Cayo Levisa

Cayo Levisa is a low island of mangrove and sand off the north coast of Pinar del Río, with a strip of white beach along its northern side and coral offshore. A boat runs from Palma Rubia on the mainland, taking about half an hour, and the day-trip ticket includes the crossing. There is one small hotel of cabins and a dive centre, and nothing else on the island, so once the day boat leaves it becomes very quiet.

What you actually see

• The beach - a strip of white sand along the northern shore, backed by palms.
• The crossing - a boat through mangrove channels and open water from the mainland.
• The reef - coral offshore with dive sites a short boat ride out.
• The mangroves - the bulk of the island, with birds and crabs through the channels.

When to go

November to April is the dry season. Boats run to a fixed schedule and missing the return means staying. Sandflies are worst at dawn and dusk and are a genuine problem here.

Honest expectations

The island is small and the beach is the only thing on it, so a full day can be long. Facilities are limited to the hotel restaurant, which is basic and expensive. Sandflies are severe enough that repellent is essential.

Nearby

Vinales is inland to the south, and Cayo Jutias is west along the same coast.