Playa Pilar

This is one of the most spectacular beaches in the Caribbean! This pristine beach is located at the north-western end of the island of Cayo Guillermo, see interactive map at the bottom of the page. In front of Playa Pilar you can see Cayo Media Luna, a small virgin key about 2 km off-shore. Playa Pilar is about 1 km long and is facing north. It’s made of powdery white sand, and Its shallow and calm waters are perfect for swimming and water sports.

Many services are found in Playa Pilar:

• A Ranchon type restaurant (Beach Bar & Grill) where you can enjoy a cold beer or cocktail, and a delicious lunch at an affordable price. Click for more information about the Ranchon Playa Pilar.
• A beach bar called Coco Loco where they serve all-kinds of cocktails including the “Saoco” (served inside a green coconut, it’s a refreshing campesimo drink made of coconut water, squeeze of lime, rum, and ice.).
• For rent: Lounge chairs (2 USD/day), sunbeds (10 USD/day including 3 drinks), and palapas. Note that there’s no natural shade at Playa Pilar.
• A water sports center where you can rent many types of equipment (see prices below). The nautical center on Playa Pilar also offers a combo excursion Playa Pilar - Cayo Media Luna with snorkeling, more information here.
• A lookout tower.
• Showers and bathrooms

Rental of nautical equipment:
- Sailboard: 10 USD / hour
- Catamaran ride with instructor: 15 USD/hour (max. 4 persons)
- Catamaran to coral reef with instructor: 20 USD/person
- Kayak: 2 USD/hour
- Pedal boat: 5 USD/hour (2 to 4 persons)
- Banana boat 10 minutes: 5 USD/person
- Snorkeling gear: 2 USD/hour
- Sunbed special: 10 USD/day including 3 drinks
- Lounge chair: 2 USD/day
- Chair: 1 USD/day
- Table: 1 USD/day

Many services have been added in recent years and the access has been improved since our first visit in 2004. There’s now a 130-meter-long footbridge from the parking area to the beach, making the access easier for people with restricted mobility.

Contact Info - Playa Pilar
Managed by: Grupo Extrahotelero Palmares S.A.
Nautical center managed by Nautica Marlin
Address: Cayo Guillermo, Jardines del Rey, Ciego de Avila, Cuba

How to get there
It’s within walking distance from the hotel Iberostar Origin Playa Pilar (about 1 km). If you are staying in another hotel, you can go with a rented car or scooter, hire a taxi, or take the Hop-on/hop-off bus service. Playa Pilar is the last stop of the panoramic bus, ticket is 5 USD roundtrip. Also, many organized tours go to Playa Pilar, see the Excursions section.

Prices and conditions are subject to change.
Please refer to our Money in Cuba page to learn why prices are shown in USD.

© Google Earth. Click or move your mouse pointer over the markers to view description. Click & Drag to change map area and see other points of interest in the region. Zoom in or out using the + and - buttons or your mouse's wheel.

Lily & Normand
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