Once considered one of the Caribbean’s best-kept secrets, Cuba’s Cayo Beach — a pristine stretch of white sand and turquoise water — has rapidly become a magnet for international tourists. But beneath its postcard-perfect beauty lies a growing environmental crisis that threatens the very essence of what makes this island paradise so irresistible.
The boom in tourism has brought with it a double-edged sword: economic opportunity on one side and environmental degradation on the other. What was once a quiet haven for nature lovers, locals, and marine life is now facing irreversible damage as resort development, pollution, and climate change converge in a dangerous trifecta.
The Rise of a Tourist Haven
Over the last decade, Cuba’s Cayo beaches — particularly Cayo Coco, Cayo Guillermo, and Cayo Santa María — have seen a surge in visitors, especially from Canada and Europe. Drawn by the island’s affordability, stunning seascapes, and relaxed atmosphere, travelers have flocked to all-inclusive resorts built along fragile ecosystems.
Cuba’s government, in partnership with foreign hotel chains, has invested heavily in tourism infrastructure. Dozens of luxury resorts now line the once-untouched coastline, each promising sun-soaked getaways and unrivaled views of the Atlantic Ocean. Roads, bridges, and even man-made causeways have been constructed to support the influx, slicing through mangrove forests and marine sanctuaries that once flourished undisturbed.
In 2024 alone, over 4 million tourists visited Cuba, with Cayo destinations accounting for nearly 40% of that number — a record high that has alarmed conservationists.
Fragile Ecosystems Under Threat
“The problem isn’t tourism itself,” explains Dr. Natalia Rodríguez, a marine biologist at the University of Havana. “It’s uncontrolled, unregulated tourism. The ecosystems in Cayo beaches are incredibly delicate — from the coral reefs and seagrass beds to the nesting grounds of endangered sea turtles.”
Mangroves, often called the “kidneys of the coast,” are being cleared to make room for new hotels. These crucial habitats filter water, protect against storm surges, and provide a home to countless species. With their destruction, erosion has worsened, and sediment runoff is smothering coral reefs just offshore.
Satellite imagery shows that nearly 25% of the coral reefs near Cayo Coco have bleached or died in the last five years. Local fishermen report dwindling fish stocks, while sea turtle hatchlings increasingly fail to make it to the ocean, disoriented by resort lighting and blocked by artificial barriers.
Climate Change and Rising Waters
Adding to the environmental strain is the creeping threat of climate change. Rising sea levels and more frequent hurricanes have battered Cuba’s coastlines. The Cayo beaches, already under pressure from human development, have become especially vulnerable.
“Cuba is on the frontlines of climate change,” says Dr. Rodríguez. “The combination of warmer waters, stronger storms, and unsustainable tourism is accelerating the damage.”
In 2023, Hurricane Idalia devastated parts of the Cayo region, wiping out hundreds of meters of beach and causing millions in damage to resorts. While hotels were rebuilt within months, nature has not been so quick to recover.
Scientists warn that without drastic action, much of Cayo’s natural beauty could vanish within a decade. The irony is stark: tourists flock to see the untouched Caribbean, yet their presence may be hastening its demise.
Local Voices and Economic Realities
The crisis is not lost on local communities, many of whom depend on tourism for their livelihoods. In Ciego de Ávila province, which includes Cayo Coco and Cayo Guillermo, thousands of residents work in hospitality, construction, and transportation linked to the tourist industry.
“We need the jobs, no doubt,” says Manuel López, a taxi driver in Morón who ferries guests to the resorts. “But we also see the beaches disappearing. It’s not like it used to be — the fish are gone, and the water doesn’t look the same.”
Many locals feel caught between economic survival and environmental preservation. In a country still recovering from decades of economic sanctions, tourism is one of the few lifelines available. Yet the costs — both visible and hidden — are mounting.
Government Response and International Scrutiny
Cuban officials have acknowledged the growing crisis but argue that tourism is essential for national development. “We are committed to sustainable tourism,” said Tourism Minister Juan Carlos García in a recent statement. “But we must balance our environmental goals with economic necessity.”
The government has taken some steps to mitigate the damage. New regulations limit construction near dune systems, and some resorts have been fined for violating environmental codes. A pilot project is also underway to restore mangrove forests near Cayo Santa María.
Still, critics say enforcement is inconsistent and often too little, too late.
International environmental groups have begun applying pressure. In early 2025, UNESCO placed parts of the Jardines del Rey archipelago — which includes the Cayo region — under observation due to ecological concerns. The designation could prompt Cuba to take more decisive action, but it remains unclear how far authorities are willing — or able — to go.
Can Paradise Be Saved?
The fate of Cayo Beach hangs in the balance. Experts warn that unless tourism is carefully managed, the ecological damage may become irreversible. This would not only threaten biodiversity but also undermine the very foundation of Cuba’s tourism economy.
Solutions exist. Ecotourism, stricter regulations, better waste management, and community-led conservation efforts could all help reverse the current trajectory. But time is running out.
“People come here for the beauty, for the quiet,” says Dr. Rodríguez. “If we lose that, we lose everything.”
In the end, the story of Cayo Beach may serve as a cautionary tale for the Caribbean and beyond — a reminder that even paradise has its limits.