Santa Maria Beach
Santa Maria Beach
4.5
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The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
2 within 3 miles
See what other travelers are saying
- chickandbeastSouthgate, Canada8,540 contributionsBeautiful beach best in CubaGorgeous miles of natural white sands as far as the eye can see which we walked barefoot. Many resorts along the beach still closed for business, what is open well maintained with beds available Security has everything safe and secure no worries. October weather means the ocean is a little roughTraveled as a coupleWritten November 2, 2022
- Fil GToronto, Canada7 contributionsWhat people think of when they think "Tropical Beach"The water is shallow enough to wade in 20 meters without touching sea grass or coral. The snorkelling is picturesque, complete with various colourful fish and the birds dive-hunting them. The water temperature is perfect, even in the depths of winter. The sand is fine and white. Once in a while you get some jellyfish which are only a nuisance if you're not familiar with "live and let live." Even on a windy day the beach is comfortably swimmable, though only if you are a good swimmer anyway.Written March 7, 2020
- kateNova Scotia, Canada8 contributionsOne of the best vacations!smaller hotel which I loved, the staff is more like family. Everyone was happy, pleasant helpful, without being overbearing. They have a Canadian fitness company the brings in certified instructors so I could get a good, safe,fun workout. Kathy taught Zumba by the pool in the afternoon which perked everyone up! Yoga in the morning was amazing. Blanca Espinosa stood out to me for her calm, positivity and happiness - she is what this resort is. I would go again anytime!Written March 24, 2022
These reviews are the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor checks reviews for fraud.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
2,008 reviews
Excellent
1,561
Very good
349
Average
69
Poor
16
Terrible
13
yycyycyyc
Calgary, AB605 contributions
Mar 2020
The beach here is narrow, very much so at high tide, and about 4 miles long. Most of it is backed by resorts. The cream-coloured sand is wonderfully soft, especially around the middle by the Starfish resort. However, it does appear to be eroding towards the west end. The water is pleasant, and swimming is ok, although the waves can be unpredictable.
In March, when we visited, there was a strong wind from the NE, only allowing sailing on 2 of our 7 days. Apparently this is normal for the time of year.
In March, when we visited, there was a strong wind from the NE, only allowing sailing on 2 of our 7 days. Apparently this is normal for the time of year.
Written March 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
jazzfang
Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, Canada708 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
Of all the beaches in Cuba, Samar’s Maria is paradise!
Miles of white and and turquoise water. On quiet days, you can walk out calmly. On windy days, take advantage of the view.
The sun rise is breathtaking!
Early mornings: be aware of sand fleas.
Miles of white and and turquoise water. On quiet days, you can walk out calmly. On windy days, take advantage of the view.
The sun rise is breathtaking!
Early mornings: be aware of sand fleas.
Written April 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
nikwpg86
Winnipeg, Canada15 contributions
Feb 2020
This was by far the most stunning beach I've ever seen. Clear water and you could go for miles in the water before it hits your shoulders. We were in the Sanctuary Grand Memories side and there was a bar and bbq lunch at the entrance so it was great.
Beware of the sand flees. Some people who stayed on the beach for an extended period left with some bites.
But honestly... this beach is beautiful!
Full of snorkelling, kayaks, catamarans and tons of space for families and couples.
Beware of the sand flees. Some people who stayed on the beach for an extended period left with some bites.
But honestly... this beach is beautiful!
Full of snorkelling, kayaks, catamarans and tons of space for families and couples.
Written February 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Janice B
Hanover, Canada159 contributions
Dec 2019
we got diamond club first time omg its so worth it, we asked we received... remember its cuba not Canada,,, u are still getting ur daily needs, if u want Canada quality stay in Canada, remember they get hit with damaging storms yearly ,cost of repairs are insain,Remember always show respect as were welcomed in there domain, and they treat us with respect and dignity,,..THANK YOU for allowing us to come and visit ur beautiful beaches and get out of these harsh winters
Written January 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Luvsalaugh
Moncton, Canada100 contributions
Dec 2019
This beach is wonderful, beautiful and spans a large area leaving lots of time for exploring. The only downfall, where there are no waves, there are lots of jellyfish. Having grown up near the Atlantic ocean however, this was not horrible, but did put a damper on the swimming. Ultimately this was a great place to spend time :)
Written January 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
surette1231
Meteghan, Canada12 contributions
Jan 2020
Most beautiful beach I’ve ever seen . Sand is white and feels like icing sugar! We went in January and it was a red flag all week. Sad we couldn’t enjoy it because it was breathtaking!
Written January 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jorge P
Toronto, Canada2 contributions
Sep 2022
The beach was super clean, wide and long. No seaweed to worry about. Tons of huts for shade and lifeguards always on duty. No waves and super safe for children to play in warm sea water. Beach bar on site and plenty of music to dance on the beach.
