The splash of the waves that embrace the white sand, brings back memories from the past. The history of the cays, located on the sea shore of Ciego de Ávila province, is impregnated of this mysterious spell.

Privateers, Pirates and Other Stories It is said that the set of cays named Jardines del Rey (King’s Gardens) was so baptized by Adelantado Diego Velázquez to pay homage to Ferdinand, The Catholic, who was the King of Spain at that time, and as a response to the gesture made by Admiral Christopher Columbus who, on his second voyage, named Jardines de la Reina (Queen’s Gardens) to the cays located on the South of the island, as a present to Elizabeth of Castile. Because of its privileged geographical location and its proximity to the Old Channel of The Islands of theBahamas, Jacques de Sores, Henry Morgan and so many others well-known figures of history sought shelter and a place to stay, they became famous and even got titles of nobility in this lands. Remote legends speak of beautiful women of Puerto Príncipe, kidnapped by Jacques de Sores and his men as part of the booty demanded to the inhabitants after the plunder of the city in 1555. Doubtlessly presence of pirates made the names of these cays appeared on the maps and logs in so remote date as the beginning of the 17th century. Land Property and Slave Trade In the second half of the 18th century, these territories began to be granted to illustrious officials of the government and the colonial aristocracy as tenants of the land. Once that slave trade was abolished, Spanish settlers based in Cuba began importing underground the labor for their plantations and sugar mills. These same blacks were the ones that led by Creole patriots raised in arms in 1868 against the Spanish colony. The way Mr. John Teophilus Hodge Arrived to These Lands Once that the 20th century began, a strong migratory movement of US citizens settled in the new territories of the Caribbean searching for wealth. Mr. John Teophilus Hodge was one of the pioneers. He purchased Cayo Coco for 85,000 pesos and started the development and colonization of the cay. His illusions lasted only two years. His orange groves never blossomed and the cattle spread all over the cay. In the first forty years of the 20th century, the trees of the large forest areas were ruthlessly fell and around 600 charcoal makers settled in these lands, since then, what characterized the cays before was the manufacture of charcoal. But in the last period of 1940’s, the excessive fall of trees and the resulting deforestation caused a drop in the production of fire wood.

Hemingway Sails along the Cays Ernest Hemingway sailed along these shores, on board his yacht «Pilar» during the Second World War at the service of the allied troops, leading a group of Basque pelotaris and searching German submarines. Despite the accounts of so many stories, legends on these cays, life has always found in them, this natural charm where the singing of birds, the intense pink of flamingos barely touching the sea, and that exuberant green that covers everything, predominate.

An Archipelago and Its Natural Atmospheres

Jardines del Rey extends from Hicacos Peninsula until Nuevitas Bay along 465 km2 on the northern region of the province of Ciego de Ávila. This group is made up by 2,517 small islands thus turning into the largest of the Cuban archipelago.

These cays are characterized by white beaches originated from coral reefs. At Cayo Coco, cays extend over 22 km where important tourism spots are found. Beaches like Playa Las Coloradas, Playa Larga and Playa Flamencos beautify the landscape of this cay. At Cayo Guillermo, other splendid beaches are not-to-be-missed places as Playa El Paso and Playa Pilar. The panorama of these spots is highlighted by the fact that the largest dune of the Caribbean is there located, measuring 15m high. Also recommended are beaches like Playa Los Pinos and Playa del Norte. We suggest some of the most attractive places, in both the cays and the neighboring province of Ciego de Ávila where visitors will discover the secrets of harmony, typical of the Caribbean.

Cayo Coco Parador La Silla: A rustic watch tower, located at the entrance of the causeway that links the cay to the large island. The causeway stirs admiration for the surrounding landscape and the flamingos living nearby; however the main attractions are their sunsets over the cays, the most suitable places to watch this splendid event of nature. La Güira: A site located in the heart of Cayo Coco, the place recreates an old settlement of charcoal makers established at the beginning of the century. The site is named after La Güira because of the local trees bearing the fruit, the güira, abundant in this area. Horse-back rides are also a common practice for the enjoyment of life. El Peñón Natural Park: The beautiful beach of Las Coloradas is located in this natural reserve. The main attraction is the crag of over 10,000 m2 which raises some 6 m above the sea level. Las Dolinas Route: In the most preserved area of the cay, the ride starts from Cueva del Jabalí and covers the central area of the North coast. Visitors can get acquainted with species of the aboriginal flora and observe small lagoons by the name of dolinas. International Diving Center: Located at Punta Rasa toward the west of Tryp Cayo Coco Hotel, invites you to enjoy excursions, diving classes, seafaris and beach sports.

Cayo guillermo Playa Pilar: A beach bordered by extensive dunes of sand and sharp cliffs reflects the most incredible turquoise shades and an extremely fine sand. Opposite Playa Pilar is Media Luna Cay, a splendid option for diving and snorkeling. Cayo Guillermo Marina: Located at the entrance of the cay, rendering services for vessels engaged in deep sea fishing, diving and seafaris. Service of food and beverages are offered aboard.

Cayo paredón grande The islet located at the southeastern area of Cayo Coco houses Diego Velázques Light House, built by Chinese coolies on a rocky hill. This facility has been there for over a century and still renders navigation services.

Ciego de Ávila For its proximity to the cays, this province is fit for short excursions. Morón City: It’s the closest city to the cays, the urban symbol of this town is the sculpture of a rooster, a bird that symbolizes hope and amusement, according to local tradition. Other distinctive elements of this beautiful city are the Casa de la Trova (House of the Traditional Music), San Carlos Theater and the railroad terminal. Ciego de Ávila City: The capital of the province is located 100 km away from Jardines del Rey. This city preserves one of the most important monuments of Cuba. Likewise the Route from Júcaro to Morón, is an scenario that witnessed significant moments of the history of Cuban independence in the 19th century and of which one kilometer has been recovered and raised to the national heritage category. Laguna La Redonda: This lagoon is on the way to Cayo Coco, impregnated with beautiful natural canals and a thick vegetation. Trout Fishing International Center is there located. Laguna La Leche: This lagoon is the largest natural reservation of fresh water of Cuba. Different activities as fishing, boat rides are performed. This place was the venue of the great prix of motorboating last July, held for the first time in Ciego de Ávila province, a topic that will be dealt with on the following pages.