CAYO SANTA MARIA CUBA - PROs & CONs Is it Right For You!!!

[@KardosoMedia]

My first trip to Cuba was to Cayo Santa Maria nearly 20 years ago..loved the beaches there. Incredible!

[@Finding-Fish]

The Beaches are stunning and probably not much as changed in 20 years besides a few new resorts

[@brianlaplume5854]

You're absolutely right. Cuba isn't for everyone. That's why I got here for my vacation. People have to understand that there may be an issue or two during your stay. Focus on the positive and let the other stuff go. Enjoy the beautiful beaches and make the best of your time down there with your loved ones ❤

[@Finding-Fish]

Absolutely well said!!! Totally agree 👍 and feel the same Brian

[@francyr5373]

J'ai souvent été à CSM, à l'hôtel Playa, plus précisément et à coup de 2 semaines. JAMAIS déçue! Pourquoi? Je focusser et m'organise avec ce qu'il y a au lieu de chialer sur ce qui n'est pas là. Encore une fois, commentaires réalistes, objectifs et judicieux. Merci 🍁

[@barryoneill_official]

Good job !

[@Finding-Fish]

Thank you for watching!

[@philrenaud4224]

Well said again Mike, the beach, the sun and general atmosphere in Cayo Santa Maria is everything ! Next year I hope to try low season adults only !!!

[@Finding-Fish]

If you do it will be hot and Quiet!!!!🤫 But I really enjoy it for a week!!!

[@RagingAcid]

you have completely changed my perspective. the things i look for in vacation now, totally different than just a year ago. thank you

[@Finding-Fish]

That’s Awesome!!! Just got home From Holguin!!!! Heading back to Varadero Raging!!!!! Mike

[@david37376]

Cayo Santa Maria does have beautiful beaches. The 90 min drive doesn't seem like much, but as I get older and while on vacation, I try to avoid inconveniences. In the last few years, I have been preferring the bus ride to Cayo Largo. Last year I flew from Ottawa at 6 am and at <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="630">10:30</a> am I was at the beach restaurant with a cold drink waiting for lunch to be ready. I appreciate your videos. My wife and I watch them all as we enjoy the temporary escape from reality.

[@Finding-Fish]

Thanks David!!! Yes Cayo Largo is a VERY easy option!!! LOW CARBON Transfer!!!! lol Cayo Largo is a GEM

[@michaelladouceur8894]

Been to Royalton Santa Maria for 2 weeks in Jan-Feb. 2021. You “nailed it” in all dimensions. Your experience counts. Thank you for sharing them with us.

[@Finding-Fish]

Thanks Michael Great Resort and fabulous beach Fabulous

[@RonnieAcheson]

Love Santa Maria, I will be watching

[@Finding-Fish]

Morning Santa Maria has fantastic beaches

[@jillgrinstead453]

I love your videos. Much better than watching the USA election crap!

[@RonnieAcheson]

Now this video is a master class in the pros and cons of Cuba, we love Santa Maria, and now that we have found your videos it is so much easier to find a resort in that part of Cuba, I find the bus ride a great way to see a lot of Cuba as you go to your destination. Thanks mike for another well done video, this should help a lot of people 🎉🎉🎉🎉🍺🍺🥃🥃🥃🍺🥃🥃🍺

[@theodorereading5785]

Hello Mr. Fish awesome video like always. You sure make theses well sir. Keep them coming

[@Finding-Fish]

Thanks, will do!

[@manashapost1218]

Love all your video❤

[@Finding-Fish]

thank you!!

[@leafyrivers943]

Nice to see you again and I like you because you tell it simply 😊

[@jimlynch-yt7cr]

A down to earth review with pros and cons. Great video. Easy to watch and good information all around.

[@Finding-Fish]

Thanks Jim!!!

[@budeweiser1968]

Great video. Lots of people need to watch this video and learn something. All I need is a beach and a beer.

[@Finding-Fish]

Thanks Bud-e Beers & Beach That’s a new t-Shirt logo lol 😂 Awesome

[@RaffiSivas]

Hi Mike I totally agree for the extreme paradise. The beach at this location is a true therapy for us coming down from stressful life style in Canada. It’s like time stops and you forget everything and simply enjoy the moment.

