Diving and water sports feature prominently among the recreational activities available for the enjoyment of those who choose to spend their vacations in the Cayos de Villa Clara. These wonderful keys are off the north central coast of this Caribbean country, and are one of Cubarsquo;s paradise tourism areas.
The keys of Santa María, Ensenachos and Las Brujas, belonging to the northern keys of Villa Clara Province, have kilometres of pristine beaches of fine white sand in an attractive natural environment. They are accessible by a 48-kilometre causeway that links these keys and other islets, such as Cobos, Majá, Francés, and Español de Adentro, with the mainland.
It is also possible to arrive in small- and mediumsize aircraft, which can land on the airport runway on Las Brujas Key.
Gaviota Marina offers numerous options for the visitor to the Villa Clara keys, of which the Sun Cruise is outstanding. The cruise begins at 9:00 am in Las Brujas and includes a tour aboard a catamaran around small islands near the coast and in the vicinity of San Pascual, a ship stranded in this area since 1933.
San Pascual is one of three such vessels built before World War II of reinforced concrete and launched in 1920 in the shipyards of San Francisco, California. The Sun Cruise excursion includes two snorkelling sessions in the warm and transparent waters that allow observing complex forms of intensely coloured coral life. During the tour of this exclusive area, visitors may enjoy bathing in the sea and sailing with an open bar, music, fun and a delicious seafood lunch.
Possibilities exist to dive under the guidance of professionals in coral reef areas, home to many whimsical creatures, colourful fish, and sponges, or to manoeuvre personal watercraft through a maze of channels that surround the keys of Las Brujas, Tío Pepe and Francés.
Lastly, Gaviota Marina offers deep-sea fishing in four, six and eight hour sessions on board a vessel fully equipped with fishing tackle, plus an open bar. The challenge is to capture species that inhabit the area, such as barracuda, mahi mahi, grouper and wahoo, among others.