Lush vegetation, pristine white-sand beaches, and turquoise coastal waters—Cayo Santa Maria has everything to captivate travelers from around the globe. This magnificent island sits off the north coast of Cuba within the Jardines del Rey archipelago. It combines nearly all the pleasures travelers seek: relaxation, natural beauty, history and culture, upscale and modest accommodations (restaurants, resorts, etc.), and water sports. Consider Cayo Santa Maria as your next Cuba vacation destination.

Historical Notes

1989: Tourism development began this year when construction of the Pedraplen causeway bridge commenced. This bridge would eventually connect three famous islets of the "Cayos de Villa Clara": Cayo Las Brujas, Cayo Ensenachos, and Cayo Santa Maria.

1999: Two major milestones occurred this year. First, the causeway built by "Campana de las Villas" was officially inaugurated after 10 years of construction. Second, the first hotel on Cayo Las Brujas, named "Villa Las Brujas," opened that same year.

December 2001: Cayo Santa Maria's first hotel officially opened. Sol Cayo Santa Maria had already been operating since 2000 as a training facility.

Since then, numerous hotels have emerged, driving tourism growth throughout the Jardines del Rey archipelago, including Cayo Santa Maria.

The Island of Cayo Santa Maria

Measuring 16 km long and over 2 km wide, this small island is a must-visit on any journey along Cuba's northern coast. Located in Villa Clara Province, Cayo Santa Maria is connected to the main Cuban island via the famous Pedraplen causeway bridge, which stretches 48 km from the town of Caibarien and ranks among the region's top attractions.

Best known for its sublime beaches and water sports, Cayo Santa Maria is one of the cayos (small islands of sand and coral) in the Jardines del Rey archipelago. This archipelago is one of Cuba's most popular tourism zones. Cayo Santa Maria is also part of the tranquil beach resort with magnificent beaches, known as "Los Cayos de Villa Clara".

About the Jardines del Rey Archipelago

This is Cuba's fastest-developing tourism sector. The archipelago now boasts nearly 32,000 hotel rooms spread across its islands. From west to east, they include: Cayo Las Brujas, Cayo Ensenachos, Cayo Santa Maria, Cayo Guillermo, Cayo Coco, Cayo Paredon Grande, and Cayo Cruz.

About Los Cayos de Villa Clara

Within a more concentrated area, Cayo Santa Maria is also part of the Los Cayos de Villa Clara beach resort. This resort comprises three islets: Cayo Santa Maria, Cayo Las Brujas, and Cayo Ensenachos. Together, they offer nearly 10,000 rooms for tourists. Tourism in the resort began developing primarily on Cayo Las Brujas in 1999. Then in 2001, the first hotel was built on Cayo Santa Maria, followed by Cayo Ensenachos in 2005.

Cayo Santa Maria sits within a tourism zone promising complete escape. Beyond its welcoming hotels, Cayo Santa Maria boasts natural and cultural riches worth exploring to enhance your Cuba trip. The island is surrounded by other islets that are equally popular tourism destinations not to miss: Cayo Guillermo and Cayo Coco, roughly 30 km away as the crow flies. You won't resist the charms of the coast, its turquoise-water beaches, its marine life, and its magnificent coral reef.

What to See and Do at Cayo Santa Maria?

To make the most of your stay on Cuba's northern coast, the main attraction at Cayo Santa Maria is undoubtedly its beautiful fine white-sand beaches. These stretch for 13 km across three sections. While hotels and beaches line the northern shores of this destination, the southern coast features forests, salt marshes, and mangroves. Cayo Santa Maria's landscape has been beautifully decorated by Mother Nature, enabling a diverse range of tourist activities.

The Pedraplen Causeway Bridge

If you arrive from Santa Clara Abel Santa Maria International Airport (in Cuba's Santa Clara), you'll cross this famous bridge to reach Cayo Santa Maria in 90 minutes. It winds across the sea, offering a unique panorama with ocean views from both sides. It features 49 bridges connecting the three sister islands of Villa Clara (Cayo Santa Maria, Cayo Ensenachos, and Cayo Las Brujas).

Plaza La Estrella

Resembling Cuba's main town squares, Plaza La Estrella brings together restaurants, spa facilities, a gym, shops, boutiques, and artisanal craft markets.

The Animal Sanctuary

Designated as a "biosphere reserve" named "Buenavista," this wildlife refuge is a genuine encounter with nature. Located on the eastern end at the island's tip, it offers opportunities to observe diverse plants and animals, especially birds. Enjoy the small Las Gaviotas beach for swimming in the island's turquoise waters. Ideal for hikers, the site features marked trails perfect for trekking. Entrance to the reserve requires a fee.

Cultural Tourism

Santa Clara lies 90 minutes by car from Cayo Santa Maria. Famous as the city of Che, it's the ideal place to follow in the footsteps of Che Guevara and Fidel Castro. Santa Clara abounds with historic sites and monuments to discover: Che's mausoleum, the armored train, Che statues, and more. History enthusiasts will appreciate exploring the Santa Clara's past and the Cuban Revolution that shaped it.

Enjoying the Beach

Nothing beats a long walk on Cayo Santa Maria's soft white sand. The ocean breeze and crystal-clear turquoise waters will ensure a genuine escape from everyday life. The water remains calm and warm nearly year-round, ideal for swimming.

Catamaran Excursions

To add excitement to your stay at Cayo Santa Maria, treat yourself to a catamaran outing to "get some air" and "go out to sea." This activity is also recommended for couples seeking a romantic escape.

Diving

The underwater world and coral reefs of Cayo Santa Maria offer wonderful adventures discovering the area's diverse marine life. Diving enthusiasts will delight in exploring the seabed, especially since the water provides excellent visibility. The Jardines del Rey archipelago, where Cayo Santa Maria is located, is rich in dive sites. You can dive day or night. For beginners, the Marina Gaviota dive center offers courses at various levels and provides internationally recognized certifications.

The Coral Reef of the Jardines del Rey Archipelago

It's the world's 2nd most important coral barrier in terms of natural richness and size. This site promises incomparable beauty, so don't miss visiting it during your stay on Cayo Santa Maria.

Visit the Dolphinarium

The facility is located on Cayo Ensenachos, one of the islands in the Cayos Villa Clara beach resort where Cayo Santa Maria is situated. This large dolphinarium hosts sea lion and dolphin shows that will especially delight children. You can even swim with them.

When to Visit?

The climate is favorable for vacations year-round, as Cayo Santa Maria stays generally warm. Dry season is the most pleasant, with temperatures ranging between 24 to 28°C (75–82°F). It runs from November to April. Rainy season begins in May and ends in October. To fully enjoy your vacation and especially the island's magnificent beaches, visit between April and December. However, August, September, and October are quite rainy.

Most travelers typically arrive at Santa Clara International Airport (Santa Clara Abel Santamaria Airport) in Cuba.

Caution: The causeway bridge has no railings. Driving it at night should be avoided, especially by drivers unfamiliar with this route. The same applies to those planning to visit the three islands by scooter.