Top Things to Do at the Bay of Pigs – Cuba’s Hidden Gem

Hola, fellow traveler! I’m your local guide, and today we’re going deep into the heart of southern Cuba to explore a place that blends tropical beauty, marine biodiversity, and Cold War history — the Bay of Pigs.
 

Known loca

lly as Bahía de Cochinos, this quiet bay is more than just a historic invasion site. It’s home to coral reefs, natural cenotes, birdwatching hotspots, and friendly coastal villages where you can truly connect with Cuban culture.

📍 Where is the Bay of Pigs?

Country: Cuba

Province: Matanzas

Region: Zapata Peninsula (Península de Zapata)

Closest towns: Playa Girón & Playa Larga

Distance from Havana: ~2.5 hours (160 km)

Coordinates: 22.1443° N, 81.1816° W

The bay lies along Cuba’s southern Caribbean coastline, within the Ciénaga de Zapata Biosphere Reserve, the largest wetlands area in the Caribbean.

📅 Best Time to Visit the Bay of Pigs

☀️ Ideal months: December to March for peak sunshine and underwater clarity.

🛣️ How to Get There

From Havana:

🚗 By car: 2.5–3 hours, via Autopista Nacional (A1), then south at Jagüey Grande

🚌 Viazul bus: Stops at Playa Larga and Playa Girón (limited daily service)

🚕 Private taxi: ~$100–150 USD (round trip)

🛵 Local tip: Stay overnight in Playa Larga or Playa Girón to fully explore the area.

🎟️ Bay of Pigs Highlights & Things to Do

1. 🤿 Snorkeling & Diving in Coral Reefs

The Bay of Pigs is one of the top snorkeling spots in Cuba, thanks to:

Shore-access reefs (no boat needed!)

Calm, clear Caribbean waters

Abundant marine life

🌊 Best Snorkeling Spots:

Punta Perdiz – Family-friendly, with gear rental and restaurant

Cueva de los Peces – 70-meter-deep cenote + nearby reef

Playa El Tanque – More secluded, shallow coral gardens

🐠 Expect to see parrotfish, sergeant majors, sea fans, and even rays!

2. 🐠 Scuba Diving

Dive operators in Playa Girón and Playa Larga offer:

Shore dives (no boat required)

Wall dives, caves, and swim-throughs

PADI instructors and gear rental

⚠️ Visibility often exceeds 25 meters. Ideal for both beginners and advanced divers.

3. 🌴 Visit Cueva de los Peces (Fish Cave)

This cenote (sinkhole) is:

70 meters deep, filled with freshwater

Surrounded by forest

A popular swimming and freediving site

Home to tropical fish and interesting rock formations

📍 Entry fee: ~$5 USD (includes restroom access & snorkel area)

🥤 There’s a nearby café with fresh coconut water, Cuban sandwiches, and beer.

4. 🐦 Explore Ciénaga de Zapata National Park

Part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, this area offers:

Over 900 plant species

190+ bird species, including the bee hummingbird (world’s smallest)

Saltwater mangroves, lagoons, and swamp forests

Guided eco-tours and birdwatching

📍 Top spots:

Laguna de las Salinas – Flamingos and spoonbills

Bermejas Trail – Ideal for endemic birds

Guamá Crocodile Farm – Family-friendly, near Boca de Guamá

5. 🏛️ Visit the Bay of Pigs Museum

📍 Museo Girón (Playa Girón)

Dive into the dramatic events of April 1961, when Cuban exiles backed by the U.S. attempted an invasion that failed dramatically.

Exhibits include weapons, uniforms, personal letters, and aircraft remains

Emotional and educational, even if you’re not a history buff

🎟️ Entry: ~$3 USD (with optional guide)

6. 🏖️ Relax on Secluded Beaches

Unlike crowded resort towns, the beaches here are:

Quiet

Clean

Lined with palm trees and fishing boats

Top picks:

Playa Larga – Long sandy beach, casual vibe

Playa Girón – Peaceful, local atmosphere

Caleta Buena – Natural saltwater pool with coral bottom

7. 🐊 Visit the Crocodile Farm (Criadero de Cocodrilos)

Located near Boca de Guamá, this eco-tourism center focuses on the conservation of the Cuban crocodile.

See crocs from hatchlings to full-grown giants

Learn about local wildlife preservation

Boat tours into the mangroves available

🏨 Where to Stay

Most accommodations are casas particulares (Cuban B&Bs), offering:

Comfortable rooms with AC

Homemade Cuban meals

Affordable prices ($25–50 USD/night)

Recommended Areas:

Playa Larga – Quieter, eco-friendly

Playa Girón – Closer to museum and dive sites

⭐ Host tip: Look for highly rated casas on Google Maps or Airbnb. Many offer snorkeling or birding tours.

🍽️ What to Eat

The Bay of Pigs area is known for seafood and simplicity.

Must-try dishes:

🐟 Grilled red snapper or lobster tail

🍛 Arroz con camarones (shrimp rice)

🥘 Ropa vieja (shredded beef)

🥥 Coconut flan

Most casas and beach restaurants serve fresh, local, homemade meals.

🥥 Pro tip: Ask for batido de guayaba (guava smoothie) or limonada natural (fresh lemonade).

🧳 What to Pack for Your Trip

👙 Swimsuit (bring two!)

🤿 Snorkel gear (or rent locally)

🧴 Biodegradable sunscreen

🦟 Insect repellent (especially for the mangroves)

🎒 Daypack for beach & trails

📷 Camera or waterproof phone case

🧥 Light jacket for cooler evenings

💧 Reusable water bottle

💡 Tip: Bring cash (preferably Cuban pesos or euros). Cards are not widely accepted.

🧘 Travel Tips & Safety

🚿 Showers and basic facilities available at most snorkel beaches

📶 Wi-Fi is limited – download maps and info offline

💬 Learn a few Spanish phrases – locals are warm and welcoming

💵 Bring small bills – tipping is appreciated

🚨 Area is very safe, even for solo travelers

📸 Top Instagram Spots

🐟 Underwater reef shots at Punta Perdiz

🌴 Hammocks at Playa Larga

🌊 Natural pools at Caleta Buena

🚤 Traditional fishing boats on the shore

🏛️ Revolutionary murals at Playa Girón

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🧭 Why Visit the Bay of Pigs?

The Bay of Pigs is a hidden gem of Cuba — unspoiled, authentic, and full of surprises. It offers:

World-class snorkeling and diving

Rich history and Cold War intrigue

Birdwatching and nature exploration

Friendly locals and peaceful villages

Whether you're a nature lover, a history enthusiast, or just looking for a quiet slice of the Caribbean, the Bay of Pigs offers an unforgettable, off-the-beaten-path experience.