description

The Bay of Pigs is famous the world over as the landing point for the failed invasion of Cuba in 1961 and, for history buffs, there are plenty of monuments to the men who defended the island's shores. Nowadays however most people come for the beaches, snorkelling and scuba diving at Playa Larga & Playa Giron as well as for the rich and varied birdlife. The whole area lies within the Zapata Peninsula, Cuba's prime wildlife destination and one of its least spoiled regions due in large parts to its extensive swamps.

Excursions

The biggest man-made attraction in the area is the tourist village of Guama which is modelled on a native Indian settlement and slightly incongruous compared to Cuba's normal attractions. The setting is lovely, especially once the tour groups lead. Elsewhere, there is good snorkelling and diving at Playa Larga as well as a birdwtching centre.

Food

There are very few settlements within the Bay of Pigs area with dininig options almost entirely limited to the few tourist hotels, especially after dark.

Getting There

Unless part of an escorted tour, this whole region is best explored by hire car as there are no buses. The only note of caution is that at certain times of year the roads along the Bay of Pigs are covered in crabs making their way to the sea!

Hotels

Simple accommodation is available at Villa Guama, Hotel Playa Larga & Hotel Playa Giron although we do not generally recommend the last of these. Most visitors tend to only spend a night or two in the region and for that Playa Larga is best located.