Active Pursuits in Cienfuegos

On & Below the Water

While Cienfuegos sits on a large and beautiful protected bay, the best (and really the only) beach is 17km (11 miles) away at Playa Rancho Luna. The beach here is a long expanse of white sand, although the sand isn't quite as fine and silky as that found at some of Cuba's more famous beaches. You can book scuba-diving trips out of the Faro Luna Diving Center (tel. 43/54-8040; buceocom@nautica.cfg.cyt.cu) or with the Whale Shark Diving Center at Hotel Rancho Luna (tel. 43/54-8020) or book through Cubanacán in town. Dives are CUC$30.

Marina Cienfuegos, Calle 35 between Avenidas 6 and 8, Punta Gorda (tel. 43/55-1699 or 43/55-1241; www.nauticamarlin.com), is your one-stop shop for all nautical needs. Here you can charter a sailboat or sportfishing excursion, book a cruise around the harbor, rent a Hobie Cat or windsurfer, and go fishing and diving. The elegant 1920s-built Club Cienfuegos entertainment complex, Calle 35 between Avenidas 8 and 12 (tel. 43/55-1275), has a small patch of sand with a little swimming area in front of it; some locals and tourists use it as a place to sunbathe and cool off. Several international regattas, fishing tournaments, and speedboat races are held in Cienfuegos each year. Check with the marinas or your hotel for details.