Plan a CruiseAs cruise ships cannot dock directly at Cayo Coco, passengers will be tendered ashore. This island in central Cuba is renowned for its luxury all-inclusive resorts and natural beauty. However, it is quite isolated from mainland Cuba, connected only by a long causeway with a security checkpoint. Keep in mind that Cayo Coco offers a resort-centric experience and is not representative of typical Cuban culture or cities. With 8-10 hours in port, you'll have time to explore the island's natural surroundings.
Getting Around from the Port
Given the island's layout, independent transport is key for exploration.
- Mopeds: A popular way to get around the cays. Many hotels offer mopeds for rent, typically costing CUC$25 to CUC$35 per day.
- Bicycles: If you're feeling active, bicycles are another option. Mountain bikes are often available for free for hotel guests, but may also be rentable for visitors.
- Tourist Bus: A convenient option, this bus makes a full circuit from one end of Playa Coco to the far end of Playa Guillermo. It runs approximately every 1.5 hours and costs CUC$5 for the entire route.
- Taxis: Official taxis are available but can be quite expensive for longer distances due to the island's isolation.
- Car Rental: Car rental rates are relatively high on the cays due to limited supply and high demand.
Attractions and Activities
Cayo Coco is primarily about enjoying its natural environment, particularly its beaches.
- Beach Exploration: Utilize a moped, bicycle, or the tourist bus to explore the various stretches of sand along Playa Coco and Playa Guillermo. The tourist bus provides an easy way to visit different points along the coast for a single CUC$5 fare.
- Water Activities: While not explicitly detailed, the resort environment often means opportunities for snorkeling, swimming, and other beach-based leisure activities are available.
- Coastal Drive: Renting a moped allows for independent exploration of the causeways and coastal roads, offering scenic views of the island's pristine nature.
Dining & Shopping
Shopping opportunities on Cayo Coco are generally geared towards tourists.
- Souvenirs: Cuba's main exports for tourists – rum, cigars, and coffee – are readily available. For genuine merchandise, it is recommended to purchase these from government-owned stores, paying the official price.
- Food: Be aware that food in government-owned restaurants across Cuba can be notoriously bland due to underpaid staff. The best food is typically found in casa particulares or paladares (private home restaurants) on the mainland, which are not readily accessible from Cayo Coco. Specific dining options near the tender point are limited, with most eateries catering to resort guests.
- Shopping Warnings: Be cautious of street touts offering "discount" cigars of dubious authenticity. Additionally, be wary of "friendly" locals who invite tourists to bars or restaurants; you may be charged two to three times the normal price, with the establishment splitting the inflated cost with the "friend."
Safety
While Cayo Coco is generally safe, independent travelers should be aware of a few common scams:
- Fake Cigars: Avoid purchasing "discount" cigars from street touts, as they are often counterfeit or of poor quality.
- Restaurant/Bar Scams: Be cautious of overly friendly locals inviting you to establishments for a drink or meal. This can often lead to significantly inflated prices being charged to tourists.
- Short-changing: Always check your change carefully in bars, taxis, and shops, as there have been instances of tourists being short-changed or given Cuban National Pesos (CUP) instead of Cuban Convertible Pesos (CUC).
Currency and Language
The primary currency for tourists in Cuba is the Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC). This is used for hotels, official taxis, meals, cigars, rum, and other tourist-oriented services. You can convert major currencies into CUC at exchange houses (casa de cambio or cadeca), which are often found in hotels. It's important to note that the Euro is widely accepted, but the US Dollar is NOT accepted for direct transactions or exchange. ATMs are rare in Cuba, and credit cards are not widely accepted, so carrying enough CUC cash is highly recommended. The official language of Cuba is Spanish; learning a few basic phrases will be helpful. The emergency number in Cuba is 116.