"Cayo Coco - Paradise On Earth? " a Cayo Coco Travel Page by CAROLINEARCHER

Cayo Coco is an island in central Cuba, well known for its luxury all inclusive resorts. It lies within the Ciego de Ávila Province and is part of a chain of islands called Jardines del Rey ("King's Gardens").

The cay is linked to the mainland by an artificial causeway some 27km long.

The construction caused concern among environmentalists as it disturbed the tidal flow and thus life-cycle of waterlife. Despite fears, the wild flamingos still live in the shallow waters and can often be seen from the causeway although not as often as before the construction. A number of gaps were subsequently created in the causeway to restore water flow.

The island of Cayo Coco is linked by a natural causeway to Cayo Guillermo. Still largely wild with swamps and scrubland, the islands boast about a dozen large international hotels spread out. Beaches are very good and the massive coral reef off the north coast attracts divers from around the world. Resorts in the area include NH Krystal Laguna Villas & Resort (formerly El Senador), Melia Cayo Coco, Gaviota Playa Coco, Blau Colonial Cayo Coco, Tryp Cayo Coco, and Sol Cayo Coco.

It also has its own international airport, the Cayo Coco Airport (Aeropuerto Jardines del Rey) (IATA: CCC, ICAO: MUCC). Since 2005 tourists can fly directly in to the airport on Cayo Coco rather than to an airport on the mainland.

Cayo Coco is a paradisiacal place relevant for the balance and degree of preservation of the ecosystem it has attained , by protecting its virgin atmosphere isolated from modern world

Its beach is 10 Km long, of fine sand and warm and crystal-clear waters

A privileged reserve for flora and fauna, this key hosts species such as the wading birds, particularly the coconut the island was named after, the gray heron, and the pink flamingo which total over 30 000 and is among the biggest herds in the world. It is also favorite habitat for other bird species such as the cormorant, woodpecker, mockingbird, pelicans and many duck species.

A 10-30 Mt. coral reef, over 10 Km long, adds more attraction to the place; the diversity and abundance of marine species make divers feel in a real aquarium.