CAYO LARGO

Cayo Largo del Sur, simply known as Cayo Largo, is the most popular destination for naturism in Cuba and also the perfect place for a first naturist experience. The natural and safe environment of this secluded island already offers a unique feeling of freedom, which is much appreciated by naturists (couples, families, singles and first-timers) who are simply looking for a greater connection with nature through naturism.

Cayo Largo is located at the eastern end of the Canarreos archipelago, about 80 km off the southern coast of the main island of Cuba, in the Caribbean Sea. This small limestone island (~ 28 km X 3 km ) boasts stunning powdery white sand beaches stretching for almost 20 km along the south coast of the island, while its northern coastline consists largely of mangroves and salt marshes. Here’s a YouTube video showing the location of everything on Cayo Largo.

Cayo Largo has a long naturist history, this destination has been popular with "Au Naturel" vacation enthusiasts since the very beginning of its tourist development in the early 1980s. Over the years and the construction of more hotels (a dozen to date), a Clothing Optional area has always been created spontaneously at one or the other end of the beach of the majority of hotels. The designated “Areas de Playa Nudista” are usually clearly identified. In addition to the hotel beaches, there are also in Cayo Largo several kilometers of virgin and deserted beaches; perfect for first timers and those who prefer enjoying nude sunbathing in private. These beaches also are the delight of those who like taking long walks (naked or not).

The designated “Playas Nudistas” are mostly frequented by naturists and mixed couples (1 naturist + 1 textile), but also by a few people wearing bathing suits as they are “clothing optional”. Although the cohabitation between naturists and non-naturists is generally very peaceful and respectful, it is considered courteous to leave these areas to naturists given the limited number of palapas and chairs available.

Also note that these low-key hotels and CO beaches are not swingers/lifestyle-friendly; solicitation and any explicit sexual behavior is highly frowned upon. Most naturists in Cayo Largo simply seek relaxation and connection with nature.

What are the naturist options in Cayo Largo?

HOTELS WITH A CO BEACH

Memories Cayo Largo (formerly Cayo Largo del Sol / Sol Cayo Largo)

This is the very last hotel on the west side of the hotel zone, and its Clothing Optional area is located at the WEST end of its beach (to the right when facing sea). From this area one can walk naked for more than 3 km towards the western beaches of Playa Paraiso and Playa Sirena. Nudity is limited to the beach and there's a sign showing where the naturist zone starts. Naturists must cover-up to go to the beach bar and beach restaurant (ranchon) and when walking east until reaching the clothing optional beach of Hotel Starfish (former Pelicano).

Starfish Cayo Largo (formerly Hotel Pelicano / Sol Pelicano)

The Clothing Optional zone is located at the EAST end their beach (to the left). A few years ago the CO beach was moved to the west side but only for a short time, it has almost always been on the east side since the hotel opened in the mid-1990s. Nudity is limited to the beach and there's a sign showing where the naturist zone starts. Naturists must cover-up to go to the beach bar and beach restaurant (ranchon) and when walking west until reaching the clothing optional beach of Hotel Memories Cayo Largo (former Sol).

Villa Caprice and Villa Natura (formerly Villa Iguana)

Unlike the other Cayo Largo hotels, the entire beach of this resort (Caprice/Natura) could be considered clothing optional, with a greater concentration of naturists in front of the Caprice section. Note however that the beach in front of this resort can sometimes be quite narrow (see note on beach stability at the bottom of this page), so not always easily accessible. This adults-only resort is the only one in Cayo Largo with a naturist pool and bar ("La Diana”). This pool is located at the east end of Villa Caprice. Note that Villa Caprice and Villa Natura hotels share all facilities.

Grand Memories Cayo Largo (formerly Bella Isla Resort / Hotel Playa Blanca / Barcelo Cayo Largo)
Sanctuary at Grand Memories (adults-only) (formerly Villa Bellarena)

These are the last two hotels at the eastern end of the hotel zone; an area where beaches tend to be more unstable (see footnote). Thus, depending on the beach conditions, naturists congregate either at the east end or at the west end of the complex (towards the Sanctuary section). Nudity is limited to the beach. Naturists must cover up on their way to the clothing optional area and to go to the beach bar. Also, if the beach happens to be wide enough, you can walk naked to virgin beaches for several kilometers going east.

Villa Lindamar / Villa Soledad / Villa Coral / Villa Serena

These small little hotels located in the middle of the hotel zone are generally very quiet as is their beach. There’s no “designated" clothing optional area per say, but these low-key uncrowded beaches are usually used by both naturists and non-naturists. The only “norm” (habit) here seems to be to avoid being naked right in the center of each hotel (near the main walkway) and go a little further on the beach (right or left). Nudity is limited to the beach. Usually, there are more naturists in front of Villa Lindamar and Villa Soledad, fewer in front of Villa Coral, and very few near Villa Serena.

