The 5 Best Summer Activities in Cuba

Summer in Cuba is hot, hot, hot! The scorching temperatures and frequent rainfall can make it seem like this is an unfavorable time to visit the island nation.

Nothing could be further from the truth!

Fortunately, Cuba’s natural wonders provide a bevy of ways to cool off and keep the fun going all summer long. From velvety beaches to tumbling waterfalls, summer is a fantastic time to explore the country’s picturesque scenery at a relaxed pace.

With carnival in full swing this time of year, join the party and enjoy the country’s spectacular natural wonders in between.

Unwind on White-Sand Beaches

The tourist crowds lighten compared to the busy winter season and that means Cuba’s silky-smooth shores and turquoise waters take a breath of fresh air. With roughly 3,500 miles of pristine coastline, Cuba is synonymous with a beach lover’s paradise.

Although the temperatures are intense during the summer, a swim in the Caribbean Sea is a delightful way to complete any beach getaway in Cuba.

Based in Havana for your vacation? Then a tropical retreat is just a short drive away with the dazzling white sands of Playas del Este and Playa Bacuranao. The hypnotizing golden sands of Playa Ancon are a natural treasure on Cuba’s southern coast, and Playa Guardalavaca’s verdant backdrop is a slice of tropical heaven.

Altogether, Cuba proudly boasts roughly 430 beaches of all varieties and is the premier activity for the summer.

Swim in the Cenotes

These sparkling pools of crystal-clear water became famous in the nearby Yucatan Peninsula, but Cuba is hiding its own refreshing cenotes for those muggy summer days.

Just two hours outside of Havana, Zapata National Park has a few of these serene swimming holes. What better way to cool off than taking a dip inside a cave? The cenotes of Zapata National Park reach depths of 60-70 meters and offer some of the best snorkeling on the island.

If you’re lounging at the resort town of Varadero, then you’re in a prime location for a thrilling cenote day trip. Cueva de Saturno can be reached in minutes, and its shimmering waters are surrounded by stalagmites and stalactites.

Scuba Dive in the Caribbean

Cuba’s perfect location in the Caribbean Sea presents a cornucopia of sea life for underwater explorers to discover. Even better, officials have put in much effort to preserve these natural wonders beneath the surface.

With summer being the low season in Cuba, you can head to the most popular dive sites without facing enormous crowds. Plus, watching stingrays, turtles, nurse sharks, tuna, barracuda, snappers, and other marine life is a wonderful escape from the heat.

Jardines de la Reina is one of Cuba’s must-see dive locations in the archipelago just off the southern coast of the mainland. The area was turned into a marine park in 1996, and commercial fishing was barred to preserve its pristine ecosystems. See elaborate corals, sharks, and even Cuban crocodiles when diving here.

If you’re up for a lengthy journey, the Guanahacabibes Peninsula National Park on the westernmost point of the mainland is another sensational scuba diving paradise. The nature reserve hosts roughly 50 dive sites and gives divers remarkable views of coral reefs and an abundance of fish species.

To explore shipwrecks off the Cuban coast, head to Bay of Pigs and Santiago de Cuba for intriguing dive sites just offshore.

Swim Beneath Cascading Waterfalls

How about another revitalizing way of cooling off? Deep within Cuba’s lush jungles, you’ll find dozens of crystalline falls flowing into emerald pools. Wash the sweat from your body after exploring the jungle and listen to the sounds of wildlife around you.

Hidden in the mountains of Gran Parque Natural Topes de Collantes in central Cuba, the El Nicho Waterfalls are a sensational spot for a swim. The waterfalls are conveniently located between the cities of Trinidad and Cienfuegos, and they provide the perfect day trip to bask in Cuba’s untouched natural beauty.

After a relaxing swim, hike beyond the waterfalls to spot birds, lizards, and check out the glorious vistas of the forest.

Hike Inside a Historical Cave

Cuba tours that take you to the Varahicacos Ecological Reserve give you a rare glimpse into ancient artwork. Head to the Ambrosio Cave to explore a remarkable archaeological site featuring pre-Columbian pictographs thought to be over 2,000 years old.

The drawings etched on the cave walls give incredible insight into the cultures that thrived before the arrival of the Spanish. Unsurprisingly, the cave’s historical importance stretches to the colonial age. Ambrosio Cave served as a hideout for escaped slaves during this tumultuous era.

Nature lovers will adore the fruit bats residing in the cave that can often be seen hanging from the ceiling. The cool environment of the cave system is a soothing break from the beating sun while discovering one of Cuba’s most historic sites.