Cayo Santa Maria is an island that can be found in Cuba’s Jardines del Rey archipelago. This archipelago off the northern coast of Cuba has been declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO and is known for its beauty and extensive beaches. Also lending to the allure of Cayo Santa Maria and the rest of the Jardines del Rey archipelago are the world-class snorkeling and scuba diving spots. The archipelago is actually developed on a coral reef system.

Island Description

Cayo Santa Maria is a relatively small island, measuring 16 kilometers long and two kilometers wide. Linked to the main island of Cuba via a 48-kilometer causeway, its southern side is largely comprised by marshes and mangroves. On the northern side of Cayo Santa Maria are the beaches that attract so many tourists. Hence, the north coast is also where you will find the island’s hotels. These hotels are found along a lengthy stretch of beach, and outside of the hotel zone are some virgin beaches for those who truly want to get away from it all.

King’s Garden

The Jardines del Rey archipelago, or the King’s Garden archipelago, as it is known in English, is one of Cuba’s hottest vacation destinations. As mentioned, it has been named a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and boasts extensive beaches. Extending for approximately 120 miles, the King’s Garden archipelago is part of the larger Sabana-Camaguey Archipelago. Many King’s Garden visitors arrive via planes at the Jardines del Rey Airport on Cayo Coco. Thanks in part to the causeway that connects mainland Cuba to Cayo Santa Maria, it is also possible to arrive in the area by way of road. It is important to note that the various islands in the Jardines del Rey archipelago have different attributes. Some tend to have rougher seas than others, for example. Cayo Santa Maria is an example of a Jardines del Rey island that can have relatively rough seas and high waves. Islands that tend to have calmer seas off their shores include Cayo Ensenachos, Cayo Guillermo, and Cayo Coco.

Cuba Map

Luxury All Inclusive Resorts

Cuba all inclusive resorts are in very good supply and serve as travel bases for most of Cuba’s foreign visitors. These resorts range from the relatively cheap to the very expensive. On Cayo Santa Maria, the resident resorts include several luxury gems. Examples of luxury all inclusive resorts in Cayo Santa Maria include the Royalton Cayo Santa Maria, the Melia Buenavista, and the Melia Cayo Canta Maria. Book a stay at one of these resorts, and you can not only expect comfortable accommodations. Virtually everything is included in the upfront rates. It’s about as stress-free a beach vacation as you could hope to enjoy.