peaceful moments for two.

A place of romance and relaxation

The island is the perfect setting for a honeymoon, romantic getaway, or a moment of reconnection with yourself. Watching a fiery sunset over the ocean, walking hand in hand on a deserted beach, or listening to the gentle sound of the waves at dawn are unforgettable experiences. The ambient calm creates a bubble of absolute serenity.

High-end accommodations

Among the available lodging options are upscale establishments such as Sol Cayo Santa Maria, Iberostar Ensenachos, and Buenavista. These hotels offer spacious rooms with sea views, attentive service, and diverse gastronomy. Located near the beach, they ensure a comfortable stay with direct access to the island’s most beautiful spots.


Cayo Santa Maria: A paradise of activities between land and sea



Water sports and scuba diving

Exploring the seabed

The clear waters of Cayo Santa Maria reveal a fascinating underwater world. Put on a mask and snorkel or go scuba diving to discover colorful coral reefs, schools of tropical fish, rays, and even turtles. Diving sites are accessible to all levels, whether you're a beginner or an experienced diver.

Thrills and kitesurfing

Adrenaline seekers can try kitesurfing, a growingly popular activity on Cayo Santa Maria’s wind-exposed beaches. Specialized schools offer lessons, and equipment rental is easy. This sport is ideal for those looking to combine excitement with breathtaking scenery.

Kayaking and sea trips

For a gentler activity, nothing beats a kayak excursion through the mangroves. Paddling at your own rhythm lets you explore the island’s hidden corners. Sunset catamaran cruises are also popular with couples wanting to enjoy a romantic, timeless experience on the open sea.

Land discoveries and Cuban culture

Hiking and wildlife observation

Marked trails allow you to explore the island’s interior, with its dry forests, mangroves, and wetlands. You may encounter iguanas, rare birds, and even flamingos. These walks are perfect for families and wildlife photographers in search of striking images.

Excursions to the mainland

From Cayo Santa Maria, it’s possible to visit the town of Remedios, one of Cuba’s oldest.
Just a short trip from the island, Remedios offers a charming dive into authentic Cuban life. This historic town, known for its vibrant facades and colonial architecture, invites travelers to stroll through colorful streets and discover centuries-old traditions. It’s a cultural highlight that enriches any Cuban holiday itinerary.

Lively evenings and Caribbean vibes

Even though Cayo Santa Maria exudes calm, evenings come alive with vibrant energy. Resorts host Cuban music shows featuring local rhythms, spirited dance parties, and live bands that celebrate Caribbean culture. Add in rum tastings and beachside cocktails, and you get the perfect end to sun-drenched days in paradise.

A refined alternative to well-known destinations

A less touristy option than Varadero

Cayo Santa Maria is ideal for travelers seeking a peaceful and uncrowded escape. Unlike Varadero or busier Caribbean destinations like Antigua, this island preserves its untouched beauty and tranquil charm. With secluded beaches, minimal crowds, and a pristine natural setting, it’s a haven for rest, romance, and renewal.

Discreet luxury in the heart of the Caribbean

The luxury here is serene and respectful of its surroundings. Guests can enjoy ocean-view spas, infinity pools overlooking the coast, and elegant beachfront suites without the noise of overdevelopment. It’s a sophisticated experience that merges comfort and nature, ideal for those craving tranquility with a touch of refinement.

A perfect place for tailor-made travel

More and more travelers are opting for personalized holidays in Cuba, including stays in exclusive locations like Cayo Santa Maria. Whether you’re traveling as a couple, with friends, or as a family, this destination offers ideal flexibility to design a unique itinerary tailored to your wishes.

Why choose Cayo Santa Maria for your next vacation

Living a Caribbean dream in all simplicity

With its peaceful vibe, preserved beaches, lush surroundings, and high-end infrastructure, Cayo Santa Maria is a top choice for travelers seeking unforgettable holidays in Cuba. Every aspect of the island its tranquil atmosphere, crystal-clear waters, and gentle rhythms invites visitors to slow down, embrace serenity, and experience true relaxation.

A destination between luxury and nature

The island is a rare blend of refined elegance and untouched natural beauty. Its discreet charm attracts both eco-conscious travelers and those looking for comfort and sophistication. Surrounded by white-sand beaches and rich biodiversity, it offers upscale hotels, thoughtful amenities, and a warm Cuban welcome in perfect harmony with nature.

A memory etched forever

Choosing Cayo Santa Maria means immersing yourself in an unforgettable sensory journey. Vibrant turquoise waters, fiery Caribbean sunsets, and the soothing rhythm of the waves create lasting impressions. From romantic strolls on the beach to wildlife encounters, every moment on the island becomes a cherished memory you’ll carry with you forever.


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Fly away for a magical trip to Santa Maria, an island located north of Cuba, in the heart of the Caribbean Sea.

