Cayo Santa María

Tourist Destinations




In addition to the region's tourist potential, there exist unique conditions for the keys to be a safe haven for the local flora and fauna, including such exclusive species as the rat hutia, in addition to other endemic species such as lizards, mollusks and the so-called shrike bird.

Animal diversity is complemented with the region's exuberant flora, made up of 248 species, including 91 medicinal, 72 timber, 41 resign-producing and 40 ornamental species, along with vestiges of pre-Columbian cultures in caverns near the beach, and beautiful underwater seascapes.

A system of channels becomes a true aquatic labyrinth between the keys, while offering a huge potential for observation programs and nautical activities.

Another singularity of the region is the San Pascual boat, which ran aground near Cayo Francés almost 70 years ago, and has become a naval rarity, since it was made of reinforced concrete in San Francisco, California, in 1920.

Also known by the local people as El Pontón, many consider the ship another islet. It offers vacationers the amenities of its 10 cabins and an enviable location to enjoy the region's many attractions.

For those visiting the area, Ensenachos boasts one of the best beaches, although its small extension limits the key's development program to a maximum of 600 rooms to prevent damaging the environment.

The stronghold in the development of the local leisure industry is Cayo Santa María, where there is a hotel, and there exists an investment project to build a maximum of 5,000 rooms, in addition to an air terminal and a runway on Cayo Las Brujas to receive small- and medium-size planes.




Cayo Santa María is also home to large colonies of flamingos, seagulls and anhingas, as well as iguanas, mollusks and the so-called shrike bird, while its sea bottoms are inhabited by algae. The key is also a safe haven for amphibian mollusks, reptiles, mammals and birds.

Other birds living on the key are the tocororo (Cuban trogon), which is Cuba's national bird, as well as woodpeckers and hawks. Among the mammals are deer and various species of hutias, including the rat hutia.

Animal diversity is complemented by the region's exuberant flora, made up of 248 species, including 91 medicinal, 72 timber, 41 resin-producing and 40 ornamental species. Mangroves, as well as palms, fruit trees and coconuts cover the islet.
