Page 109 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Cuba

Central Cuba East ❮❮ 107

The Cays

Diving with
1
Sharks
Certified divers can
experi ence thrilling
encounters with
sharks on organized
dives at Cayo Coco
and Playa Santa
Lucía. Whale sharks
can be seen at
Jardines de la Reina. Scuba diver filming sharks
Pedraplén
Cayo Guillermo
2 6
This causeway connects Cayo
Linked to Cayo Coco by a
narrow causeway, this small cay Coco to the mainland. Made of solid
is blessed with stunning beaches earth with only two sluices, it bisects
and warm waters. Its bountiful the existing bay and has an impeded
mangroves provide good oppor­ tidal flow (see p25).
tunities for those interested in
Cayo Romano
bird­watching (see p24). 7
MAP L2
Cayo Sabinal
3 Spectacular coral reefs await visitors
A remote cay that is acces sible to this large uninhabited cay. A road
solely by a rough dirt road or by boat connects to the main land at Brasil,
excursions from Playa Santa Lucía, where a military checkpoint some­
Cayo Sabinal has three spectacular times denies access.
beaches, but facilities are scarce.
Fishing
Wild pigs roam the scrub­covered 8
interior (see p25). Enthusiasts of fishing can follow
the example of Ernest Hemingway
Cayo Coco
4 who trawled the clear waters off the
Jardines del Rey (see p104) for marlin
MAP K2
More than 14 miles (23 km) of and other game­fish. Sport­fishing
gorgeous white beaches, crystal­ trips are offered from the main beach
clear turquoise ocean, and excellent resorts and by Avalon Dive Center.
all­inclusive hotels draw visitors
Centro de
from far and wide to Cayo Coco. 9
Investigaciones
Cayo Paredón
5 de Ecosistemas Costeros
Grande
MAP K2 • Cayo Coco • (33) 30 1161
MAP L2 This center for coastal environ­
This scrub­covered cay mental studies and protection is
offers a beach with open to the public and features
a superb bar. Water exhibits on manatees, flamingos,
sports can also be and coral reefs.
arranged through your
Cayo Anclitas
hotel. Built in 1859, the 0
intri guing Faro Diego MAP K4
Velázquez lighthouse, In the heart of the Jardines de la
is located here. Reina, this tiny cay has a turtle farm
and a visitors’ center. A float ing hotel
Faro Diego offshore plays host to diving and
Velázquez lighthouse fishing excursions.
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