Plan a CruiseAs cruise ships cannot dock directly in Isla de la Juventud, you will be tendered ashore. This island, located 100 km southeast of Cuba's main island in the Caribbean Sea, is the largest in the Canarreos Archipelago with a rich history as a pirate anchoring spot for centuries. Today, its primary draw for visitors is exceptional scuba diving, particularly within the Punta Francés National Sea Park.
Beyond its renowned underwater world, the island offers natural wonders like an interesting cave system at Punta del Este Beach, including Number 1 Cave with over 200 ancient aboriginal pictograms. Bibijagua Beach is famous for its striking black sand, a result of the sea's erosion on marble rocks. Scenic cays such as Cayo Largo del Sur, Cayo Iguana, Cayo Rico, and Cayo Rosario further enhance the island's diverse landscapes.
Getting Around from the Port
Upon arrival, official taxis are available, though they can be expensive for longer distances. Rides around the town of Nueva Gerona, to the airport, or nearby beaches typically cost between CUC$2 and CUC$7. If you plan a full day of sightseeing, hiring a driver for the entire day will cost around CUC$70.
A more economical and charming option are the horse-drawn taxis. Short rides usually cost CUC$1 to CUC$2, while an hourly rate is between CUC$4 and CUC$6. The historic Presidio Modelo prison is about 5km (3 miles) east of Nueva Gerona, easily reachable by taxi or horse-drawn carriage. The turtle hatchery, located 20km away, requires private transport as there is no dedicated service from the park itself.
Attractions and Activities
- Scuba Diving at Colony International Diving Center: Located within the Punta Francés National Sea Park, this is the island's premier attraction for divers. The center is known for hosting Photosub international submarine photography encounters, testament to the quality of its marine life and coral reefs.
- Presidio Modelo (Model Prison): Explore this imposing historical site, located approximately 5km (3 miles) east of Nueva Gerona. The massive five-story circular prison blocks offer a stark glimpse into the past, notably as the place where Fidel Castro and other conspirators were imprisoned after the failed Moncada raid.
- Punta del Este Beach Caves: Visit the fascinating cave system at Punta del Este Beach. The highlight is Number 1 Cave, which features over 200 pictograms created by the island's aboriginal people on its walls.
- Bibijagua Beach: Experience the unique beauty of Bibijagua Beach, famous for its distinctive black sand, a natural phenomenon caused by the sea's eroding effect on marble rocks.
- Turtle Hatchery: Located 20km from the main areas, this hatchery offers a chance to see local sea turtles. Note that transport needs to be arranged independently, as there's no official service directly to the hatchery from the park.
- Explore Nearby Cays: For pristine natural beauty and tranquil settings, consider a trip to Cayo Largo del Sur, Cayo Iguana, Cayo Rico, or Cayo Rosario. These offer stunning landscapes and a break from the main island's activities.
Dining & Shopping
Shopping opportunities on Isla de la Juventud are primarily geared towards tourists, with key Cuban exports such as rum, cigars, and coffee widely available. For authentic merchandise, it's recommended to purchase from official, government-owned stores at their listed prices.
When it comes to dining, many government-owned restaurants are known for serving relatively bland food due to underpaid staff. For a more authentic and flavorful culinary experience, seek out "paladares" – privately owned restaurants operating out of local homes – or inquire about meals at a "casa particular" (private guesthouse).
Safety
Visitors should be aware of a few common scams. Be cautious of street touts offering "discount" cigars, as these are often counterfeit. Also, be wary of overly "friendly" locals who invite tourists to bars or restaurants for drinks (like a Mojito) or meals; you may find yourself charged two to three times the normal price, with the establishment splitting the inflated cost with your "friend." Always confirm prices beforehand. Another common scam is short-changing in bars or taxis, or receiving change in national pesos (CUP) instead of the tourist-friendly convertible pesos (CUC).
Currency and Language
The primary currency for tourists in Cuba is the Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC), which is used for hotels, official taxis, museum entries, restaurant meals, cigars, and rum. You can convert your currency into CUC at "casa de cambio" (cadeca) exchange houses, found in many hotels and city locations. The Euro is widely accepted for exchange, but the US Dollar is unfortunately not. ATMs are rare, and credit cards are not widely accepted, so it is advisable to carry sufficient cash.