Playa Mal Tiempo

Playa Mal Tiempo, Cayo Largo, Cuba

The wide sand point named Playa Mal Tiempo (also known as Punta Mal Tiempo) is one of the most wild and virgin beaches of Cayo Largo (among the easiest to access). 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 Paraiso.

The serene atmosphere of this vast virgin expanse provides a true "desert island" feel. You won't find many services there, only a few palapas and lounge chairs (for rent, 2 USD each for the day). There are no hotel, bar, restaurant or bathrooms on Playa Mal Tiempo.

Location:
Playa Mal Tiempo is at the western end of Cayo Largo, about 5 to 9 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 Mal Tiempo:
• Taxi: 2-3 USD per person one way.
• Rented ATV or scooter more info here
• Walking the beach: About 1 hour from hotel Memories Cayo Largo, about 2 hours from the Grand Memories Cayo Largo (depending on beach condition).

Why is this area called "bad weather beach" (playa mal tiempo), we have no idea! Unlike beaches in front of the hotels (Playa Lindarena and Playa Blanca), the sea at Playa Mal Tiempo is generally quite calm. The western beaches are the perfect 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 for naturism. Great place for a first experience!

Note that there is a very limited number of palapas on Playa Mal Tiempo, and no trees providing natural shade; during high tourist season you might want to bring your own umbrella or beach tent.

In front of Punta Mal Tiempo, a coral reef accessible from shore makes it a nice place for beach snorkelling.

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.