[@Finding-Fish]

So True Raffi!!! Time stops and nothing really matters!!! Absolutely 👍 agree

[@randylarock1014]

Cayo Santa Maria is my go to spot. I always go to Valentin Perla Blanca or Grand Aston and love both resorts. I try to get morning flights going down out of Ottawa and typically come down for Xmas and again at the end of March. The bus ride doesn't bother me at all. I'm sure Varadero is nice but I think it would probably be a little too party-ish for me. Cayo Coco is nice but I find it's a bit pricey compared to Santa Maria. Excellent video!

[@Finding-Fish]

I love Santa Maria!!!! Special place in my heart

[@giusybattaglia4953]

Thanks !

[@LisaIannucci-e9n]

Hi Mike awesome video thanks for the info! ❤

[@Finding-Fish]

Hey Lisa Thanks for watching I appreciate it Mike

[@veronicaquinones8694]

The best of Cuba Cayo Santa Maria !!!!! I love it because is quite and you have a very relax vacation ,i dont care if i have to travel 2 hours after arriving to airport is beautiful scenary but you arrive a paradise cayo . Thanks for the video you explain so well like you for me is the 1 option in Cuba . Cheers waiting for the next video ....🍹🍹🍹🍺

[@Finding-Fish]

Thanks Veronica You do Arrive in Paradise!!!! Unbelievable Beautiful 🤩 and peaceful ☺️

[@LuisAngelArzuagaZamora]

Always is good to lisent you

[@Finding-Fish]

thanks for watching

[@jameswyatt2662]

hey buddy ,excellent review appreciate this, bless you guys eh ,peace and love ,youre living the dream!

[@Finding-Fish]

thanks James!!!! thanks amigo Sending the Vibes to Cuba, very much needed!! Mike

[@derekbrimblecombe2598]

Hi Mike I love that beach .Have been to this area 7 times .

[@Finding-Fish]

7 Times!!! Wow 🤩 You totally have it figured out Derek

[@DonnaBrekker]

My favorite beachs are in Santa Maria ... SO BEAUTIFUL 😍

[@Finding-Fish]

It’s Beautiful

[@heathernash939]

Was just at Grand Memories Santa Maria Sept 5 to 11. We didnt notice any shortages. The beach was beautiful. The food was ok, always had something to eat. The people are just beautiful.. Go and enjoy.

[@Finding-Fish]

Great time down there during September I was down there the following week I believe

[@alexhakimi7642]

Great video thank you so much🙏 It’s wonderful that you talk about both Pros and Cons. I was just watching your Holguin videos, and I noticed you don’t mention any cons or nothing negative about the resort for example Playa Pesquero! We are in budget trying to find a good value trip in Santa Maria or Holguin.

[@Finding-Fish]

Playa Pesquero is a solid Resort!!!! I actually really like it!!!! I’m in Santa Maria right now best Value for money So is Sanctuary at grand memories Holguin Long bus ride

[@sgt-maj_smoke]

Another great informative video Mike, thanks for sharing.

[@Finding-Fish]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@stevenschindler8342]

Great visit Mikey. Thanks!

[@Finding-Fish]

thanks Steve!!!

[@marcomillette4012]

That stretch of beach is probably the nicest I've been too in all my travelling days. Cayo Santa Maria At the Memories, the starfish, Royalton and the Playa Cayo Santa Maria. Its worth the 90 min bus ride !!! Great information Mike !!!

[@Finding-Fish]

It’s one of my favourite Places Great place to chill and unwind!!! I might have to check out Playa Cayo SM Thanks Marco Love your underwater Camera Work!!!! Stunning

[@buckshabsfan]

Beach is awesome. We love it!!

[@Finding-Fish]

Buckie The beach is like Drop Dead amazing 🤩

[@jimsizzles]

The bus ride is usually why we hesitate to be honest! And as you found out, that could be VERY bad lol. We've been to 3 resorts there and LOVES Angsana... I loved Valentin for that awesome "virgin" beach on the further end where there can never be another resort...so nice and peaceful (I saw some pics in your video of it). Another awesome video and all true in everything you say! keep it up :)

[@Finding-Fish]

It’s a long one!!! I get it Valentin can be like 2 hours!!!!!!! Yup and some of it short at Valentin Perla Blanca!!! One of my more Favourite Beaches

[@Finding-Fish]

Thanks Jim Thanks for the Support

[@wiktormalec7160]

Great video, as usual. Like I’ve always said: Cuba is for those who take pleasure in the SIMPLE. Which is why I personally *love* it there. To anyone reading this, *please* don’t forget to tip and help out your hotel staff. This is their livelihood.

