The small beach resort of Santa Maria del Mar is located near Havana. It is also called the Havana Riviera for almost 9 km of fine white sand and clear sea. People come here for a relaxing beach holiday and water activities: there are diving schools on the shore, equipment rental – from water skis to wetsuits, banana riding and much more. In addition, it is very beautiful here, mangroves are everywhere, and local cliffs serve as viewing platforms with gorgeous views of the ocean. Check localcollegeexplorer for other cities and countries as well as education in Central America.
There are no cultural attractions in this resort, but they are in abundance in neighboring Havana, which is located only 18 km.
How to get to Santa Maria del Mar
Santa Maria del Mar is a suburb of Havana. From the central square of the Cuban capital, buses leave every half an hour to the beaches (direction to the east), the fare is 5-6 CUC, the trip will take no more than 30 minutes. Taxi to the beach will cost 20 CUC. Prices on the page are for July 2021.
Santa Maria del Mar Hotels
There are few hotels in the resort, which is consistent with its calm atmosphere. All of them are located at a sufficient distance from each other and do not create a feeling of tourist bustle. As a rule, these are large complexes equipped with everything you need, from restaurants and swimming pools on their territory to tennis courts and their own diving centers. Many hotels organize cabaret shows and other entertainment in the evenings.
Santa Maria del Mar is an expensive resort, Cubans themselves prefer to stay in Havana and come to the beach by bus or taxi. A night in a 5-star hotel will cost at least 300 USD per night for a double room, there is no upper limit. 4-star hotels are practically in no way inferior to 5-star hotels and cost 200-300 USD, but a three-ruble note costs 100-200 USD per day.
When is the best time to go
As in Havana, Santa Maria del Mar has a tropical summer all year round. In winter it is a little cooler – +22…+23 °С, in summer it is hot – +28…+30 °С. The rainy season begins in June and lasts until the end of October, but this usually does not interfere with beach holidays: showers, although strong, are short-lived.
The beaches of Santa Maria del Mar
Santa Maria del Mar is an exclusively beach resort. It offers tourists 9 km of first-class beach with fine white sand and all the necessary infrastructure – from umbrellas and sun loungers to cafes, restaurants and beach discos. Umbrellas and sun loungers are paid – 2 CUC per day, food and drinks can be ordered directly to the sun lounger, waiters often walk along the beach.
If possible, come to this resort on weekdays. There are many Cubans on the local beaches on weekends, and it is not always possible to find a free sunbed.
Attractions and attractions in Santa Maria del Mar
There are no historical and cultural attractions in this resort, you need to go to Havana for them. All local entertainment is concentrated near the water. Most hotels have their own water sports centers where you can rent equipment and take windsurfing or diving lessons.
In the eastern part of the coast is the most famous Nautical water center in these parts. Among other things, you can rent a boat, kayak or motor boat there and go for a ride in the sea or on the lake in the mangroves – it’s very beautiful there.
In the evenings, nightlife rages in local restaurants and bars, salsa, rumba and other Latin American rhythms sound from every iron, dance lessons are given in some places.
