5 curated Swimming spots in Cuba, each with its own note and source.
Villa Clara
This reservoir in the Escambray covers 13 km² and supplies drinking water to Villa Clara and Cienfuegos. Bathing is not at the dam but at the natural pools and cascades of the Arroyo Trinitario, about 35 minutes by boat from Hotel Hanabanilla to the trailhead. Six nature trails and catch-and-release fishing round out the offer.
Sources: EcuRed
Artemisa
On the Río San Juan, about 3 km south of Hotel Moka, the water has carved a chain of pools out of rock terraces, with small cascades in between. Changing rooms, showers and a simple restaurant are on site, and there is an entrance fee. Access is by a winding asphalt road.
Sources: Visitar Cuba
Matanzas
On the Bay of Pigs you swim from a rocky shore: at Punta Perdiz and Caleta Buena ladders lead into the water, the bottom drops from about 2 to 4-6 m, and the reef edge starts roughly 100 m out. The coves are sheltered, but sea urchins and sharp limestone mean water shoes are worth packing. There are no lifeguards.
Sources: Epic Nomad Life, Snorkeling Report, Snorkeling Report
Cienfuegos
A half-moon sandy bay about 20 km south of Cienfuegos, with fine sand and turquoise water. Coral reefs lie offshore, including a pillar coral 5 m tall, and dive centres such as Faro Luna and Guajimico operate on site. The beach is busiest during the Cuban summer months.
Sources: Cuba Plus Magazine, EcuRed
Holguín
In La Mensura National Park near Pinares de Mayarí the Guayabo drops in two steps of 85 and 127 m. Bathing is in the natural pools below the falls. The trail runs 1,200 m, its steep final 400 m take about 40 minutes, and the round trip roughly 1 h 50. A viewing tower stands at the rim.
Sources: EcuRed, Revista Más Cuba