Written September 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
RodDesnomieRegina
63 contributions
Jan 2020
The reviews that I read about this beach are true. It's beautiful. It was the highlight of our trip. The sand is white and soft, and the water is clear and blue. Staff also keep the area clean and well maintained.
Written February 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Stephane M
Longueuil, Canada783 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
I wad thinking that it would be like in Cayo Coco. It's better than I expect. I write this, while I've still few more days to be here. The beach is flour. White and very soft. The sea is incredibly beautiful. It's one of the best beaches i've done by far.
Written January 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
steven v
Laval, Canada885 contributions
Nov 2016 • Couples
Beaches are why people love Cuba Santa Maria beach is big and long white sand and sand bars naturally formed buy ocean wave simply beautiful , this is a beach lovers paradise ! take advantage now this area will be built up in the next few years !! be careful of sand flies but worth the walk and water on a clear day is simply gorgeous!
Written November 15, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Enrique M
Lima, Peru
Hola, estaré en unos meses por cayo santa maria y me gustaría saber que tours ofrecen desde el cayo, gracias
Kathie W
Nova Scotia, Canada3 contributions
Hi -- saw your post on the Santa Maria beach in Cuba. I see your comment that Diamond Club was worth it... can you tell me what impressed you about it? We are considering going there this year and just wondering about Diamond Club.
Thanks,
Kathie
Erin F
Woodstock, Canada9 contributions
This particular place was not worth spending the extra cash.
Depends what you are looking for.
You get:
Seats by the windows and a special
Location at the buffet
The waiter will get you anything (make sure you tip)
Private section of the beach
Beach staff will reserve you a spot there
A special shelf at the lobby bar
Should have an area online that clarifies the rest
I think you get special check in when you arrive. You don’t have to wait in line.
Elena Z
Bergamo, Italy506 contributions
Playa las Salinas è ancora gratis? Ci sono altre spiagge non a pagamento? Grazie.
karine2020
1 contribution
Pour faire du snorkeling depuis la plage de Cayo Santa maria? À quel endroit pourrait on accéder à un coin de plage ? ( en taxi) ( nous sommes équipés en masques et tubas)
Rodri
86 contributions
No esta permitido hacer snorkel en Cayo Santa Maria, no obstante todo es posible con $$ . Nosotros pagamos a los chicos de la guardia marina y nos llevaron (prohibido sacar fotos), pagamos 30 CUC por persona.
Pero nos estábamos hospedando en un hotel del Cayo, si no estas hospedándose ahí, dudo que sea posible. Suerte!
Elaine R
7 contributions
How is the sargassum there right now? If there is some how is it treated?
Marty61600
Blainville, Canada50 contributions
There aren't any
Do you have access to the beach even if are not a guest of the hotel
Steven D
Stoney Creek, Canada321 contributions
not sure if you can reach the beach without going through one of the resorts first... but it doesn't matter which resort you are staying, you can walk on the beach from one end of the island to the other since none of them have a private beach
Julie W
Quedgeley, UK7 contributions
Is the playa cayo santa maria hotel near the clothing optional beach and has the beach got sunloungers and umbrellas? Any other info on clothing optional beach greatly appreciated.
oktepix69
Montreal, Canada1,425 contributions
Hi, the only clothing optional section of the CSM beach I know of is on the western end, after the Sol hotel part. It's a bit more than 2 km from the Playa CSM hotel. Last time I've seen the beach, it was fully equipped (palapas & co).
Jason M
3 contributions
Can we drive with 4x4 along the beach ?
Miss_Teach1
Staffordshire, UK165 contributions
No. There is no access for vehicles.
58013772Alvaro
Valencian Country, Spain11 contributions
?Cual es el hotel con la mejor y mas larga playa del Cayo Santa Maria?
oktepix69
Montreal, Canada1,425 contributions
Hi Alvaro. After having seen all the hotel sections on the central beach of CSM, i.e. from Sanctuary at Grand Memories, on the east, down to Sol, on the west, in July '18, I'd rate the Sanctuary part as the best. These are basically segments of the same large beach, as you can see on a map, yet there are parts that are wider and cleaner than others. The water, however, seems allover the same. N.B. I have not visited the smaller beaches, i.e. those of Melia Buena Vista, Valentin and Casa del Mar, so I cannot rate them.
Santa Maria Beach (Cayo Santa Maria) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Santa Maria Beach
- Hotels near Santa Maria Beach:
- (0.11 mi) Grand Memories Santa Maria
- (0.19 mi) Sanctuary at Grand Memories Santa Maria
- (0.23 mi) Memories Paraiso Beach Resort
- (0.53 mi) Royalton Cayo Santa Maria
- (0.81 mi) Starfish Cayo Santa Maria