Cuba, with a privileged geographical location in the Caribbean, has in tourism an essential role in the short-term economic agenda of the country, which is supported by its richness.

The territory has about 600 kilometers of beaches in almost 5,800 kilometers of coastline which represent an important element to be taken into account for tourism lovers.

The most famous of these beach resorts is Varadero, with kilometers of beaches in the Hicacos peninsula, in the western province of Matanzas.

Likewise, the marine bottoms of Varadero have more than 40 different kinds of corals, a large diversity of fish, lobsters, shrimps, crabs and turtles; as well as more than 70 varieties of mollusks.

Several marinas like the Dársena and Gaviota guarantee the conditions and means for scuba diving with the required boats, trained personnel, diving teaching centers, hyperbaric chambers and the necessary transportation in emergency cases.

Jardines del Rey (King’s Gardens), one of the main tourist destinations in Cuba, has 30 kilometers of virgin beaches to welcome vacationers in Coco and Guillermo keys, the latter having the highest sand dunes in the Caribbean, which can reach up to 15 meters in height.

Eastern Cuba also has important sun and beach options, mainly in Holguín where Bariay, the beach where Admiral Christopher Columbus disembarked in 1492, is complemented by famous leisure sites like Guardalavaca, Playa Esmeralda and Pesquero.

Meanwhile, more than 70,000 kilometers of the island shelf are available for diving activities, including about a dozen specialized diving centers.

In Havana, visitors can chose the beach alternatives concentrated in the so-called Circuito Azul (Blue Circuit), with more than 15 kilometers of coastline where the beach known as Santa María del Mar stands out.

There are other beaches in the area which are preferred by vacationers like Bacuranao, El Mégano, Boca Ciega and Guanabo, which actually complement the urban tourism options for the thousands of travelers who visit the city every year.

In addition, Levisa key, located in the western province of Pinar del Río, stands out for its three kilometers of excellent beaches which are peculiarly located in the islet.

The abovementioned site is complemented by 23 diving centers, and coral reefs which house about 500 species of fish, 200 sponge species and several varieties of mollusks, crustaceans, gorgonians and other marine species.

In addition, the area holds structures of star and brain corals, sea fans and feathery gorgonians; as well as a large number of fish such as parrotfish, tangbarbero, grunt, grouper, mutton snapper, and several varieties of crustaceans like lobster.

In addition, Cayo Largo del Sur provides 24 kilometers of excellent beaches with fine sands, which have suggestive names such as Sirena, Lindamar, Paraíso and Los Cocos.

Cuba is also complemented by a fauna including about 16,500 recorded species in which several zoological groups show and endemism above 90 percent, accompanied by an indigenous flora with more than 6,300 varieties.