Discover the majestic views in the Jardines del Rey archipelago and breathe in the tropical air. Cayo Santa Maria, a gem of an island, promises you a total immersion in natural and exotic beauty. As soon as you set foot on this island, you will be immediately captivated by its fine, pearly sand beaches, its crystalline and azure waters, and its exceptionally rich fauna and flora. At Playa Cayo Santa Maria, every day is an adventure between relaxation and exploration under a bright blue sky.

One of the most fascinating aspects of Cayo Santa Maria is its status as a biosphere reserve, recognized by UNESCO. This means that the island’s natural beauties are not only breathtaking but also preserved and protected for future generations. The island itself is relatively small, stretching thirteen kilometers in length and two kilometers in width, but it offers an impressive diversity of landscapes. To the south, you will find marshy areas and mangroves, while to the north, splendid beaches await you, bordered by palm trees and bathed by turquoise waters.

The Cayo Santa Maria hotel, like the other establishments on the island, is ideally located to allow you to observe these natural wonders. Imagine waking up to the gentle sound of the waves and the song of exotic birds, ready to start a day of discovery or total relaxation. Tourists enjoy incredible sunshine, making every moment spent outside a pleasant and bright experience.

On this paradise island, there is no shortage of activities. You can choose to spend your days sunbathing on the beach, swimming in crystal-clear waters, or exploring the underwater world during scuba diving sessions. The marine life of Cayo Santa Maria is particularly renowned for its beauty, offering a fairy-tale vision of colorful corals and tropical fish. For those who prefer to stay on the surface, walking is a highly recommended activity. The island’s winding paths are perfect for romantic walks or hikes that will lead you to breathtaking viewpoints.

Lovers will find here an ideal setting for their holidays or honeymoon. The tranquility of the island, combined with the splendor of its natural environment, creates an atmosphere conducive to romance. Walking hand in hand on a deserted beach, watching a flaming sunset, or simply enjoying the silence interrupted only by the murmur of the waves, Cayo Santa Maria offers all this and much more.

Accommodation on the island is also of very high quality. Establishments like Sol Cayo Santa Maria, Ensenachos Cayo Santa Maria, and Buenavista Santa Maria offer comfortable and well-equipped rooms, often just a few steps from the Caribbean Sea. Imagine waking up to the gentle murmur of the waves, ready to spend an unforgettable day between relaxation and exploration. These hotels not only offer a pleasant stay but also services that will make your stay even more memorable.

Access to Cayo Santa Maria is facilitated by a 50-kilometer road linking the main island of Cuba. This road is famous for its forty-eight bridges, each offering magnificent views of the Caribbean Sea and the surrounding mangroves. This journey is an adventure in itself, a spectacular introduction to what awaits you on the island.

Finally, the soundscape of Cayo Santa Maria is something unique. The song of flamingos and waders creates a soothing natural symphony, a real treat for the ears. By booking your hotel and plane ticket to Playa Santa Maria, you ensure an immersive experience in a tropical paradise, where every moment is an invitation to discovery and relaxation.

Whether you are looking for relaxation, adventure, or romance, Cayo Santa Maria has something to offer everyone. Get ready to live magical moments in this setting of natural beauty, where each day is a new page to write in your book of unforgettable memories.

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All inclusive packages - Cayo Santa Maria, Cuba

Frequently Asked Questions

Cayo Santa Maria being recognized mainly for the beauty of its beaches, it is possible to snorkel there to observe marine fauna, take catamaran excursions offered on site, visit the Mausoleum of Che Guevara in Santa Clara, or opt for the nightlife in one of the discotheques of the tourist complexes.
To get to Cayo Santa Maria, the closest airport is that of the city of Santa Clara, about 1 hour 30 minutes from Cayo.
The good choices of hotels in Cayo Santa Maria are numerous; to name a few, here's a list: Cayo Santa Maria Resort, Iberostar Selection Ensenachos, Royalton Cayo Santa Maria, Playa Cayo Santa Maria, Sanctuary at Grand Memories Santa Maria. ref .: www. aquaterratravels.com
The beaches of Cayo Santa Maria extend over 13km of fine white sand, algae can sometimes be present depending on the temperature. The sublime beauty of its beaches make it the main attraction.
The eastern end of Playa Canon is where the naturist 'Clothing optonal' section is located; guests staying at the Sol Cayo Santa Maria hotel have direct access to this beach.
There are no permanent residents in Cayo Santa Maria; hotel workers get there by bus from surrounding small towns.
The closest town to Cayo Santa Maria is Santa Clara, located approximately 1 hour 30 minutes from the hotels.
Very fine white sand; some sections of beaches can be separated by rocky sections. The long beaches will appeal to lovers of long walks.
Double-decker buses are a convenient and inexpensive way to get around Cayo; however, they do not cross the causeway to get to Santa Clara; taxis in front of hotels or 'pueblos' may sometimes be available.
The dolphinarium for the shows of dolphins and sea lions, and the fauna of Cayo which welcomes a large number of birds.
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