National park · Cuba
Isla de la Juventud
Visit Isla de la Juventud: pay the entry fee (CUC 1–2), take the 20‑minute hill hike near Nueva Gerona, and travel in the dry season (Nov–Apr) to avoid crowds.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify
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Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
2 km² (1 sq mi)1 sq mi (2 km²)
approximate
Established
1978
Best months
Nov–Apr
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 11Several islands (Turks and Caicos above all, also the Bah…US State DepartmentUS citizens and US residents (US persons) may not travel …No cards
- Caribbean ↗Several islands (Turks and Caicos above all, also the Bahamas and Jamaica) jail visitors for a single stray bullet or cartridge in their luggage; empty every bag and pocket before you pack.
- Caribbean ↗From August to October keep a free last day before your flight home and check the national hurricane centre daily; airports close when a named storm approaches.
- Caribbean ↗Wearing camouflage clothing is illegal for civilians in several islands, including Barbados, Antigua, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent, Grenada, Dominica, Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica; leave it at home, children's clothes included.
- Cuba ↗US State Department: Level 2, exercise increased caution (in place since 2025; the US Embassy reported another island-wide blackout on 18 September 2026). UK FCDO: against all but essential travel (updated 25 September 2026). Canada: avoid non-essential travel (updated 28 September 2026). Australia: reconsider your need to travel. Read your own government's advice and check your insurance still covers Cuba before booking (checked 2026-09).
- Cuba ↗Check entry rules for your passport with the Cuban embassy or official sources; most visitors need an e-visa (formerly the tourist card) and the online D'Viajeros form, and requirements change.
- Cuba ↗US citizens and US residents (US persons) may not travel to Cuba as tourists. The trip must fit one of 12 OFAC general-licence categories: family visits; official government business; journalism; professional research and meetings; educational activities; religious activities; public performances, clinics, workshops, competitions and exhibitions; support for the Cuban people; humanitarian projects; private foundations and research institutes; information and informational materials; and certain export transactions. Most independent travellers use 'support for the Cuban people', which needs a full-time schedule of activities with Cuban people and private businesses (casas, paladares, private guides), and records kept for 5 years. US persons may not stay at properties on the State Department's Cuba Prohibited Accommodations List (11 more Havana hotels added 14 July 2025) or deal directly with entities on the Cuba Restricted List (GAESA and other military-linked businesses). Rules tightened in 2025–26; check OFAC before booking (checked 2026-09).
- Cuba ↗Medical insurance is compulsory for entry: carry proof of a policy valid in Cuba, or buy a Cuban (Asistur) policy on arrival. US-based insurers are generally not accepted in Cuba; flights from the US include a Cuban medical policy in the fare — keep the boarding pass as proof (check with your airline). Hospital bills are payable in cash only, so buy cover with medical evacuation as well (checked 2026-09).
- Cuba ↗No cards: US-issued debit and credit cards have never worked in Cuba because of the embargo, and since 6 June 2026 Visa and Mastercard cards from any country are no longer accepted (Cuban Central Bank, after a foreign processor dropped FINCIMEX under US Executive Order 14404). Bring enough US dollars or euros in cash for the whole stay plus an emergency reserve (checked 2026-09).
- Western Cuba ↗Bring euros or US dollars in cash and change on the street or at a CADECA; foreign cards mostly do not work.
- Western Cuba ↗US travellers need a legal OFAC travel category; tourism is not one.
- Western Cuba ↗Health insurance covering Cuba is required on arrival; keep the policy with your passport.
At a glance
- Country
- Cuba
- Area
- 2 km² (1 sq mi)1 sq mi (2 km²)
- The listed area of 2.2 km² is a typo; Isla de la Juventud covers roughly 2,200 km² (check).
- Established
- 1978
- Best months
- Nov–Apr
- Permits
- For some areas
Isla de la Juventud, formerly Isla de Pinos, is a remote Cuban island offering beaches, crocodile‑rich lagoons, short hill hikes near Nueva Gerona, diving on clear reefs and cave exploration, with modest tourism infrastructure and a small town centre.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- No UNESCO listing; national park since 1978.
Size and age
2 km² (1 sq mi)1 sq mi (2 km²) · national park since 1978
The listed area of 2.2 km² is a typo; Isla de la Juventud covers roughly 2,200 km² (check).
Why go
- A remote island with beaches, crocodiles and a short hill hike offering island views.
- Diving and speleology opportunities in clear waters and caves.
- Cultural glimpse of Nueva Gerona town and local nightlife.
When to go
- JanBest
- FebBest
- MarBest
- AprBest
- MayGo
- JunCaution
- JulCaution
- AugCaution
- SepCaution
- OctGo
- NovBest
- DecBest
- JanDry, cool, few tourists
- FebDry, comfortable
- MarDry, warm
- AprEnd of dry season
- MayStart of rains, still walkable
- JunRainy, humidity up
- JulFrequent showers
- AugRainy, heat
- SepRainy, occasional storms
- OctTransition to dry
- NovDry, pleasant
- DecDry, cool
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| American crocodileAll year · Seen in coastal lagoons; keep distance. | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Cuban crocodile (endangered)All year · Rare, limited sightings. | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Nueva Gerona town | Main settlement, hotels, night‑life and boat terminal | Open to all |
| Playa Paraíso | Popular beach near town, access via road | Open, no fee |
| Hill near Cueva del Agua | Short 20‑min hike with views | Open, trail informal |
Sketch map
Take the points offline
3 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Coordinates approximate, centred on Nueva Gerona town.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Island entry (foreign visitors) | CUC 1–2 | person | Typical fee for tourists |
| Boat (Kometa catamaran) one‑way | CUC 50 | person | No reservation needed |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Entry permit permit or guide
What would our group pay?
People
Nights or days
- CUC 1–2
- CUC 50
Tick the fees that apply to your trip to see a total.
A guide, not a quote: the ranges are estimates (checked 2026-09) and each fee may have rules on who pays it. Check with the park or your operator before you go.
Park rules
- Weapons
- Knives must be checked at entry; no firearms.
- Sexual conduct
- Under‑age sexual activity is a serious offense; carry ID.
- Health
- Condoms sold for CUC 1; recommended for all sexual activity.
Where to stay
Near the park
Nueva Gerona hotels
Budget to mid‑range hotels within walking distance of the beach and boat terminal.
In the park
Camping
Designated campsites near Playa Paraíso (check local regulations).
Safety
Heat and sun medium
Crocodile zones medium
Military zones high
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- Town centre and main beach are reachable by car with short walks.
- Hill trail is uneven; not suitable for limited mobility.
Visiting lightly
- Use official boat operators; avoid unlicensed services.
- Take litter with you; the island has limited waste facilities.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Isla de la Juventud?
Entry for foreign tourists is typically CUC 1–2 per person; the boat ride from the mainland costs CUC 50 one‑way.
What are the best hikes in Isla de la Juventud?
The short 20‑minute hill hike near Nueva Gerona (near Cueva del Agua) offers good views; longer treks are informal and require local guidance.
When is the best time to visit Isla de la Juventud?
The dry season (Nov – Apr) provides the most reliable weather and fewer crowds; the island is hotter and wetter from May to October.
Can I bring a bicycle onto the island?
No. Bicycles are not allowed on the boat; rent locally after arrival.
Are there any safety concerns on the island?
Avoid military zones, stay clear of crocodile habitats, and protect against sun and heat.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go
Show the detailsHide
Sources
Ask about Isla de la Juventud
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