CubaPLUS Magazine

Today, Cayo Largo del Sur offers more than enough reason to visit Cuba, thanks to its pristine nature, quiet intimacy, and perfect appeal for travelers seeking tranquility and solitude.

This sentiment, shared by tour guides and promoted by the Ministry of Tourism (Mintur), reflects a destination whose natural promise transcends economic challenges and external skepticism.

Once a remote and untouched corner of Cuba, Cayo Largo’s vibrant colors, pristine beaches, and hidden coves have long made it a prime destination for both tourism and environmental conservation.

As a veritable earthly paradise, the rise of marine recreation sparked a trend of visiting the key. This exclusive privilege eventually transformed the destination into an ideal haven for travelers in search of silence, privacy, and untouched natural beauty.

Located in Cuba’s southwestern region, the key is steeped in history and magic. It owes its name (meaning "Long Key") to its elongated shape. Situated at the eastern end of the Canarreos Archipelago, it is the largest in a group of keys historically known to Spanish explorers as Los Jardines y Jardinillos (The Gardens and Little Gardens).

The terrain is exceptionally flat, with no significant elevations, rising just 50 feet above sea level. It spans an area of 38 square kilometers, stretching 27 kilometers at its longest point.

Historians note that there is no need to invent a history to market the key; its authentic past speaks for itself. Archaeological studies have documented three distinct sites containing ancient tools crafted from seashells.

According to tour guides, Cayo Largo’s tourism industry truly began in 1982 with the opening of its first hotel, the Hotel Isla del Sur, alongside a nascent marina service.

This landmark hotel served as the primary anchor venue for the 5th International Underwater Photography Event (Fotosub 2014).

Over the years, the key's primary source markets have included Canada, Italy, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Russia, Switzerland, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, and Poland.

Diving remains the premier attraction on the key, complemented by two highly popular excursions: the "Super Reef" tour—which features a seafood lunch served on board—and day trips to nearby Cayo Rico.

At its peak, the key recorded over 41,000 dives annually, solidifying its status as a world-class diving destination.

Cayo Largo’s international airport has welcomed direct flights from Milan and Rome (Italy), Toronto and Montreal (Canada), and, during the peak tourist season (November to April), Buenos Aires (Argentina).

These natural charms coexist with a rich history of pirate landings and raids. Legendary figures like Sir John Hawkins (historically recorded in Spanish documents as Don Hawking), who first sailed these waters in 1565, the famous French privateers Jean Laffitte and Latrobe around 1819, and the notorious local corsair Pepe el Mallorquín in 1820, have all left their mark, fueling persistent legends of undiscovered treasure.

By 1976, after serving various purposes—including a brief stint as a fishing school—Cayo Largo del Sur became part of the municipality of Isla de Pinos (now Isla de la Juventud), at which point the decision was made to develop the area into a tourist resort.

On February 24, 1982, the Cuban press reported the opening of Cayo Largo del Sur’s very first hotel, the Hotel Isla del Sur—which still stands today—featuring 71 rooms, a swimming pool, and basic amenities: the true genesis of its tourism.

(Taken from Prensa Latina)