Cienfuegos Beaches and Water Sports

(Cienfuegos, Cuba)

Located on the central-west coast of Cuba and alongside the Caribbean Sea, Cienfuegos is conveniently close to a number of appealing tropical beaches. However, you will need to head out of Cienfuegos to enjoy some beach fun, as the city presides over a lagoon.

The Playa Rancho Luna is the nicest beach resort within reach of the city and is located just over 15 km / 9 miles to the south. This popular beachfront features soft, golden sand arranged in an arc formation and is usually relatively quiet. The scuba diving near the Playa Rancho Luna is especially good, being at its best around the Las Playitas and Ensenada de Barreras areas, where some impressive coral reefs and dive sites await. Families with young children will likely appreciate the pedaloes (pedal boats).

General Information

Scuba diving expeditions can be organised at the Club Amigo Faro Luna and also at the Hotel Rancho Luna, visiting some 30 dive sites within 20 minutes of the coastline. Diving highlights include underwater caves, shipwrecks and even the chance to see some whale sharks (not dangerous), which visit these warm Caribbean waters between November and February.

Various other water sports are possible around the Playa Rancho Luna and the calm water lends itself to swimming. A number of attractions and amenities are nearby, including a miniature golf course, eateries, bars, gift shops and extremely popular the Delfinario (Dolphin Park), where regular dolphin and sea lion shows are staged. There are three main hotels based within the Rancho Luna resort, although private rooms are also available.

Other beaches close to Cienfuegos include the Punta La Cueva, which is just across the bay and to the west, and also the Playa El Inglés, between Yaguanabo and Guajimico. If you simply fancy trying your hand at water sports, such as kayaking and windsurfing, then head on down to the Club Cienfuegos on the Calle 35, between Avenue 10 and Avenue 12. There is also a small amusement park based here, suiting younger visitors.