Jardines del Rey
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Islands
Understand
Until the late 1980s, the Jardines del Rey could really only be reached by boat.
Ernest Hemingway spent time during the Second World War hunting German U-boats in the area (which experience he used in his novel Islands in the Stream).
In the 1980s, the Cuban government decided to construct a causeway across the bay between Cayo Coco and the mainland. This now carries a road, and allowed the development of Cayo Coco and Cayo Guillermo as tourist destinations.
The first hotel (the Colonial) was opened in 1993.
Apart from the beaches, much of the islands remain undeveloped, and are promoted as an ecotourism destination.
Ernest Hemingway spent time during the Second World War hunting German U-boats in the area (which experience he used in his novel Islands in the Stream).
In the 1980s, the Cuban government decided to construct a causeway across the bay between Cayo Coco and the mainland. This now carries a road, and allowed the development of Cayo Coco and Cayo Guillermo as tourist destinations.
The first hotel (the Colonial) was opened in 1993.
Apart from the beaches, much of the islands remain undeveloped, and are promoted as an ecotourism destination.
Get in
There is an international airport on Cayo Coco. One can drive from the mainland across the causeway (toll payable), and there is a marina on Cayo Guillermo.
Get around
Though organized tours exist, it is also possible to rent a private taxi for the day (ideally 5 or 6 people) to visit Moron and see a bit of the real Cuba. Ask around for more information.
Sleep
Drink
Apart from the hotels, there is a bar on the causeway to the mainland, and a nightclub underground.
Go next
The nearest town, on the mainland, is Morón.