Santiago de Cuba Beaches and Water Sports

(Santiago de Cuba, Cuba)



The coastline of the Santiago de Cuba province is wild and warm, with the best of the beaches being liberally scattered along the Baconoa Biosphere Reserve, where they lie against the backdrop of the Sierra Maestra range. Scuba diving in the sparkling clear water is first-class, with sights including over 70 sunken ships and plenty of underwater marine life.

The seaside town of Siboney is especially close to Santiago de Cuba, being located just 18 km / 11 miles to the east, where it remains pleasantly undeveloped and refreshingly rustic in its character - far from a touristy resort. The Playa Siboney is where the action takes place and this popular beach appeals to a mixture of local Cuban families and day trippers.


General Information

Although the Playa Siboney may not be the most attractive Cuban beach, and not quite in the league of the Playas del Este beaches and the renowned resorts of Varadero, it does hold much appeal. Shaped as a crescent, Siboney Beach offers an especially convenient situation and an undeniable charm.

Accommodation in Siboney comes in the form of more than 30 different casas particulares, and these guest houses offer a very reasonable base for Santiago de Cuba holiday makers looking for a weekend retreat. There is also a reliable beachfront restaurant, where dining features an enviable view.

Regular buses travel here from the Avenida de los Libertadores and the Avenida de Cespedes, while a taxi journey from central Santiago de Cuba is also quite affordable. Beachgoers may like to pay a visit to the town's Granjita Siboney farmhouse, the Museo de la Guerra Hispano-Cubano-Norteamericano or the American war memorial overlooking the coast.