Snorkeling

Snorkeling, Cayo Largo, Cuba

The warm crystal-clear waters and shallow reefs that surround Cayo Largo provide excellent snorkeling opportunities. We suggest that snorkeling enthusiasts bring their own gear in order to not being restricted to any particular place or time. The only water sports center on Cayo Largo is located at Playa Sirena (about 7-8 km from the hotels), this is where they keep ALL nautical equipment. You cannot borrow equipment at your hotel.

Snorkeling from the beach

In general, Cayo Largo is not the “ideal” place for snorkeling from the beach for 3 reasons: The most beautiful reefs are not close to shore, the sea is rarely calm enough and, in most places, the entrance to the water is made of soft sand with little rocks or coral. But, there are still a some nice spots, here they are:

In front of hotels Villa Lindamar and Villa Coral/Soledad
Here there are many coral heads and a little reef not too far from shore. BUT, snorkeling is safe only when the sea is calm, which is quite rare in front of the hotel zone where medium/high waves are more common. But when it's not too windy this is a nice spot for beach snorkeling.

Punta Mal Tiempo (aka Playa Mal Tiempo)
This wide expanse is located to the west of the island, just before the famous Playa Paraiso and Playa Sirena. At Punta Mal Tiempo there's a reef close to shore. The sea is usually calm enough in this area but stronger undercurrents have been encounter here on occasion.

Back end of Playa Sirena
Behind the sand spit at Playa Sirena you can see many starfish and conchs, and some rays, but not a lot of coral. Here the sea is always calm and crystal clear.

Snorkeling by boat

Taking an excursion by boat (catamaran, yacht, trimaran, dive boat) is the best way to enjoy the most beautiful reefs of the Cayo Largo marine reserve. One of the most beautiful and most visited reefs is about 3 kilometers off Playa Sirena. The Nautical Center staff can take you there for 1 hour of snorkeling at a cost of 25 USD per person (the same excursion is offered from the marina), more information here Reef Snorkeling by Boat

Many full-day and half-day excursions include time for snorkeling in their program, such as:
Catamaran Super Reef Catamaran Half Day Sunset Tour Catamaran Lo Exclusivo Cayo Rico en Pirogas

PLEASE, PROTECT CORAL REEFS AND MARINE LIFE

Coral reefs are very important for the health and biodiversity of the oceans.
Don't touch anything! Even if they sometimes look like rock, corals are fragile animals. Be careful not to touch or stand on the corals because this may damage or even kill them. Plus, some species (like the Fire Coral) can inflict a painful burning sting.
Don't take corals and seashells home for souvenirs! Admire them in their natural habitats. In the Cayo Largo Marine Reserve, collecting corals as souvenirs is illegal.
Avoid feeding fish, this can disrupt their natural fish behavior and food chains.
Don't chase, harrass, or handle fish and sea turtles.
Wear sun protective clothing or a biodegradable reef-safe sunscreen. Many ingredients in regular sun lotions contribute to the harm done to coral reefs.