On the waterfrontMarlin Marina & Combinada
Wander the working marina, watch fishing boats unload, and eat fresh seafood in the Combinada hamlet.
Cayo Largo, Cuba
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At a glance
Everything you need to know about Cayo Largo
Cayo Largo del Sur is a slender key at the eastern tip of Cuba's Canarreos Archipelago, reached only by air into little Vilo Acuña Airport (CYO). Life here centres on the Marlin Marina, the low-rise resort strip along Playa Blanca, the fishing hamlet of Combinada with its turtle rescue centre, and boat trips out to Cayo Iguana. Spanish is the language, the pace is unhurried, and the dry season runs bright and breezy from late autumn into spring.
Cayo Largo, CubaClimate
Climate
26–31°C · warm & sunny
JanDec
PeakShoulderAvoid
Warm and sunny most of the year, driest and breeziest from November through April.
Currency
Cuban Peso
Bring cash (CAD/USD/EUR) — foreign cards often don't work
Entry
Tourist Card
Valid passport + Cuba Tourist Card required
Top Experiences in Cayo Largo
On the waterfront
Local landmarkSea Turtle Rescue Centre
Visit the Granja de las Tortugas, where green and loggerhead turtles are raised and released.
Day tripCayo Iguana by Boat
Take the short boat crossing to a tiny key famous for its colony of wild rock iguanas.
Essential info for Canadian travellers
Passport: A Canadian passport valid for the length of your stay (6+ months recommended) is required to enter Cuba.
Cuba Tourist Card: Canadians need a Cuba Tourist Card (tarjeta del turista). It's usually included with package bookings or bought at the airport before departure.
Travel medical insurance: Cuba requires visitors to hold travel medical insurance, and you may be asked for proof — carry your policy documents.
Power & plugs: Cuba uses 110V and 220V at 60Hz with Type A/B/C/L sockets — bring a universal adapter; Canadian Type A/B devices generally fit.
Time zone: Cayo Largo runs on Cuba Standard Time (EST, UTC−5) — the same clock as Toronto and Montreal.
Best time to visit Cayo Largo
Dec – AprPeak season
Dry, sunny and breezy. Busiest and priciest window for Canadians escaping winter.
May – JulShoulder season
Warm and lively with good value and quieter marina and beach areas.
Aug – OctShoulder season
Hottest and most humid, with the lowest prices and occasional afternoon showers.
Year-roundWarm sea
Sea temperatures hover around 27°C, so swimming and boat trips work in any month.
Where to stay
Cayo Largo areas & neighbourhoods
Cayo Largo is small, so most visitors base themselves along one resort strip and take boats or shuttles to everything else. Here's how the key's areas differ.
Playa Blanca
South strip
The long white-sand strip where most of the key's resorts and restaurants line up side by side.
Best for
- First-timers
- Couples
- Value
Isla del Sol
Central key
The original resort settlement beside the harbour, home to the dive centre and boat departures.
Best for
- Divers
- Boaters
- Newer hotels
Combinada
Near airport
A small fishing hamlet by the causeway with the turtle rescue centre and simple seafood eateries.
Best for
- Culture
- Food
- Nature
Punta Sirena
Western tip
The sheltered western point reached by boat or shuttle, prized for calm water and day-use facilities.
Best for
- Day trips
- Snorkelling
- Privacy
Beyond the resort
Day trips & excursions from Cayo Largo
The key is a launch point for the Canarreos Archipelago's islands, reefs and wildlife. Every excursion below can be booked through ShopTravel or your hotel desk.
WildlifeCayo Iguana Boat Trip
Half day · 4 hrsOffshore key · 20 min by boat
Cross to a tiny cay to meet its colony of wild rock iguanas, then a snorkel stop on the way back.
Insider tips
- Don't feed the iguanas
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen
ConservationTurtle Rescue Centre at Combinada
Half day · 3 hrsCombinada hamlet · 15 min by road
Tour the Granja de las Tortugas, learn how sea turtles are raised and released, and see the fishing harbour.
Insider tips
- Mornings are quieter
- Bring small bills to tip guides
UnderwaterCoral Reef Dive & Snorkel
Half day · 4 hrsBarrier reef · By dive boat
Head out from the Isla del Sol dive centre to Cayo Largo's fringing reef, rich with fish and soft corals.
Insider tips
- Good for beginners
- Certification needed to dive
Island HoppingCayo Rico & Cayo Rosario Catamaran
Full day · 7 hrsCanarreos keys · By catamaran
Sail the archipelago to sandbars and star-fish shallows with lunch and swim stops along the way.
Insider tips
- Book the day before
- Bring a hat and water
● Limited availability — book now
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Good to know
Cayo Largo travel FAQ
Everything Canadian travellers ask before booking
Do Canadians need a visa for Cayo Largo, Cuba?
Canadians don't need a full visa, but you do need a valid passport and a Cuba Tourist Card (tarjeta del turista), which is usually bundled with package bookings.
How long is the flight from Canada to Cayo Largo?
Seasonal direct flights are about 3h 40m from Toronto to Cayo Largo's Vilo Acuña Airport (CYO).
When is the best time to visit Cayo Largo?
November through April is the dry, breezy peak season; May to October is hotter and more humid but cheaper and quieter.
Is Cayo Largo safe for tourists?
Yes. Cayo Largo is a small, low-key resort island with very little crime — use the same common-sense precautions you would anywhere.
What currency and cash should I bring?
The Cuban Peso is the local currency, but bring plenty of cash (CAD, USD or EUR) to exchange — Canadian and US-issued cards frequently do not work in Cuba.
Do I need travel insurance for Cuba?
Yes — Cuba requires visitors to carry travel medical insurance and you may be asked to show proof, so keep your policy documents handy.
What language is spoken in Cayo Largo?
Spanish is the official language. Resort and marina staff commonly speak some English, French and Italian.
Can I book excursions through ShopTravel?
Yes — you can add trips like the Cayo Iguana Boat Trip and the Cayo Rico Catamaran to your booking at checkout.