Villa Marina

This hotel is not on the beach, it's next to the Marina within the pueblo (village), northwest of the island... NO nudism here!

CO BEACHES without hotels

Playa Mal Tiempo and Playa Paraiso

These spectacular pristine beaches are located to the west of the island, only a few kilometers from the all-inclusive resorts. They can be reached by shuttle, taxi, or on foot by the beach if you enjoy long walk (distance 3 to 6 km, depending on the hotel). Both beaches are clothing optional. Facilities at Playa Mal Tiempo include: Palapas and loungers ($2 US/chair/day). Facilities at Playa Paraiso include: Palapas, loungers ($2 US/chair/day), and a little snack bar. Naturists tend to mainly use the palapas on the right side (facing the sea), not too close to the snack.

Playa Sirena

Playa Sirena is the best equipped, widest and most stable off-resort beach on Cayo Largo, it is located at the western tip of the island. This is where you'll find the nautical center to enjoy non-motorized water sports (included with your all-inclusive package), and also a restaurant ($), bars ($), souvenirs shop, bathroom/showers, palapas and loungers ($). This beach is also regularly visited by day-trippers from Havana or other tourist centers on the main island of Cuba, so it can get a bit crowded at times. Therefore, Playa Sirena is not a good option for naturists. However, this beach is so vast that you can still enjoy "Au Natural" sunbathing on the outskirts of Playa Sirena, especially at the east-end (towards Playa Paraiso), but then with no beach chairs and palapas.

Playa Blanca, Playa Los Coco and Playa Tortuga

These completely deserted and more rugged beaches stretch for several kilometers along the northeastern coast of Cayo Largo. They are all clothing optional but however far from any service (or help if needed!). Unlike the western beaches (Paraiso and Sirena), there is no shuttle or taxi service to the eastern beaches. If you are staying in a resort at the eastern end of the Hotel zone you can reach these areas on foot by the beach, but only if it's wide enough and the waves are not too strong (see note on beach stability below). You'll need shoes as you may often have to walk over rocks to reach the next stretch of sand. Another option is to hire a jeep or ATV and drive east on the road behind the hotels. Not far after leaving the hotel zone, the road becomes a sandy path before arriving at the big tower antenna. From there you can still drive -at your own risk!- for about 2-3 kilometers before reaching a landfill; this is where you must continue on foot. There's a big sign [STOP - NO Jeep-Buggy-Scooter - FINE 100 USD]. It is forbidden to drive any kind of vehicle beyond this point.

CATAMARAN DAY CRUISE

This is another opportunity to enjoy a fabulous all-over tan day while cruising the turquoise waters surrounding Cayo Largo! The all-inclusive Catamaran Day Cruise is a very popular excursion in Cayo Largo. There are different sizes of catamarans, so it is possible to go on a private naturist cruise if everyone on board is OK with that, which is usually quite easy to organize since the small catamaran can accommodate up to 10 people. If this is something you would like to do, simply ask your tour operator representative if a nudist cruise is already scheduled for the next few days. If not, ask other fellow naturists on the beach to see who would be interested, then book for your group. If you are more than 10, you can book the larger catamarans.

Nudity will be welcome and expected on board throughout the day except when leaving the marina (and back) and when visiting Cayo Iguana. More information on the catamaran excursions here.

IMPORTANT TO KNOW
Naturism in Cayo Largo is possible and continues to exist thanks to a policy of tolerance shown by the Cuban authorities, but also thanks to the respectful behavior of tourists. Please read the Nude Beach Etiquette.

Curiosity is OK but... Non-naturists who wish to walk along a clothing optional beach area are or course free to do so, It is normal to be intrigued by the presence of a nudist beach, curious people (perhaps future naturists!) are welcome, but voyeurs are not! and those taking pictures even less! Please be respectful.

A note on beach stability and palapas (thatched sun shelter)
The stretches of beach where the all-inclusive resorts are located (Playa Lindarena and Playa Blanca) can be unstable at times. The strip of dry sand sporadically narrows or is sometimes completely submerged after strong winds, high surf or tide shifts. The situation changes all the time, from week to week, even from day to day! As a result, it is difficult to install permanent palapas, so they may be in short supply most of the time. The hotels also have portable sun umbrellas, but in a limited number too. Therefore, it may be a good idea to bring your own beach tent or canopy (such as Neso tents) in order to enjoy your time at the beach worrying about finding shade.

Virgin beaches, be prepared... If you plan to venture far away from the hotel zone to explore the virgin beaches, bring a good supply of water, sunscreen, sandals or water shoes, a hat and a sarong to cover yourself. The riskiest areas are the wild and rugged beaches located to the east of the island (Playa Blanca, Los Cocos and Tortuga). Also, you are unlikely to see anyone around, so let someone know of your plans before leaving, should anything happen.

To learn more about hotels, beaches, excursions and activities, please visit our Cayo Largo Travel Guide, online since 2000: www.cayolargo.net

Lily & Normand
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