[@Finding-Fish]

Well said! thanks And Yes Tipping is away for all Cubans to Prosper!!! if you tip the a Bartender!!! it will be shared with Bartending and support Staff!!! the Bartenders will take local transportation in their local towns, buy local items and yes share will dinners with their entire families!!!

[@katerynastacey8606]

Thank you for all your videos, VERY helpful! Our favorite sun destination has always been Mexico, we spent over $10k for a family of four last year, and decided to try Cayo Santa Maria this coming November and our vacation is only $4k total (that’s canadian). For a family with two young kids, pool and beach is all we truly need!

[@Finding-Fish]

Thanks for sharing!

[@maralup2333]

It’s a beautiful resort, beautiful beaches, but for me, the travel time bothers me. It’s a loss of vacation time. like you said, having bus problems and being stranded in the middle of nowhere, waiting for another bus…..? Maybe one day, but for now, I’d rather be at a resort closer to the airport. As usual, great and informative video ❤️👍🏻👍🏻

[@Finding-Fish]

I totally understand

[@iw6583]

Amazing beach you are so right! I was there in 2016 November in precovid reality at Memories Paraiso was omg fun but very windy. So next time i will try in March hopefully less windy.

[@Video-Star-v5n]

Another great video. Pleasure to watch and pretend I'm back on that stunning beach! Topic idea: Why not dedicate a video to the naturist beach(es) and that unique aspect to the island? I spent a few afternoons basking in the sun au natural and it was glorious Mike. Especially doing it on a world class beach. Maybe worth a video? :) Cheers!

[@darrellvivianpeters6631]

Great video we love your style of content! That beach looks amazing...we have been a couple of times to Valentin Perla Blanca and that beach is excellent you can walk all the way down to the protected area and so many come there to kyte surf and it is something to watch...thanks again...viv

[@Finding-Fish]

Hey Darrel and Viv!!! Yup Perla Blanca on of my all time Favourite Beaches EVER!!!!!! Take. Bag of beers and Chill out down there!!!!! We Love it too!!!!!! Mike

[@darrellvivianpeters6631]

@@Finding-Fish rewatching your video from there now lol...relaxing afternoon here in Southern Ontario...dreaming of palm trees and sand...oh yes and a cervesa!!!...viv

[@igormurzaev1425]

We’ve been to Valentin Perla Blanca last January and absolutely loved it. The beaches are simply fantastic, food was great and the stuff at the resort was pleasant.

[@Finding-Fish]

One of my Favourites!!! Thank beach is amazing

[@Grimsbydavid13]

Great video. Totally agree with you. I think I might check Santa Maria out soon. Looks peaceful. I just got back from my ninth stop in cuba. This year went to the Melia Costa Rey. Pretty nice place. Cheers grimsby Dave

[@Finding-Fish]

Way to go Dave!!!!!

[@gregrahn7733]

Excellent! We have been coming to CSM since 2010 and chocked up over a dozen trips. Sol and Melia are our gotos. Because of distances to the resorts from SNU and coming from the ill-served Western Canada region (YYC) , the travel days are long ( going thru YYZ) and we just write them off as something we have to endure. We always go for at least 2weeks and trying 3 weeks coming up. Gives you 12 days at the resort uninterrupted. Also, if the weather is iffy, you can ride out a cold front and get a few days of sun. We have had a week long cold front and, like Jan 2024, 11 straight days of sun, warm and ocean like a mill pond! I shudder to think what people think when their 5 day vacation turns out to be during a week long cold front!

[@kirkgraham3012]

Caibarien is not too far.Nice getting an early week video Fish!

[@Finding-Fish]

thanks Kirk

[@yanglu4607]

Hi Mike, Can you try Trinidad next time?

[@leilabrabant]

I’ve been many time to Santa Maria and the bus. Never bothered me I love the scenery the best beach and sometimes we take a taxi to go to the Buena Vista’s beach it’s amazing I miss to go cos we move to Morroco 1 year ago and it difficult to go

[@Finding-Fish]

Morroco Very nicely done!!! I don’t mind the bus either!!! Thanks for sharing from Morroco!!!

