Updated April 13, 2019 with information about heading east on the beach.
The beach at Memories Flamenco Beach Resort in Cayo Coco, Cuba is beautiful, there’s simply no doubt about that. In fact, all the beaches on this tropical sandbar island, included in the Jardines Del Rey archipelago, are beautiful. That sand is perfect, the beach is wide and the water is clear and warm.
But, the one thing you will surprisingly have a hard time enjoying is a sunrise or sunset over water. That is, if you don’t visit in June or July. In the winter months, when most of us visit Cuba and the Caribbean, the sun rises and sets behind the resorts on Cayo Coco. Why? The resorts all face north, looking across the Atlantic Ocean to where Florida and the Bahamas can be found.
If you’re visiting this location and are bent on photographing these magical moments that are so much more enhanced over tropical waters, you’re in luck. I’ve found some solutions. There are two spots within walking distance where the shoreline curves enough that you can see the sun rise and set mostly over the water. Keep in mind, this is Cuba and there is no lighting outside the resorts (sometimes no lighting in the resorts). You will need to prepare yourself to do some hiking in the dark. In other words, pack a flashlight. While you’re at it, pack some trusty bug spray, as well.
All You Need For A Cayo Coco, Cuba Sunrise Or Sunset
Note: This is specific info for guests staying at Memories Flamenco Beach Resort. However, the same would apply for adjacent resorts Pestana Cayo Coco All-Inclusive and Hotel Melia Jardines Del Rey. To some extent, the information can be used if you’re staying at Playa Cayo Coco or Memories Caribe Beach Resort. Those two resorts are located just to the west.
Image Gallery
Details On How To See The Sunrise and Sunset
Cayo Coco, Cuba Sunrises and Sunsets Video
Cayo Coco Sunrise And Sunset Image Gallery
Below is a collection of 12 images taken from a few different vantage points to the west and east of Memories Flamenco Beach Resort. Two are taken across the tidal pools/lagoons that form to the east and west of the resort.
High resolution versions of these images and other photos from the same day are available at Dreamstime. Want to earn cash from your own photos? Why not sign up for free with Dreamstime and start submitting now: Become a paid photographer!
How To See The Sunrise And Sunset
Basically, Memories Flamenco Beach Resort, Pestana Cayo Coco and Hotel Melia Jardines Del Rey are located in a bay along the north coast of Cayo Coco. At the end of the Bay, on either end, there is a point. Each point helps create tidal pools with sand spits that appear and disappear, depending on the tide. It is from these points where you’ll get great views of both the sunrise and sunset.
In this Google Earth screenshot, we’ve pointed out both the west point (#1) and the east point (#2). You’ll also notice an arrow close to the east point. This is where things get tricky. But, this is also where things get exciting. The arrow signifies an entrance to a rather large tidal lagoon. The entrance (think river) changes fairly significantly with the tides.
To The East
Update April 13, 2019:
We revisited this area from April 1, 2019 to April 8, 2019, staying at the Playa Paraiso Resort, right next to the Memories. The area around the ‘river’ has been transformed. It no longer makes any sense to cross the river. The sand dune or sand spit that forms from the point nearly touches the beach just to the west of the river. It’s now an easy walk through the water…
Crossing the river is not too difficult at low tide. Wear a bathing suit because you will get wait up to your waste. The water is clear and relatively creature free. This is where the flashlight definitely comes in handy. If you’re trying to cross when high tide is approaching, things get a little more interesting. First, the water level is obviously higher. Second, the inflow can be quite strong. If you’re up before the dawn, trekking to see a sunrise, you most likely are carrying camera equipment of some value. You will need to be very careful not to get this equipment wet.
Beyond the river, the trails are well defined and you can make it back to the shoreline quite easily. If the tide is high, you will have to walk through the water as the trees and bushes are quite close to the shoreline here. At this section, long curvy sand spits or sand dunes stretch out into the water at low tide. These stretches of sand all but disappear below the surface at high tide.
Once you reach the eastern point (not far past the river crossing), you’ll be treated to some more rugged views with sandy bluffs rising abruptly at the water’s edge. If you followed the coastline from here, you’d eventually end up at the older group of resorts that includes the Colonial and Tryp.
If you can’t get across the tidal river, don’t worry. There are spots where you can get through the mangroves and into the tidal lagoon. The bottom right image in the gallery above was taken at the lagoon. This area is teeming with wildlife but, as far as I could tell, nothing that will eat you. That is, other than the bugs. The mosquitoes and ‘no-see-em’s’ are nothing short of nasty. On the first morning, I neglected to bring bug spray and had my flesh coating black with bugs my whole stay.
To The West
Reaching the western point is easy. In the mornings or in the evenings, darkness is not really an issue. It’s wide open and not very far of a walk. During the day, this section is nothing less than a pedestrian highway with guests roaming back and forth, looking for shells and playing in the tidal pools. For sunrises, you will have this place to yourself. For sunsets, most have headed back to the resort and it is relatively quiet.
The formation of tidal pools at this location is quite dramatic. The landscape changes drastically over a roughly 5-6 hour cycle. Some pools become completely closed off at low tide. Here, you’ll be shocked at the number of tiny hermit crabs. At first, it seems like just a bunch of shells until you realized that 90% of them are moving.
This spot is best for sunset but the tidal pools and curving sand spits are also good for sunrise. Between this point and the resort, there is another smaller lagoon. I wasn’t able to comfortably get back in there for any photos. You can see it in our main video of Memories Flamenco Beach Resort.
Cayo Coco, Cuba Sunrises And Sunsets Video
Below is a collection of video clips I took of the sunrises and sunsets over our visit in November, 2018. If you like what you see, please give it a ‘Thumb’s Up’ in YouTube. We would really appreciate if you’d consider subscribing to our YouTube Channel!
