Major city · Cuba
Cayo Guillermo
Two nights max: the beach is world-class but there is nothing else. Use it as a pure beach stop between Central Cuba and the airport, not a base.
Cayo Guillermo is a narrow island off Cuba's north coast with 3–4 all-inclusive hotels, a long white-sand beach and zero local population. It is a dedicated resort zone: no towns, no shops, no Cuban residents. The beach rivals any in the Caribbean, but the experience is entirely contained within hotel walls. Most visitors fly into Jardines del Rey Airport on neighbouring Cayo Coco and cross the causeway by road. Two nights are enough; longer trips should include day trips to Morón, Remedios or Trinidad.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- CUP
- Best months
- Nov–Apr (dry season)
- avoid Jun–Oct (hurricane season, especially Sep–Oct)
- Airport
- CCC
- Nights
- 2
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 8Several 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).
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Cayo Guillermo106 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Cayo Guillermo, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Cuban peso (CUP).Cuba-wide
- SIM or eSIMcheckETECSA is the only operator; tourist SIMs and eSIMs are sold with passport at the airport and ETECSA offices (check eSIM).Cuba-wide
- Tap waterDo not drink tap water; bottled water can be scarce, so bring a filter bottle or tablets.Cuba-wide
- TippingRestaurants: 10% in cash.Cuba-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B/C/L. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 110 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Cuba-wide
- SafetyThe resort zone is very safe.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsOften without seats or paper; carry tissue and small coins for attendants.Cuba-wide
- Emergency numbers106 police · 104 ambulance · 105 fire (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysOpening hours shrink during fuel crises; banks and offices may close early.Cuba-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportCCC Jardines del Rey International Airport (On neighbouring Cayo Coco; about 30 min by road across the causeway.).
- Getting aroundNo public transport on the island.
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- CCC Jardines del Rey International Airport (On neighbouring Cayo Coco; about 30 min by road across the causeway.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Feb
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Mar
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Apr
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
May
not flagged
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Jun
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Jul
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Aug
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Sep
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Oct
Avoid
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Nov
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Dec
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Best: Nov–Apr. Avoid: Jun–Oct. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)), coolest Jan (19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C) low), wettest Sep (13 rain days), driest Feb (4). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Cayo Guillermo: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
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Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
5 rd
Feb
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
4 rd
Mar
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
4 rd
Apr
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
4 rd
May
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
8 rd
Jun
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
11 rd
Jul
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
10 rd
Aug
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
11 rd
Sep
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
13 rd
Oct
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
12 rd
Nov
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
7 rd
Dec
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
5 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
No public transport on the island. Hotels run shuttles to the beach and to Cayo Coco. Taxis from the hotel reception for day trips. Walking between hotels is possible along the beach but not practical at night.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Morón
goDoor to door: About 1 h
Taxi from hotel, about 45 min
Small town with a church and market; a taste of real Cuba.
Door to door: About 1.5 h
Taxi or organised tour, about 1 h 15 min
Colonial town with a famous Christmas parade; check dates.
Door to door: About 30 min
Hotel shuttle or taxi across the causeway, about 20 min
More built-up resort island with a nature trail and flamingo colony.
Door to door: About 3.5 h
Organised tour or taxi, about 3 h
Too far for a day return; stay one night.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
All-inclusive hotel strip
The only option: 3–4 hotels along the north shore. No independent accommodation exists on the island.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- All-inclusive package
- USD 150–350 per person (check)
- Day trip from Cayo Coco
- USD 30–60 (check)
Trip budget
Prices of common things
| Taxi from hotel to Morón | USD 30–50 (check) |
| Organised day trip to Trinidad | USD 80–120 per person (check) |
| Bottle of water (hotel shop) | USD 2–3 |
| Cocktail at hotel bar | USD 5–10 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Hotel room safes sometimes use the same key as the room door: keep valuables at reception instead.
- No ATMs or banks on the island; bring enough cash (CUP, USD or EUR) for tips and excursions.
- Wi-Fi is limited and slow; buy an eSIM before you travel if you need data.
- Organised excursions to Morón, Trinidad or Havana are expensive; check prices before booking.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 106
- Ambulance
- 104
- Fire
- 105
Pocket card
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Cayo GuillermoCayo Guillermo
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Lléveme a este hotel, por favorTake me to this hotel, please
Emergency
- Police106
- Ambulance104
- Fire105
Embassy
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Jardines del Rey Airport → hotel: About 30 min by taxi; USD 30–50 (check)
Say or show
- Hola — Hello (OH-lah)
- Gracias — Thank you (GRAH-see-ahs)
- ¿Cuánto cuesta? — How much? (KWAHN-toh KWES-tah)
- ¿Dónde está la playa? — Where is the beach? (DOHN-deh es-TAH lah PLAH-yah)
- La cuenta, por favor — The bill, please (lah KWEN-tah por fah-VOR)
Cash only on the island; no card payments accepted.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Cayo Guillermo. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Nov–Apr (dry season) · avoid Jun–Oct (hurricane season, especially Sep–Oct) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 1 area to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 2 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- An airport-to-bed path that says whether a late landing still works
- Walking clusters with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Field-verified times and fares
Sources
Ask about Cayo Guillermo
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