Active Pursuits

Beaches, Diving & Other Watersports -- The spectacular beaches around Guardalavaca are this resort area's main attraction. Tracing the coast are more than 1,200km (740 miles) of snowy white beaches lined by royal palm trees, framed by exuberant vegetation, and gazing out to some of the clearest, most inviting waters Cuba has to offer. The best beaches are Guardalavaca, Esmeralda, Pesquero, and Yuraguanal -- all of which have major hotels lining them -- and small Don Lino. Many of the beaches are long and wide expanses of sand, but the jagged coastline is also peppered with tiny coves that are nearly private. Near the gentle arc of Esmeralda is a series of tiny cove beaches that in practice are almost exclusively for the guests of the Paradisus Río de Oro hotel.

Guardalavaca has a dozen excellent dive sites, including Boca de las Esponjas (Mouth of Sponges), El Salto (the Waterfall), and El Cañón de los Aguajies (Grouper Canyon), and is well known for its abundant and vibrant sponges. Near Guardalavaca is a group of submerged caves, Los Tanques Azules, which are popular with experienced divers. Eagle Ray and Coral Reef Scuba Diving Center (tel. 24/3-0316) is on Playa Guardalavaca, and Sea Lovers Scuba Diving Center (tel. 24/3-0030) is on Playa Esmeralda. They offer dive packages, underwater camera rental, and diving gear rental. Certification programs are also offered, with several dive packages; a single dive costs CUC$40 to CUC$55.

The most popular watersports are sailing, kayaking, wind surfing, canoeing, and pedal boating. Most of the hotels have their own catamarans and other vehicles and facilities for watersports. Marina Internacional Puerto de Vita (tel. 24/3-0446) operates catamaran cruises around the coral reef beyond the cays for either a half or full day. Cubanacán Náutica (tel. 24/3-0491) has a wide range of watersports programs, including "seafaris" with snorkeling to Playa Pesquero, and yacht rentals for sport fishing.

On Dry Land -- One of the most popular activities on dry land here is horseback riding. There's plenty of wide-open terrain and wonderful sea views to be enjoyed. However, be sure to bring plenty of protection from the often-brutal sun here. Most hotels can arrange a riding excursion for you. There are stables in front of Hotel Club Amigo Guardalavaca, or you can contact Gaviota's Rancho Naranjo equestrian center at tel. 24/3-0433 and sign up for an organized horseback excursion.