Cayo Jutias

Cayo Jutías is reached by driving out along a causeway built across the shallows northwest of Viñales, which is itself the best part of the trip: mangrove, flats and pelicans on either side. The beach is a few kilometres of white sand with shallow warm water, a single restaurant, and enough space to walk away from everyone. At the far end stands the remains of an old metal lighthouse. It is the usual beach day from Viñales and can be done as a straightforward return trip.

What you actually see

• The causeway - a road built across the shallows and mangrove to reach the cay.
• The beach - several kilometres of white sand with very shallow water.
• The old lighthouse - a rusting metal tower at the far end of the beach.
• The mangrove flats - pelicans, herons and shorebirds on the way out.

When to go

November to April is the dry season and the peak. Seaweed accumulates at some times of year and can spoil the near shore. Weekdays are much quieter than weekends.

Honest expectations

Facilities amount to one restaurant and some loungers, and shade is limited to a few palms. The drive from Vinales takes over an hour each way on poor road. Sandflies bite at dusk.

Nearby

Cayo Levisa is east along the same coast, and Vinales is inland to the southeast.