Playa Paraiso

Playa Paraiso, Cayo Largo, Cuba

Playa Paraiso = Paradise Beach, a well-deserved name! This pristine beach with sparkling white sand, bathed in turquoise and crystalline waters, is part of the Cayo Largo area called the western beaches, with Playa Sirena and Playa Mal Tiempo. These beautiful virgin and protected beaches have no hotels, only some basic services to accommodate tourists.

Location:
Playa Paraiso is at the western end of Cayo Largo, about 6 to 10 km from the hotels. It's accessible via a sandy path. Map of Cayo Largo's beaches
Watch our Video (2018) of a trip to the western beaches on an ATV

How to go to Playa Paraiso:
• Taxi: 2-3 USD per person one way.
• Rented ATV or scooter more info here
• Shuttle to Playa Sirena (5 USD per person round trip) and then walk southeast for about 20 minutes. more info here
• Walking the beach: About 1¼ hour from hotel Memories Cayo Largo, about 2 hours from the Grand Memories Cayo Largo (depending on beach condition).

Unlike beaches in front of the hotels, the sea at Playa Paraiso is always calm. The western beaches are therefore an excellent alternative when the sea in front of the hotel zone is a little too agitated (red flag), or when the beach of a hotel has suffered erosion after strong winds or tide shits.

This secluded beach is also popular with naturists who generally prefer to gather not too close to the snack bar.

The services at Playa Paraiso include:
Palapas (beach umbrellas), sun loungers (for rent, 2 USD each for the day), and a bar with a shaded terrace where they serve: Bottled water, juice, soft drinks, beer, and cocktails. Note that this bar is not part of your all-inclusive package.

Note that there's a limited number of palapas and not much natural shade, except for a few trees around the snack bar; during peak tourist season you might want to bring your own umbrella or beach tent. Also note that there is no water sports equipment in Playa Paraiso, they are all in Playa Sirena (about 20 minutes' walk to the west).

Playa Paraiso regularly appears on the list of Trip Advisor Travelers Choice «Top-25 beaches in the world», achieving third place in the 2016 edition and fourth place in 2017.

IMPORTANT NOTES :

It is strictly forbidden to ride ATVs (or any other kind of vehicle) on the beach.
If you decide to take the long walk from your hotel to the western beaches, bring water, apply sunscreen, wear a hat, and bring sandals (you may sometimes have to step on rocks depending on beach conditions and tide).
Please respect this pristine environment; always pick up your trash.
Please, do not take starfish out of the water; this marine animal does not breathe air! Only a few minutes (or a few seconds repeatedly) is enough for them to die, they can also die of stress, they are not a toy!
Cayo Largo's beaches are nesting sites for sea turtles (May to September). Never disturbed sea turtles during nesting season, they are very sensitive to disturbance, which may prevent them from laying their eggs. Never step on a nest or disturb a hatching.