We left a rainy Havana for Playa Larga and stayed three nights by the Bay of Pigs. The pleasures were simple: a room close to the beach, time for Zosia to play in the sand, and evenings when there was little reason to hurry anywhere.
The journey there was less relaxing. It gave us a story about an old colectivo, but also a lesson about what we would establish much more carefully before another family transfer.
A memorable journey, and a choice we would change
Our driver travelled with his wife in an older car. There were problems with the boot, a gap that let air into the car, and no working restraints for us. Zosia slept through much of the ride while we tried to make ourselves comfortable.
Those details belong in an honest travel memory, but they are not a model for arranging transport with a child. For another journey we would insist on a vehicle with working seat belts and a suitable, compatible child restraint. Improvised support from bags does not replace either.
Before agreeing a transfer, ask what vehicle will actually arrive, how your child will be restrained, and where luggage will fit. Our Cuba transport journal gives more context to the different journeys we made.
The room, the sand and an easier rhythm
We spent the first night at Casa Mesa and the next two at Casa Kiki. Of those particular rooms and stays, we preferred Casa Mesa: opening the room towards the beach made it feel closely connected to the place we had come to enjoy.
Zosia played at the edge of the water with us nearby, investigated the sand and found interest in the smallest things. At dinner and in the evening we watched crabs, looked at the stars and let the day end slowly. We remember the stay through that rhythm more than through a list of attractions.
These are recollections of the accommodation we used then. They do not establish whether either casa is operating now or what a room includes. A new enquiry should cover the actual room, meals, drinking water, power arrangements and confirmed transfer options.
Look beyond the beach to the Zapata landscape
Playa Larga can be understood as part of a much wider coastal and wetland setting. UNESCO places the Ciénaga de Zapata Biosphere Reserve on the southern coast of Matanzas Province and records its biosphere designation in 2000. 1
That background is a reason to learn about the landscape, rather than a promise that a short beach stay includes a wildlife excursion. Our memories on this page are of the journey and the shore. Specialist nature outings need their own guide, access arrangements and realistic expectations.
If a wetland visit is your priority, discuss the precise route, time outside, transport and suitability for your family. Keep wildlife observation separate from handling or baiting animals for photographs.
Plan for the stay you actually want
For us, three nights made room for doing very little. Someone seeking several excursions would use the same time differently. Decide whether you want a shore-based pause or a base for specific outings before choosing a room and transport.
The FCDO advice checked on 19 October 2026 was against all but essential travel to Cuba, with major disruption affecting transport and basic services. Confirm the current situation and your arrangements before booking. 2
Our Cuba beach memories compare other pauses beside the sea. For a town-and-beach combination further along the journey, read Trinidad and Playa Ancón. Neither account is a substitute for checking present operating conditions.
Plan the visit
Know before you go
Playa Larga and the Zapata coast
- Plan your time
- Allow a separate day and a confirmed guide for any nature outing.
- Booking & access
- Check accommodation, transport and the specific excursion independently.
The UNESCO entry explains the wider protected landscape; it does not sell or confirm a tour.
Visitor information checked 19 October 2026. Timing suggestions are our planning advice.
Good to know
A couple of useful questions
How long did your family stay in Playa Larga?
Three nights: one at Casa Mesa and two at Casa Kiki. The stay was mainly a relaxed pause beside the shore.
Does this stay include a guided Zapata wetlands visit?
No. The beach stay described here does not establish a guided nature excursion. Arrange any specialist route separately and confirm current access and suitability.
Sources and useful links
References for the practical information in this article:
Information checked on 19 October 2026.
