Jibacoa

Jibacoa is also one of the best Cuban destinations for diving and snorkeling. There's an impressive coral reef located just a few meters from shore, making it possible to go snorkeling directly from the beach without having to take a boat or pay for an excursion. The hotels also have a dive center on-site with a boat departing right in front of the resort, no transfers required, no time wasted. You can even scuba dive directly from the beach. We first discovered Jibacoa in 2005 and have returned numerous times since then. We like the natural setting and relaxed atmosphere of this small destination, and also being able to snorkel freely for hours to explore the beautiful and diverse marine world. It's by far our favorite Cuban snorkeling spot because of the easy access to a huge reef, Holguin is another nice alternative for shore snorkeling but with smaller coral heads scattered about. Santa Lucia and the Cayos (Cayo Largo /Coco /Guillermo/SantaMaria, etc.) also offer fantastic diving and snorkeling but the nice reefs are accessible only by boat. We always stayed at hotel Breezes Jibacoa which has now become the Memories Jibacoa. This is a nice adult-only 4-star resort. We also visited its neighbor, the Villa Jibacoa (aka Villa Tropico) which is a 3-star resort with a cozy and friendly atmosphere. Nearby there is also the Villa Loma, a group of houses for rent. Since the Cuban reforms on privately owned businesses, we noticed that many small B&B, family restaurants (paladar), and quaint bars have sprung up around the hotel zone, especially since 2012. The local farms also offer horseback riding. Private taxis (most of them Classic 50's cars, aka Maquina or Yank Tank) offer trip and private tours to Havana or Varadero. These little businesses are now legal, do not worry! We really appreciate these new opportunities to experience the Cuban flavor and ingenuity! Don't hesitate to bring small gifts when visiting a local farm or for villagers met on the beach, this gesture is truly appreciated! We hope that browsing our website will make you want to go to Jibacoa!