Island in Ciego de Ávila, Cuba
Cayo Coco
Causeway island of all-inclusive resorts on long white beaches, good for easy sun and snorkelling. There is no town, little outside the hotels, and fuel shortages disrupt flights and services.
At a glance
- Monthly budget$3,600–5,800Comfortable, one person · $3,600–5,800Details
- Best time to goNov–AprWarmest: Aug, 30°CDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledResorts serve purified water.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel3/5English: common in tourist areasDetails
- Doctor's visit$40–90Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundResort or tour-operator transferYou'll need transportDetails
- Cash or cardCash onlyBring cash in US dollars or euros; foreign cards do not work reliably.Details
Where to stay in Cayo Coco
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Playa Flamenco side | Quieter beach resorts and calm swimming |
| Playa Larga | Wide beach on the north coast with several resorts |
Apps that work in Cayo Coco
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Organic Maps or Maps.me (download offline maps before arrival)
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Psiphon: VPN for blocked sites and services
- Taxis: No ride apps or street taxis. Book transfers and excursions through your hotel or tour operator.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Cuba.
- Cash only Bring cash in US dollars or euros; foreign cards do not work reliably. All-inclusive resorts cover most costs, but tips and excursions need cash.
- Currency: Peso (CUP). US$1 ≈ $24.00 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Foreign cards don't work in ATMs or card terminals, so you can't withdraw cash at all. Bring enough.
- Tipping: Tip in cash: about 10% in restaurants, plus small dollar or euro notes for guides, drivers, musicians and casa hosts.
- Paying by phone: None for visitors: Transfermóvil and EnZona need Cuban accounts. A Cuban prepaid Clásica card is the only card option.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Get a tourist card (tourist visa) online via eVisa-Cuba, through your airline or agent, or from a Cuban embassy.
- Complete the D'Viajeros form within 72 hours before arrival; save the QR code as a PDF, as airlines check it.
- Carry proof of travel medical insurance valid in Cuba and an onward or return ticket.
Emergency numbers
Police 106 · Ambulance 104 · Fire 105
Plugs
Type A, B, C, L · 110 V, 60 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
CubacelTur temporary SIM from Havana Terminal 3, other airports or ETECSA offices, with passport; 7- or 30-day packs. Signal drops during blackouts. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Cuba
Going to Cayo Coco solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Cayo Coco meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
- Cuba Travel (official tourism)
- ETECSA
- Tico Times: Canadian operators halt Cuba packages Jun–Oct 2026
- AirHelp: Cuba jet fuel shortage, Feb 2026
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.