Jardines del Rey, Cuba
Explore the keys of Jardines del Rey, a paradise archipelago in Cuba with white beaches and coral reefs
Jardines del Rey, Cuba
© Sylvanfeather
Jardines del Rey is the name by which the eastern part of the Sabana-Camagüey archipelago is known, being the most extensive and numerous agglomeration of islets around Cuba. Its territory is distributed among the four central provinces of the country, which are Villa Clara, Sancti Spíritus, Ciego de Ávila and Camagüey. An authentic natural paradise that includes the fantastic tropical landscapes that you dreamed of during your visit to the Caribbean.
During your visit to Cuba, you cannot miss the opportunity to visit this marvel of nature that consists of a coral reef of more than 400 km long, which is considered one of the most important on the planet. Its impressive sea beds, full of life and colour, make it the dream destination for diving. For all these characteristics, Jardines del Rey is considered the most important group of keys in Cuba.
When the Spanish explorer Diego Velázquez de Cuéllar discovered these islands in 1514, he chose to name this peaceful area filled with lush vegetation and fine white-sand beaches after the peninsular king of that time, Ferdinand the Catholic.
Index:
- What are the best keys in Jardines del Rey?
- What are the best beaches?
- What activities can I do?
- How do I get to Jardines del Rey?
What are the Best Keys in Jardines del Rey?
Shore of Pilar Beach
© Gianluigi Bresaola
The Jardines del Rey has keys from different provinces. Those belonging to Ciego de Ávila are the idyllic Cayo Coco and Cayo Guillermo. There you can enjoy a day of pure relaxation lying under the sun on the soothing sand, or swim carefree in its warm, crystal-clear waters.
Cayo Santa María
© Eddy Milfort
In the province of Villa Clara is located the subgroup Cayos de la Herradura, composed of three keys. First, Cayo Santa María, whose landscape is usually adorned with small boats with candles. Secondly, Cayo Ensenachos, one of the smallest keys, ideal for relaxation, and with an enviable 5-star hotel for the most demanding tourists. Finally, the Cayo las Brujas, characterized by its diverse mangroves to which you can get direct access from one of the bridges over the Caribbean that connect these keys with the main island.
Another outstanding key of Jardines del Rey is Cayo Sabinal, belonging to the province of Camagüey. Due to its size and characteristics, it could be an island rather than a key. It gets its name from the Sabina tree that is used for its beautiful wood. Eco-friendly tourism stands out in this great key.
In Camagüey you can also find Cayo Cruz, one of the most important keys in the area. With several hotels full of services and amenities, this key is on its way to becoming the first destination in the area. Its large and long beaches of fine sand and its surroundings with cliffs give it an unparalleled landscape.
What are the Best Beaches in Jardines del Rey?
Playa Flamencos, Cayo Coco
© Stephen Weppler
Jardines del Rey has unparalleled beaches that surprise with their fine white sand and transparent turquoise waters. Some beaches stand out like Playa Larga and Playa Flamencos in Cayo Coco. The first one is the longest as its name, Playa Larga (Long Beach) indicates and known as Cayo Coco, which has 2.5 km. In Playa Flamencos there is a large sandbar where you can marvel at the flamingos perched on it, completely changing the landscape.
Playa Pilar in Cayo Guillermo is undoubtedly one of those beaches that you should absolutely see on your way to Jardines del Rey, because of its virgin features and its large dunes.
In the Cayería del Norte you can enjoy beaches such as Playa Perla Blanca, located to the north of Cayo Santa María, where dolphins are a common sight. In addition, there are beaches that offer a more festive atmosphere such as Playa Mégano in Cayo Ensenachos. Others, however, are much more natural and unspoilt for those seeking relaxation and tranquillity. This is accentuated at Playa Las Salinas, the 2 km beach of Cayo las Brujas.
What Activities can I do in Jardines del Rey?
Delfinario de Cayo Santa María
© Cuba Travel
Jardines del Rey is a matchless paradise where any leisure activity can be done. From total disconnection during your holidays to practising water sports. Moreover, its virgin character will allow you to enjoy the beautiful fauna such as iguanas, dolphins or colourful fish, all of them harmless.
Jardines del Rey is known for being one of the best places in the world for diving. It has great diving spots with coral reefs and other secrets to discover at the bottom of the sea.
In addition, there are organized activities such as the Crucero del Sol (Sun Cruise), an unforgettable catamaran excursion among the small keys of Cayo Santa María.
Some of the keys also have specific places, such as the Delfinario de Cayo Santa María (Dolphinarium of Cayo Santa María), where you can enjoy a unique experience swimming with dolphins. Or the Rocarena Climbing Center in Cayo Coco, a rock climbing centre for expert climbers but also for beginners who want to learn.
How do I Get to Jardines del Rey?
You will be able to access several of these keys in your own car thanks to the authorized viaducts that leave from the provinces. Some of them, such as the pedraplén that starts in the town of Caibarién, is built over the Caribbean waters. Simply walking on them is a genuine experience. This way, you have the possibility of finding affordable accommodation on the main island and moving around to spend the day on each of the islets. They are an example of ecology because of their small environmental impact.
An archipelago is also an ideal place for ecotourism, due to the immense quantity and variety of protected fauna and flora it provides a home to. Agencies organize a great number of excursions, through which you will be able to enjoy every detail of these incredible singular landscapes.
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Jardines del Rey
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