Cayo Guillermo Tourist Attractions and Sightseeing

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

Although the beaches are without a shadow of a doubt the main tourist attractions of Cayo Guillermo, don't overlook exploring the interior, especially if you enjoy bird watching. Between November and April, the 90 indigenous bird species on the cays are joined by another 120 migratory species. The feathery congregation in the natural park areas is quite a spectacle.

The coastline of Cayo Guillermo is more than worthy of serious exploration and its related attractions are best viewed by taking a cruise. Tourists may also like to try their hand at fishing, either off a recommended beach or as part of a scheduled trip onboard a deep-sea fishing boat.

Cruises and Boat Trips

Address: Marlin Marina, Cayo Guillermo, Cuba, CU
All visitors to Cayo Guillermo find themselves drawn to the beaches and coastline, and the Marlin Marina offers a choice of various different boat trips. As you head to Guillermo, there is also a separate dock located on the left-hand side of the connecting causeway. This dock features regular motorboat trips, which last for around two hours in total and transport passengers through the scenic mangrove waterways. Sailing is also available from nearby Cayo Media Luna, together with snorkelling.
Open hours: daily - seasonal variations
Admission: free

Sport Fishing and Deep Sea Fishing

Address: Cayo Guillermo, Cuba, CU
If you have not come to Cayo Guillermo for the beaches, then there is a good chance that you are here for the fishing, which is nothing short of superb. Half-day and whole-day fishing excursions head up to 13 km / 8 miles offshore, where some large barracuda, mackerel, marlin and red snapper await. Lunch is provided onboard and those fishing will be able to take some of the day's catch home at the end of the trip. If you prefer to fish on dry land, then the Playa Pilar is a good spot, as is the Melia Pier in the Jardines del Rey area, although it should be noted that the pier is restricted to neighbouring hotel guests only.
Open hours: daily - seasonal variations
Admission: free

Bagá Nature Reserve (Parque Natural El Bagá)

Address: Parque Natural El Bagá, Cayo Guillermo, Cuba, CU
Tel: +53 033 30 1062
The nature and cultural park is the only thing that qualifies as a tourist attraction as such on Cayo Guillermo. This interesting property features a series of scenic nature walks traversing lagoons, mangroves and littoral forests. An indigenous village has been recreated at the Parque Natural El Bagá, where live shows of traditional (topless) Taino dances can be enjoyed.
Open hours: daily
Admission: charge

Round Lake (Lago La Redonda)

Address: Cayo Guillermo, Cuba, CU
This small lake on Cayo Guillermo is worth visiting to experience the thick swamps, mangrove forests and alien woodlands that grow right in the placid waters of the lake. A tour on a motorboat called a 'lancha' is the best way to get out into this very atmospheric environment and really experience the attractions that the Lago La Redonda has to offer.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free