Are there free snorkeling sites in Cuba outside of Varadero and Cayos?

Question

One of our favourite activities when travelling is diving. I've been reading about good snorkeling sites, but all require a tax to access to the beach or are located in the expensive touristic areas of Cuba (Varadero and Cayos). Are there any free snorkeling sites in Cuba?

Answer 1

I can answer my own question after travelling to Cuba.

All the places I visited were free of charge, including Varadero and other major spots like Guardalavaca. Before I visited Cuba I read that you have to pay for access to the beaches, but this information is outdated or false: you don't have to pay for access anywhere.

Interesting snorkeling sites I visited include:

• Coral beach: between Varadero and Matanzas. This was the best snorkeling site we visited.
• Guardalavaca: 100 meters off shore you can find a lot of colorful fish.
• Siboney beach: near Santiago. Good snorkeling if you are lucky (because that beach has some problems with algae).

Answer 2

In late Feb 2018 I stayed in the village of Casilda just outside Trinidad (my hosts were Sergio y Lesly, a nice stay). There's a beach called Playa Ancon a short ride away by horse cart or if you can stand the heat, by bicycle. The first part of it is all-coral, sadly bleached, but you only have to step into the water to start seeing fishes. A delightful surprise. The bar will charge you 3CUC for a beach chair but then they leave you alone. I was there in late Feb 2018.

Answer 3

Not exact answer to your question but there is snorkeling site in Playa Ancon - you need to pay 1 CUC for a bike parking, 10 CUC for boat which takes 2 km away from the shore and snorkeling equipment for 1-1.5h.