Bay of Pigs Cuba, Western Cuba

Even though the Bay of Pigs is a relatively small bay of a small country, its name is household among the world population due to its notorious history. April 17th of 1961 marks the date that the Bay of Pigs would be brought to eternal infamy when a CIA-led team attempted to invade Cuba. This team was made up of Cuban exiles driven out by the tyranny of the soon-to-be dictator Fidel Castro and were trained by the CIA and brought to the Bay of Pigs in hopes of stirring up a civil revolution. This mission, however, failed miserably and left the world in shock, and made tensions worse during the Cold War. Many people see the Bay of Pigs only as a history buff paradise because of this history, but the Bay of Pigs offers so much more than just museums and a notorious past.

Today, travelers will find that the Caribbean waters are filled with thriving coral reefs, schools of playful fish, and a plethora of snorkeling and diving opportunities. Onshore, you’ll find soft, white-sand beaches and charming beachside towns filled with delicious restaurants and eateries serving the best Cuban Cuisine. A bit further inland and you’ll find Ciénaga National Park which offers visitors a glimpse into the famous biodiversity found within the bay. The Bay of Pigs is a worthy destination to visit for any traveler whether history buff or not and offers some of the best things to do in Cuba.