CAYO COCO

• CUCCC
• Latitude: 22.4827
• Longitude: -78.3084
• Caribbean Sea
• Port in Cuba

Location: Cuba

Cayo Coco is one of the most prominent island destinations in Cuba, known for its stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters. It is part of the Jardines del Rey archipelago, located off the northern coast of mainland Cuba in the province of Ciego de Ávila. The marine port in Cayo Coco is crucial for both tourism and local economic activities. Here's a detailed description and specification of what the marine port in Cayo Coco offers:

Port Facilities

1. Marina Operations: The main marina on Cayo Coco is Marina Gaviota Cayo Coco. It's equipped to handle leisure and smaller commercial vessels, including yachts, catamarans, and small cruise boats.

2. Berths: The marina offers several berthing options with modern mooring facilities. Berths are equipped with essential services like electricity and fresh water.

3. Boat Services: The marina provides a range of boat services including refueling, maintenance, repairs, and cleaning services.

4. Navigation: The marine port is equipped with navigational aids, which are essential for safe entry and departure of boats. The harbor's entrance is well-marked and illuminated for night navigation.

Port Specifications

1. Location Coordinates: Approximately 22.5433° N, 78.3480° W.

2. Tidal Range: The tidal range in the region is moderate, typically between 0.3 to 1.0 meters.

3. Depth: The depth at the docking area usually ranges from 3 to 6 meters, which generally accommodates small to medium-sized vessels.

4. Maritime Traffic: Primarily leisure boats and some commercial shipping aimed at supplying the tourist industries.

Amenities and Services

1. Customs and Immigration: There are on-site facilities for handling customs and immigration processes, which is essential for international travelers arriving by sea.

2. Security: The marina typically features 24/7 security to ensure the safety of moored vessels and the visitors or crew.

3. Communication: The port facilities include reliable communication services, including VHF radio, which operates on standard maritime frequencies.

4. Nearby Facilities: Close to the marina, you'll find hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions. Many tourist resorts offer additional support services like shuttle buses and tourist information centers.

5. Weather Monitoring: Real-time weather monitoring services and forecasts are available to assist in safe maritime operations.

Connectivity

1. Air Links: The nearest major airport is Jardines del Rey Airport (Aeropuerto Jardines del Rey), which is well-connected with domestic and international flights.

2. Road Access: The port is accessible via well-maintained roads from various parts of Cayo Coco and adjacent islands connected by causeways.

3. Tourist Activities: The port often serves as a starting point for various marine recreational activities like fishing charters, diving, snorkeling tours, and island hopping excursions.

Environmental Considerations

1. Sustainability Practices: Efforts are made to maintain environmental sustainability, including waste disposal systems and policies to minimize ecological impact.

2. Marine Life: The waters around Cayo Coco are rich in marine life, making it an attractive spot for diving and snorkeling.

Expansion and Future Plans

Considering the growing popularity of Cayo Coco as a tourist destination, further expansions and upgrades to the port facilities are often discussed to enhance capacity and service quality.

Conclusion

The marine port at Cayo Coco, particularly Marina Gaviota Cayo Coco, is a well-facilitated marina designed to support tourism and recreational boating. It is an essential part of the infrastructure, serving both the needs of leisure travelers and providing vital logistical support to the island's hospitality sector.