Information
Landmark: Cayo Paredón GrandeCity: Ciego de Avila
Country: Cuba
Continent: North America
Cayo Paredón Grande, Ciego de Avila, Cuba, North America
Overview
Cayo Paredón Grande is a tiny, untouched island in the Jardines del Rey-Gardens of the King-archipelago, lying just off Cuba’s north coast where the water glints turquoise in the sun.It’s in Ciego de Ávila Province, just a short hop from the sunny beaches of Cayo Coco and Cayo Guillermo, and belongs to the Cayo Coco chain in the Cuban Archipelago.Cayo Paredón Grande may be small, but turquoise waters and wind-shaped dunes surround it with some of Cuba’s most stunning scenery.Covering roughly 10 square kilometers, the island sits northeast of Cayo Coco in the Jardines del Rey archipelago, a region famed for white-sand beaches, glassy turquoise water, and protected wildlife.Its landscape blends untouched shores with tangled mangrove forests and sprawling coastal wetlands, each adding to its rich ecological value.The clear waters around Cayo Paredón Grande brim with coral reefs, drawing divers and snorkelers from near and far.Its soft, white-sand beaches rank among Cuba’s most beautiful, inviting visitors to stretch out in the sun or slip into the gentle surf.Playa Cayo Paredón Grande is the island’s main beach, known for soft white sand that warms under your feet, glassy turquoise water, and a peaceful, unhurried vibe.It’s perfect for swimming, stretching out on warm sand, and soaking in a quiet day by the sea, far from the bustle of Cuba’s bigger resort beaches.With fewer visitors, it feels remote and calm-a true escape.The island’s alive with wildlife, especially birds that flit between the palms.It’s a great place to watch birds-flamingos wading in the shallows, herons gliding overhead, and flocks of waterfowl skimming the surface.The wetlands around the island draw flocks of migratory birds, giving them a safe haven among the reeds.Just offshore, the clear waters of Cayo Paredón Grande shelter vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life.Snorkelers and divers can glide over vibrant reefs teeming with tropical fish, graceful sea turtles, and other marine life, while the island’s palms, mangroves, and salt-tolerant plants shield its fragile ecosystem.Cayo Paredón Grande also invites adventure on the water, from windsurfing in the warm breeze to kayaking across its clear, blue shallows.With clear, warm water and vibrant coral reefs, the island is perfect for anyone eager to explore beneath the surface.The shallows stay calm, making them a safe, welcoming spot for families splashing with little ones.Just offshore, the reefs offer unforgettable snorkeling and scuba diving.The reefs shelter a wide range of fish, from bright parrotfish to darting silver schools, and the water’s usually so clear you can see for meters.Local dive operators take visitors out to explore the reef’s bursts of color and darting fish, while Cayo Paredón Grande invites nature lovers to watch herons, pelicans, and other birds moving freely in their wild home.The island teems with flamingos, herons, and other wading birds, their pink and white feathers bright against the shallows, making it a prime stop for bird-watchers.If you’re after peace and quiet, Cayo Paredón Grande delivers a calmer vibe than Cuba’s busier resort islands.Soft waves lap the quiet beaches, and the island’s striking natural beauty invites you to slow down and take it all in.Unlike the busier Cayo Coco or Cayo Guillermo, Cayo Paredón Grande still feels untouched by heavy tourism.Still, the island offers all‑inclusive resorts and cozy stays for the rising wave of visitors who want a quieter escape-like waking to the sound of gulls instead of traffic.Hotels range from luxury resorts with plush bedding to all‑inclusive packages where breakfast smells of fresh coffee and warm pastries.Hotel Playa Paredón stands out among the island’s top stays, offering guests a sandy path straight to the shore and plenty of ways to unwind, from kayaking at dawn to sunset walks.Elsewhere, a few places embrace true eco-tourism, running on solar power and working hard to keep the island’s wild beauty intact.These options suit travelers who want to enjoy the island’s untouched beauty without giving up comfort.By air, the nearest landing spot is Cayo Coco International Airport (CCC), about a 30‑minute drive past palms and bright turquoise water to Cayo Paredón Grande.You can fly to Cayo Coco from cities around the world and across the country, whether it’s a quick hop from Havana or a long haul from Toronto.From the airport, you can grab a taxi or arrange private transport to reach the island.If you’re driving, a long causeway links Cayo Paredón Grande to the mainland and nearby islands, with the sea stretching out on both sides.You can reach it by driving the causeway from Cayo Coco, which itself links to the mainland by a bridge.The dry season-November through April-brings sunny skies and warm breezes, perfect for swimming or stretching out on the sand.From May to October, brief showers and the odd storm roll through, but the island still charms year-round if you’re ready for tropical weather.Cayo Paredón Grande remains a quiet, untouched getaway for travelers craving a slower, more secluded slice of Cuba.Its golden beaches, thriving wildlife, and unspoiled scenery make it ideal for anyone chasing waves, hiking trails, or just sipping coffee while the sun warms a quiet, postcard-perfect shore.Snorkel among coral flashing with color, watch herons glide over the wetlands, or breathe in the quiet sea air-Cayo Paredón Grande shines as a jewel in Cuba’s northern Jardines del Rey.
