Page 212 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Cuba

210  CUBA REGION B Y REGION

sites along the reef, which
can be reached with the help
of the international diving
centres, while Shark’s Point
offers dives full of romance,
exploring the wrecks of pirate
and Spanish vessels. For the
brave there is also the chance
to observe the bull shark,
Carcharinus leucas, at close
range from February to March
and from July to September.
At the bay of Nuevitas, 6 km
(4 miles) west of Santa Lucía,
near the tiny seashore village
A country road north of Camagüey, leading to Sierra de Cubitas of La Boca, is Playa Los Cocos.
This lovely unspoilt beach has
q Sierra de Cubitas The thick vegetation, through fine white sand and clear water,
which sunlight penetrates and is a must for visitors to
Camagüey. Road Map D3.
for only a few hours, is home Santa Lucía.
The range of hills that lies 40 km to a variety of native birds
(25 miles) north of Camagüey (tocororo and cartacuba; see
forms the largest local reserve pp24–5) and migratory birds,
of flora and fauna, with over 300 as well as harmless reptiles
plant species. To date, however, and rodents.
this area has no tourist facilities
on any scale.
The main attractions are w Playa Santa Lucía
caverns such as Hoyo de Bonet, Camagüey. Road Map D3.
the largest karst depression in n Cubatur, Ave. Turística, Playa Santa
Cuba, and the Pichardo and Lucía, (32) 336 291 or (32) 365 303.
María Teresa grottoes, where
cave drawings have been The most famous beach resort A beautiful beach on the protected island of
discovered. Expert speleologists, in the province offers 21 km Cayo Sabinal
on the other hand, can visit (13 miles) of fine white sand
the Cueva de Rolando, a cave lapped by turquoise waves. e Cayo Sabinal
132 m (435 ft) long with a The large coral reef only 3 km Camagüey. Road Map D3. 4
subterranean lake 50 m (165 ft) (2 miles) from the shore is
across, the bottom of which good for scuba divers (see p285). Together with Cayo Romano
has not yet been explored. It shelters the coast from the and Cayo Guajaba, this small
In the neighbouring Valle currents of the Canal Viejo de island forms part of a protected
del Río Máximo is the Paso de Bahamas, thus safeguarding area. It is the home of deer and
los Paredones, a long, deep calm swimming conditions for the largest colony of flamingoes
ravine with holes caused by adults and children alike, as well in Cuba, as well as a nesting
water erosion, some as much as creating a good area for area for four species of sea
as 100 m (328 ft) deep and practising all watersports. turtle. Cayo Sabinal can be
up to 1 km (0.6 mile) wide. There are more than 30 dive reached via a causeway from

A pier at Playa Santa Lucía, departure point for boats going out to the coral reef
Playa Los Cocos, near Playa Santa Lucía

210-211_EW_Cuba.indd 210 14/02/17 11:37 am