Cruise ships anchor offshore and tender passengers to Marina Marlin (Marina Internacional Cayo Largo del Sur), the island's central hub for arrivals.
💡 Pro move: Cash only for most transactions. Bring EUR or CAD notes; USD is not accepted in state facilities. No ATMs reliably serve tourists.
All cruise ships tender to Marina Marlin — there is no deep-water cruise pier on Cayo Largo del Sur.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| Most cruise lines | Marina Marlin (Marina Internacional)📍 | Tendered |
| Small expedition ships | Marina Marlin floating docks📍 | Tendered |
Excursions depart from Marina Marlin — think boat trips to pristine beaches, coral reef dives, deep-sea fishing, and wildlife encounters with iguanas and sea turtles.
Boat transfer to Cayo Largo's showcase beach — over 2 km of powdery white sand, calm turquoise water, and beach facilities including sun loungers and a small bar. Often ranked among Cuba's finest.
Find Playa Sirena tours →The marina's dive center organises dives at more than 32 sites, from shallow coral gardens to walls and wrecks. Water clarity is exceptional. Great for first-timers and experienced divers alike.
Find diving tours →A short boat ride delivers you to a small uninhabited island teeming with Cuban rock iguanas. Walk among them on sandy tracks while snorkeling the surrounding reef.
Find Iguana Key tours →Next to Marina Marlin in the island's pueblo, a rehabilitation centre (the former "Granja de las Tortugas") protects hawksbill and green turtles. See turtles of all sizes up close and learn about Cuba's marine conservation efforts.
Find turtle centre tours →Charter boats depart Marina Marlin for marlin, sailfish, and mahi-mahi in the deep waters south of the Canarreos Archipelago. Half- and full-day trips available.
Find fishing charters →Cayo Largo del Sur has no town to explore on foot — the island is sand, sea, and resort hotels — but a short stroll along Playa Los Cocos from the marina is worth the effort.
From the Marina Marlin, follow the beach path west along the coast to Playa Los Cocos. Calm water, shade trees, and resort facilities make this the easiest beach reach from the dock.
🗺️ See full route in Maps →Climate normals for Cayo Largo del Sur, Canarreos Archipelago, Cuba (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainy Days | Sunrise | Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 78°F / 26°C | 74°F / 23°C | 6 | 7:06 AM | 6:04 PM |
| Feb | 79°F / 26°C | 75°F / 24°C | 5 | 6:56 AM | 6:23 PM |
| Mar | 79°F / 26°C | 76°F / 24°C | 4 | 7:34 AM | 7:35 PM |
| Apr | 81°F / 27°C | 78°F / 26°C | 6 | 7:06 AM | 7:45 PM |
| May | 82°F / 28°C | 79°F / 26°C | 17 | 6:47 AM | 7:57 PM |
| Jun | 84°F / 29°C | 81°F / 27°C | 15 | 6:43 AM | 8:09 PM |
| Jul | 85°F / 29°C | 82°F / 28°C | 12 | 6:52 AM | 8:11 PM |
| Aug | 86°F / 30°C | 82°F / 28°C | 16 | 7:04 AM | 7:56 PM |
| Sep | 85°F / 29°C | 81°F / 27°C | 18 | 7:13 AM | 7:28 PM |
| Oct | 84°F / 29°C | 80°F / 27°C | 17 | 7:22 AM | 7:00 PM |
| Nov | 82°F / 28°C | 78°F / 26°C | 11 | 6:37 AM | 5:43 PM |
| Dec | 80°F / 27°C | 76°F / 24°C | 7 | 6:56 AM | 5:46 PM |
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)
Transport options from the pier — taxis, shuttles, transit passes, and whether ride-share apps work here.
State-run taxis are available near the marina and hotel areas. Fares to any destination on the island typically run $2–3 USD per person; luggage may add ~$2.
A small tourist train runs on a fixed schedule from hotels to the western beaches (Playa Sirena, Playa Paraíso, Playa Mal Tiempo). Check timetables at hotel reception.
A periodic shuttle connects the Marina Internacional with all major resort hotels. Very affordable and convenient for cruise passengers.
Self-drive rentals (scooters, ATVs, jeeps) are available for independent exploration of the island's single main road and beaches.