There’s a lot to be said for relaxing days on deserted beaches, dipping into the ocean when you need to cool down, snorkeling and exploring marine life, and then relaxing with a lobster lunch and a cold beer. Sounds good? Then you need to add Cayo Blanco and Varadero to your itinerary. Cayo Blanco is the perfect place for a relaxing day sailing on a luxury catamaran and exploring an idyllic beach. A day trip to Cayo Blanco is one of the top things to do in Varadero, so here’s our guide on how to get to Cayo Blanco, what to do here, and everything else you need to know.
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Whether your idea of paradise on a white sand beach is sunbathing, or whether you prefer to be in a kayak exploring, or head down snorkeling and exploring the corals and marine life, then Cayo Blanco is perfect for a day trip from Varadero.
EASIEST WAY TO TRAVEL
Book a day trip on a luxury catamaran from Varadero to Cayo Blanco. Explore the islet, snorkel the reef, enjoy a fabulous buffet lunch, and drinks.
How to Get to Cayo Blanco
The best way to get to Cayo Blanco is by luxury catamaran. Boats leave Varadero marina each morning and head towards Cayo Blanco. It takes about 90 minutes to get there, although you’ll want to partake of the 20-minute stop along the way for a cheeky little snorkel. The waters are warm, and it’s the perfect place to enjoy the seas here on the edge of the Bay of Cardenas.
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You can join a group trip to Cayo Blanco, or charter your own boat to get there – while more expensive, you’ll get much more of a unique experience and get to tailor your trip.
The group tour to Cayo Blanco is here
What do you get on a trip to Cayo Blanco from Varadero?
This perfect day trip from Varadero to Cayo Blanco includes just about everything. Remember to pack sunscreen, a towel, and your waterproof camera! You’ll get:
- Transfer from your hotel to the marina
- English, French, Italian, and Spanish speaking guide
- Unlimited drinks – non-alcoholic and alcoholic, including beer, water, and Rum. (Read about Cuban Rum here) Drinks are served both on the boat and on the beach.
- Enjoy the luxury catamaran – there are seats and comfortable nets to relax on, as well as shaded areas in which to sit.
- Snorkeling equipment is provided, and this trip includes a snorkeling trip on the way to Cayo Blanco.
- Buffet lunch on the beach at Cayo Blanco
- Return transfer to your hotel at the end of the day.
Day trips to Cayo Blanco last about 8 hours, including the transfer times to and from your casa particular or hotel. Pick-up usually starts from 08:00, although you’ll be advised when your booking is made, depending on where you are staying. You’ll usually also get about 3 hours on the island. And of course, the 3 hours of sailing time on the catamaran. Perfect for a relaxing day.
Where is Cayo Blanco
Located about 30 kilometers (19 miles) off the coast of Varadero, the uninhabited island of Cayo Blanco is the perfect desert island getaway for the day. You can only access Cayo Blanco by boat.
The Best Time to Visit Cayo Blanco
Check out my guide on the best time to visit Cuba here, but you can visit year-round. The summer months here (June, July, and August) tend to be extremely hot and humid, and don’t make for the best visit times.
Why Visit Cayo Blanco
As you can only visit Cayo Blanco by boat, it makes for the perfect getaway. This unspoiled island has white sand beaches and calm shallow waters surround it. It’s great for family trips, as the sand bars that surround the island give a lot of protected water for kids to explore.
- There are about 15 kilometers (9.5 miles) of beach, perfect for exploring and getting away, on a beach walk
- Snorkelers will love the coral reef, where you’ll find sponges, coral, tropical fish, and sometimes sea turtles.
- Prefer to laze away the day? No problem, there are sunbeds and loungers here, and umbrellas to protect you from the sun too.
- Water sports fans can take kayaks and pedal boats out for a jaunt and explore a little further.
Whatever you choose to do with your time here on Cayo Blanco, you’ll need to make time for lunch. Lobster is generally the dish of the day here, and trips like this include a buffet lunch with alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks included.
Perfect for inducing a post-lunch snooze to relax you into the day.
What to take on a visit to Cayo Blanco
You’re going to be spending the best part of the day on the water and on an idyllic white sandy beach, so you should pack a bag with a few items to bring with you. Here’s my suggestion for what to bring.
- Good sunscreen (I recommend this reef-safe option)
- A decent hat (I love and use this Sunday Afternoon one)
- Good sunglasses – I’ve used Maui Jim’s for years.
- A cover-up from the sun
- A quick dry towel
- A reusable water bottle (full!) with spare water
- Water shoes or hiking sandals – trails on the island need them
- Mosquito repellent
- Snorkeling Gear
- A rash guard (the sun is brutal and no more so than when you’re face down in the water!)
If you’ve prebooked with Civitatis, then you’re all paid and ready to go, so you shouldn’t need any cash with you, apart from for a tip. Check out my guide to tipping in Cuba here.
Like the idea of island visits around Cuba? Check out my guides to visiting Cayo Levisa and Cayo Jutias.
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Final Words on Visiting Cayo Blanco from Varadero
To me, this is a perfect trip from Varadero. It incorporates two of my top loves – sailing and snorkeling. And while I love to skipper the boat myself, there’s something actually really lovely about having someone else be in charge. And just relaxing into the Caribbean vibe. And Cayo Blanco trips from Varadero are all about that. Relax, enjoy, and explore.
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