When planning a trip to Cuba make sure to make time to visit some Cuban beaches, our personal favorite was Playa Jibacoa in northern Cuba.
We recently returned from our trip to Cuba, as it is now becoming easier and easier for us Americans traveling to Cuba. We wanted to travel to Cuba as soon as possible, as we all know flights to Cuba from the USA will be happening soon.
Related Article: Cuba Travel Guide
Cuba’s Best Beach Playa Jibacoa
The long bridge to the beach
We rented a car and explored Cuba at our own pace but if you’re on a one-week trip to Cuba I’d suggest splitting your time up traveling Cuba between Havana, Trinidad, and some of the many beautiful Cuban beaches. If you only have time to see one beach make sure to visit Playa Jibacoa Cuba.
Where Is Playa Jibacoa?
Playa Jibacoa is on the northern shores of Cuba, between Varadero and Havana. Playa Jibacoa is 60 km/38 miles from Havana and can be reached in just under an hour from an hour. A good portion of the drive from Havana to Playa Jibacoa is along the coast. Varadero to Playa Jibacoa is 90 km/56 miles and is 80 minutes away.
How To Get To Jibacoa Beach?
Blue old American Chevy drives the road along Playa Jibacoa
Unless you’re on a tour that includes stopping at Playa Jibacoa Cuba the only way to get to Jibacoa is by either having a private taxi bring you or renting a car and driving yourself.
We rented a car and drove from Varadero to Playa Jibacoa. Driving in Cuba was super easy, we just had to keep our eyes open for potholes as they seemed to be never-ending.
Related Article: Best Places to Visit in Cuba
Things To Do In Playa Jibacoa Cuba
Love the trees and driftwood on the beach in Playa Jibacoa, Cuba
There aren’t a ton of things to do in Playa Jibacoa, the main draw is the beach and ocean. Enjoy the day laying on the beach, snorkeling, or going diving.
In Jibacoa, there are two shipwrecks you can dive: a sunken cargo ship, and a military ship. The cargo ship is visible from the beach and the military ship lies on its side and still has ladders/anchor ropes/guns. Diving the shipwrecks has been one of the favorite things to do in Playa Jibacoa by divers.
Related Article: Things to do in Cuba
For those that don’t dive, just laying on Playa Jibacoa is my personal favorite things to do in Jibacoa. There is hardly anyone at Playa Jibacoa, you’ll probably have the beach to yourself. Across the street from the beach, there is a shop selling cold beers, soda, snacks, etc. Grab a few drinks and just enjoy being in Cuba.
Playa Jibacoa Vrbo
There are several Airbnb and Vrbo listings in nearby Playa Jibacoa that are a fraction of the hotel prices in Playa Jibacoa. You can rent an entire beachfront home that sleeps 6 for $75 a night.
If you are wanting to spend the night in Playa Jibacoa we highly suggest renting in advance on Vrbo that way you aren’t driving around looking for a casa. As an added bonus it will be prepaid online so you won’t have to bring as much cash.
Hotels In Playa Jibacoa
There are 3 hotels in Playa Jibacoa as of April 2020, but as tourism in Cuba increases, I would imagine more hotels will become available. Click here to check rates on Booking.com The #1 hotel on TripAdvisor is Memories Jibacoa, an all-inclusive property, click here for reviews.
Pictures of Playa Jibacoa
A bottle of Cuba’s finest propped up in the sands of Playa Jibacoa
Playa Jibacoa is full of interesting trees and driftwood
We made friends with a few local guys on the beach who helped us arrange to get an old American car up on a hill overlooking the beach for some photos.
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Playa Jibacoa was one of the prettiest beaches in Cuba we stopped at on our recent trip. Varadero is gorgeous but there was something special about Jibacoa.
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chris
Tuesday 28th of May 2019
Hi hannah we are staying at the memories jibacoa in july 2019 and cannot wait to check out the beaches and havana, i came across your web site by accident and found it a great read keep up the good work. Roll on july rum and a fat cuban cigar chilling on a white sand beach.
Adam
Tuesday 25th of June 2019
Have an awesome trip! We are due to get back to Cuba - you'll love it!
Amy
Tuesday 31st of July 2018
Thinking of going to Cuba at the end of August and have no clue where to start looking for accommodations and things to do. We like to eat well and would love nice accommodations, but I realize that I am not going to be able to get the Four Seasons, Beverly Hills, in Cuba. Excited to walk all over and take in the architecture and history. Advice on hotels/airbnb in Havana and surrounding beaches is welcome.
Thanks!
Adam
Monday 6th of August 2018
Hi Amy - There are AirBNBs available but the responce can be slower since the internet is still pretty new. You can also stay in local casa familiares which you can just walk up and book while you are here. They are a room in a home which have been approved by the government to rent. Most are nice enough, but on the more basic side. There are also normal hotels in Cuba but most are government run and nice enough but you're contributing to the government.
Sai
Sunday 3rd of June 2018
I am going to Cuba for 2 weeks soon and hopefully make it to Playa Jibacoa, it sounds perfect. Currently reading blogs and trying to work out a rough route around Cuba. Thanks for sharing your travels
Hannah Lukaszewicz
Wednesday 6th of June 2018
It's worth the trip. Are you renting a car in Cuba? We found that is the easiest way to get to Playa Jibacoa. It's super easy to get to from Havana.
Eric Tay
Tuesday 10th of April 2018
Hey,I will be going Cuba in May 2018. I like snorkeling and diving. I can't decide whether to stay in Cayo Largo or Jibacoa. A 2 nights 3 days in Cayo Largo cost several more expensive than in Jibacoa. So I was wondering is it worth to spend the time and money flying to Cayo Largo? Does Cayo largo has more number of fish than Jibacoa? Any advice is appreciated. Thanks Tay
I
Adam
Saturday 5th of May 2018
If your main concern is snorkeling and diving you may want to checkout Cayo Largo, Playa Jibacoa isn't necessarily known for scuba/snorkeling. While there may be some good opportunities here, the south and the outer islands are more known for this type of sport. The beach in Playa Jibacoa is beautiful and there are opportunities to interact with the locals as well, so it comes down to what you want from your vacation.
Clara
Thursday 25th of January 2018
hey, super photos!!! can you tell me, where exactly these interesting trees and driftwood are? the beach seems to be quite long, according to google maps, 3 miles from the beginning till memories jibacoa resort. we have only 1 day there and want to find this nice place for photos. thank you! cheers, clara
Adam
Wednesday 7th of February 2018
These were from the stretch of the beach where the road runs close to the beach. There is only a few minutes drive where the road runs along the ocean. You should find these here, I hope they are cause they were really nice. Good luck!