Where Is The Best Surfing in Cuba?
It's not too late to be a modern day pioneer. Surfing is not yet a very popular activity in Cuba, so there are plenty of waves to ride on beautiful beaches, without having to wait your turn. Keep in mind that you may not easily be able to find surfing equipment to rent.
It's little surprise that some of Cuba's beaches make for excellent surfing, what is a surprise is that the sport has yet to catch on — after all, surfing isn't exactly new. Slowly but surely, that's changing. For experienced surfers bound for Cuba, Guardalava and Baracoa have beaches that offer large swells. Serious surfers may even travel there at the tail end of hurricane season (August-October) for the big waves.
In general, the best time to visit Cuba is during the dry season (November to April), but in addition to larger swells during the wet season, the waters of the Caribbean tend to get warmer. Surf is fairly unreliable along Havana's coast, but determined surfers still regularly visit the local beaches. Calle 70 or Playa Guanabo are just outside the city, and are popular with visitors and local surfers alike.
Playa Mar Verde and Playa Buey Cabón, outside of Santiago de Cuba, may be better for more experienced surfers due to their point breaks, or waves that break over rocks under the water.
For new surfers, Varadero is a great place to try to catch waves. Private and group surfing lessons are available here.
Unfortunately, the reason it may be difficult to rent equipment is the same reason it will be a challenge getting to Cuba and obtaining entry to Cuba — lingering challenges from the communist government. Although you can get to Cuba by air and sea (land isn't an option for this island nation), that's moot if you are legally prohibited from entering the country. However, once you're granted entry, the beauty of the outdoors and amazing culture await you.
Related Questions
- When Is The Best Time To Go To Cuba?
- What Are the Top Activities in Cuba?
- Is Cuba Family Friendly?
- Where Is The Best Fishing In Cuba?
- Where Are The Nicest Beachesin Cuba?
Cuba Beaches to Visit
A Cuban beach holiday is waiting for you on this lively and colourful island nation. This list of Cuba's beaches to visit will take you from Baracoa to Maria La Gorda, and more as you explore the coastline. Cuba's beaches are famous for being ‘postcard-perfect,’ with their white sands and clear turquoise waters. Catch-up on your reading as you enjoy a paperback underneath an oversized umbrella. Seeking a more active beach getaway?... Cuba's beaches are close to colourful coral reefs where you can snorkel in warm shallow water. Several of the nation's most breathtaking beaches are lined with all-inclusive resorts, which (admittedly) are not without their appeal. Cuba's beach resorts will offer you your own landscaped version of paradise. Still, you don't have to stay at a Cuban beach hotel or resort to enjoy the surf and sand — many of the beaches are public, and just as beautiful as any private parcel.
Cultural Tours and Activities in Cuba
Cultural tours will introduce you to the pastimes and everyday lives of Cubans. Take one of these tours to see how Cubans have managed to produce compelling art, architecture, film, literature, and music – no matter what their circumstances.
Cuba Entry Requirements
Preparing for a trip to Cuba involves more than grabbing your passport and favorite travel bag. Here’s a list of what you must do, as well as suggestions for things you ought to do, before hopping on a plane or boat to Havana.
Getting to Cuba
Your adventure in Cuba begins with reaching your destination. You can reach the tropical isle by air or sea. Once you arrive, you can traverse the country by land, sea, and air.
When Is The Best Time To Go To Cuba?
There are two defined seasons in Cuba: the dry season and the wet season. The dry season, November to April, is the most popular window for tourists, although plenty still visit Cuba for summer vacations. During the wet season you are more likely to encounter a hurricane, although the slightly warmer weather during the rainy season makes the Caribbean water warmer.
What Should I Bring To Cuba?
Assume that you will buy nothing in Cuba. Bring your camera, medicine, and anything you truly need. Pack light, and bring lightweight clothing plus a sweater for cooler evenings, and leave anything overly fancy – ostentatious jewelry or gadgets – behind. You will likely be walking all over Havana and Santiago de Cuba, so be sure to pack comfortable walking shoes and a pair of cheap sunglasses that you would not be heartbroken to lose.
Baracoa
Baracoa is one of the most remote destinations in Cuba. This small town borders the northeastern coast and is surrounded by some seriously scenic areas.
Central Havana Neighborhood
Central Havana’s real estate is mostly residential – streets are lined with apartment buildings. Some have fallen into disrepair, but they still reflect Havana's eclectic architecture. This neighborhood has one of the densest populations in all of Havana.
Guardalavaca
The gorgeous beach at Guardalavaca is set 34 miles (55 km) northeast of Holguín. Guardalavaca is much smaller than other beach resorts in Cuba, but it’s one of the prettiest and most authentic coastal destinations in the country.
Santiago de Cuba
Santiago is unlike anywhere else in Cuba. It’s home to the country’s largest Afro-Cuban population and was the birthplace of the Revolution. Its isolated, eastern setting helped influence its distinct cultural character and significant historical context. It’s a lively, fast-paced city that is older than Havana. Needless to say, it’s a fascinating place to visit.
Varadero
Varadero is Cuba’s most popular beach destination. Less than a 2-hour drive from Havana, Veradero extends onto a long, narrow peninsula and boasts blazing white-sand beaches and warm turquoise water.
