Top 5 Things to do in Guardalavaca

If relaxation is the main focus of your trip to the Caribbean, then a holiday in Guardalavaca, Cuba should be just the thing. Guardalavaca's hotels offer the beach experience of Varadero without the crowds and the noise! It's the very definition of a hidden gem with a top notch beach and plenty of activities for visitors to the resort, and yet it still manages to remain secluded, quiet and unspoilt. Relaxation, thy name is Guardalavaca!

Here's our top 5 things to do on a holiday in Guardalavaca, Cuba:-

The beach is without doubt, the biggest draw of a holiday in Guardalavaca, and rightly so. There are actually three - Guardalavaca beach, Esmerelda beach and Playa Pesquero. Getting between them is easy, even for those made lazy by the relaxation, as there's a mini train that connects Esmerelda to Guardalavaca. All three beaches are worth visiting, and share the essential Cuban beach qualities: pristine white sands and clear waters. The water is calm, thanks to the nearby coral reef making the place a good choice for families. Catamarans, pedalos and other beach activities are available for those who get bored of the sunbathing (do people get bored of sunbathing?).

Of all the diving spots in Cuba, Guardalavaca is one of the favourites thanks to its enormous coral reef just a few miles off shore. It's teeming with wildlife, and is an absolute wonder for divers on the lookout for exotic fish and plant life. It's not just about the reef though, with plenty of caves and shipwrecks to explore, everyone from scuba-newbies to diving veterans should feel right at home here.

When you think of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, swimming with dolphins probably comes quite high up the list, but with a Guardalavaca hotel room, it can be every day if you wish! Nearby the resort is the Acuario Cayo Naranjo aquarium which hosts spectacular dolphin, seal and walrus shows as well as allowing visitors to swim with the dolphins themselves. A life jacket is provided, and guests of all ages are taught how to get the dolphins to clap and splash, and are then allowed to `surf' on the creatures at the end. Recommended.

The link between Cuba and deep sea fishing has been established ever since the 1930s, when legendary author Ernest Hemingway moved to Cuba. Guadalavaca would have been ideal for him. As a keen hunter and fisherman, Hemingway no doubt found the abundance of tuna, barracuda, sailfish, snapper and grouper a boon to his hobby, and a Guardalavaca holiday is a great place for people to learn - or to engage their prove their skills. You can be taught the basics by experienced crews here, and you'll be enjoying this exciting activity in no time!

Strictly speaking, not something actually in Guardalavaca, but the nearby town of Holguin is well worth a visit, and can be combined with visits to the town's sugar and cigar factories which give an insight into two of the island's biggest and most fascinating industries. It's not too far away, and makes for a pleasant change from your Guardalavaca hotel.