Bay of Pigs Cuba

Bay of Pigs, Bahia de Cochinos - Zapata Peninsula

Zapata Peninsula Park UNESCO declared to be a biosphere preserve, Cienaga de Zapata is the largest wetland in the Caribbean, located on the Zapata Peninsula 177 km south-east of Havana, know as Bay of Pigs - Bahia de Cochinos.

Isolated and serene is an ecotourism area, the Bay of Pigs is famed for its marine species, coral reefs and the birds. Ideal place to practice snorkeling, scuba diving, off-shore sea fishing, birdwatching and hiking.

Peninsula de Zapata - Bay of Pigs hotels:

• Playa Giron - 3 star (all inclusive)
Beach front hotel at the end of Cienaga de Zapata, for nature lovers. Popular Snorkeling & Scuba Diving center.

• Villa Guama - 3 star
Located in Laguna del Tesoro, near the Crocodile park and birdwatching areas. You can rent a Motor boat here.

• Playa Larga - 2 star
Right on the large shallow beach, an ideal location for birdwatching, snorkeling, scuba diving and sea fishing.

crocodile

Zapata Montemar National Park is well-known for local endemic Cuban crocodile. The main core area of the Biosphere Reserve and the Ramsar, is one of the best birdwatching area in the Caribbean. Swamps, countless canals and natural watercourses are typical of the rugged landscape of Zapata Peninsula.

It is an extensive ecosystem made up of mangrove forests, keys, seagrass beds, coral reef barriers and deep reefs, including the Cazones Gulf, a deep underwater canyon that is the main site of important species such as porgies and groupers. Mangrove forests is the best preserved in Cuba.

crabs in Cuba
Fishing

If you prefer fresher fishing for such species as Tarpor and Snook, the Hatiguanico River and its tributaries offer you of placid water and modern vessels facilities specialized fishing guides.

Stay at the Horizontes Don Pedro Fishing Camp or hotel Playa Larga, which offer ideal conditions for fishermen. Bring your own fishing gear.

Diving
snorkeling

Zapata Peninsula Park is a place where you don’t need a boat to reach the Scuba Diving or Snorkeling areas, because the slope is so close to shore.

Scuba Diving Centers:
• Octupus International Scuba Diving Center, Playa Larga offer 13 diving and snorkeling sites, dives directly from the coast.
Diving sites: Cueva de Los paces, El Cenote and El Brinco.

• Azul Internacional Scuba Diving Center, Giron Beach.
Diving and Snorkeling sites: Punta Perdiz, Alejo El Moro and El Ebano.

• El Pirata Internacional Scuba Diving Center, Caleta Buena offer 20, excellent Snorkeling and Diving for different levels of diving and snorkeling. spots.
Sites: La Corona de Maceo, Los Canones, El Vabezo Caleta Buena.

Zapata Park
birdwatching

Montemar National Park main core area of the Biosphere Reserve and Ramsar is one of the best birdwatching areas in the Caribbean. This great variety of habitats provides a wide diversity of birds within a relatively short distance. Hiking through the Zapata Montemar Park is a perfect way to observe the natural fauna and tropical birds.
Coastal habitat around the Bay of Pigs is home to: Zapata Wren, Zapata Sparrow, Cuban Green Woodpecker and Zapata Rail. It is also the best site for the Bee Hummingbird the smallest bird in the world.