Attractions Nearby Cayo Guillermo, Day Trips and Excursions

(Cayo Guillermo, Ciego de Avila, Jardines del Rey, Cuba)

There are plenty of nature-based attractions and day trips right on the cays if you want to explore a new beach or go wildlife spotting at one of the national parks. Both Cayo Guillermo and Cayo Coco are home to several large parks and lakes that are excellent excursions. Most of the hotels have an office to arrange daily tours to the most popular spots.

Otherwise, the big attractions around the cays lie on the main island of Cuba or at even more remote islets off the coast. The small and pleasant town of Morón is the closest destination to Cayo Guillermo if you want to check out how the locals live. If you are willing to travel a bit further inland, there are many more towns and parks waiting for you.

Morón

Just across the causeway connecting Cuba's mainland to Cayo Guillermo is the historic town of Morón, which was founded as far back as 1643. This gateway is the home of around 60,000 Cubans who mostly work in the resorts on the neighbouring cays. Although there may only a handful of dusty streets to explore, this is a quaint little spot with a collection of rundown colonial buildings along the main street, the Calle Marti. If you want a bit of urban life to break up the time on the cays, Morón is the closest option and is often also referred to as the 'City of the Cockerel' (Ciudad del Gallo).

Archipelago of the Gardens of the Queen (Archipielago de los Jardines de la Reina)

If Cayo Guillermo and Cayo Coco aren't pristine enough for you, simply head to the south of Ciego de Avila and explore this protected chain of tiny coral islands and mangroves, which stretches for some 120 km / 75 miles. There are hundreds of virgin, undeveloped cays that make up the Archipielago de los Jardines de la Reina and are easily enjoyed with a boat. However, the real highlight lies below the water, where some of the most spectacular coral reefs and sea life attractions await scuba divers and fishermen, with both hammerhead and whale sharks being known to live here. Bird watchers will be pleased to find egrets, ospreys, pelicans and spoonbills.

Cayo Paredon Grande

This little islet is just 6 square kilometres / 2.3 square miles in size but offers plenty in the way of beaches and great swimming sites. It is a short boat ride away from Cayo Guillermo, and so makes an excellent day trip if you want to explore more cays that are completely undeveloped. A highlight here is the wrought iron lighthouse, which was built in 1857 and rises 48 metres / 157 feet above the sand.

Milk Lake (Laguna de la Leche)

Address: Morón, Cuba, CU
Named the Milk Lagoon in Spanish, this is the largest freshwater lake in Cuba and is just a short drive south from Cayo Guillermo. This huge lake is to be found just outside the neighbouring town of Morón, where it is an excellent location to indulge in a spot of twitching (bird watching). There are large flocks of flamingos, pelicans and other striking native birds living around the Laguna de la Leche, which combined make a lovely addition to the already scenic lake. The water at this popular tourist destination is a little milky in colour, due to limestone deposits, thus its name, Milk Lake / Lagoon. You can also enjoy water sports, fishing and boating on the lake.

National Park of Caguanes (Parque Nacional Caguanes)

Address: Morón, Cuba, CU
This large national park is located around the Caguanes peninsula and includes ten little islets known as the Cayos de Piedra, which lie within the Bay of Buena Vista. The main attraction here is the wildlife and the caves that cover the coastal area. With over 100 different species of birds and almost 80 known caves to explore, you will have plenty to check out at the Parque Nacional Caguanes, which is just an hour from Cayo Guillermo.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free