Cayo Largo Cuba, Western Cuba

A gem among the little over 300 islets that can be found off the coast of the island country of Cuba, Cayo Largo looms large as being a Cuban paradise still largely untouched. This serene island is the second largest that can be found within the Canarreos archipelago and is the perfect escape from commercialized tourism that is often found among the pristine Caribbean beaches of Cuba.

From tip to tip the island measures a short 25 km and houses some of the best all-inclusive hotels to be found in Cuba. This island does boast of a seemingly untouched paradise as construction of the small set of hotels on this island began only 50 years ago in the year 1977 and keeps the tourist industry at bay by developing only on a small strip of land, rather than the entire island.

Cayo Largo is perfect for the naturists who loved an unspoiled backdrop to their sunbathing, snorkeling, and diving. The atmosphere is largely laid-back and has only a few developments in terms of infrastructure – such as a museum, a bank, a turtle rescue center, and a selection of smaller restaurants.

The only permanent inhabitants on the islands are the iguanas and large sea turtles, which you can see plenty of among the endless stretch of beaches along the coast of this small resort island. In fact, between July and September, you are privy to a once-in-a-lifetime view of turtles burying and hatching their precious eggs among the fluffy white sands.

Besides watching this astounding sight, what most visitors spend their time doing while on this gorgeous paradise is diving, snorkeling, tanning, eating, and sleeping. The laid-back attitude of the resorts and island require nothing else of their visitors, and with a colorful stretch of coral reef and an abundance of tropical marine life, Cayo Largo the best diving vacation spot in the Caribbean.