[@gordonsanders1486]

Thanks for another fantastic video Mike!! That beach is absolutely gorgeous. I wouldn't mind trying that Resort sometime as we do like quiet. I see in the news today Cuba had a major power grid failure. We have that in Canada every once in a while as well and our grid is below demand standard. Take care and safe travels.

[@Finding-Fish]

I just got Home Yesterday We had power loss for an hour But yes Power issues for sure

[@alwynumoquit5072]

Mike are you in Cuba right now? If not, good thing. Nationwide blackout. A friend who lives in Caibarien, who works at Grand Memories Santa Maria, is in the dark. Cooking rice over hot coals. Hope they get some power soon.

[@Finding-Fish]

Just got back to Canada yesterday I didn’t have a power outage problem Heading back Wednesday maybe

[@vitarigole5861]

spot on. Was there in Sept. and everything you said is correct. I'd go back. Beach 11 out of 10.

[@Finding-Fish]

Love it 11 out of 10

[@Raygun0563]

Santa Maria and Cayo Brujas are our favourite spots in Cuba. We have not been to the Royalton yet, from the video it looks like the next destination. Going to Cayo Cruz in a month to White Sands, we were in Cayo Cruz in March 2020 and enjoyed it.

[@Finding-Fish]

Cayo Cruz very nice beach!!! Love the Boat!!! Royalton Beach is Fantastic

[@2antigonish]

Thank you Mike for your balanced reviews. You're keeping it real! I'm from Nova Scotia and have been to alot of beaches and I think the beach you are talking about is the best I've ever been to. Another pro point is that this beach is safe! A con for those living outside major cities in Canada is that there are no direct flights south and I would have to make a connection in Montreal or Toronto.

[@2antigonish]

I would have to do a connecting flight during the off season.

[@Finding-Fish]

Hello Nova Scotia!!!! Yes very true Very difficult for some Canadians!!! Good point

[@cind3913]

Another great video! Going to CSM in November! Can't wait!

[@Finding-Fish]

Thanks Cind!!! CSM November!!! Good choice Enjoy 😊

[@kirkgraham3012]

Me too!

[@hobbyist888hifi]

We’re booked to head down for a few weeks next month, November. Thank you for the Cuba Series. They’re very informative. Can’t wait 🎉🥚☕️. Cheers,

[@Finding-Fish]

Oh Nice!!! November is still quiet 🤫 and the food issues (Eggs) should be bouncing back

[@tonymujan3097]

Great advice Mike

[@Finding-Fish]

Thanks Tony

[@williammccormack5769]

Hi Mike, my main draw back is the long bus ride to get there versus memories Caribe which seems to offer same beach, atmosphere ,amenities. I suppose it comes down to individual preferences. Cuba offers it all regardless. Appreciate your up front view of Santa Maria...cheers Bill

[@Finding-Fish]

I get it Bill Yes both Resorts are on the Same level Great beaches Good staff!!!!

[@petabel55]

Excellent video Mike. We are planning to head down to Cayo Coco mid-Nov or so. Your videos always inspire my wife and I to get away and enjoy Cuba again. Saludos amigo, Peter

[@Finding-Fish]

Cheers amigo!!! Thanks Peter!!! November should be probably a more solid month for food quality and constancy hopefully!!! Getting closer to high season always helps

[@cathybildson-cardoso6485]

@petabel55 -My husband and I are planning a trip mid- November for our 20th anniversary. Looking at Cayo Coco as well. 🌞

[@petabel55]

@@cathybildson-cardoso6485 Fantastic. Have you guys booked any hotel as yet?

[@cathybildson-cardoso6485]

​@@petabel55not yet

[@pensionat60]

Hi Mike....thanks for the video. We just got back from the Melia Buenavista in Santa Clara on October 3rd. Of the possible 200 spaces at this resort there were only 40 of us! A few shortages for a couple of days but nothing outrageous. Overall was a relaxing stay with great staff, room and a la carte food choices. John & Heather, Cornwall, Ontario.

[@Finding-Fish]

Hey John and Heather!!! i'm Finding the October is very quiet not only in the cayo's but Varadero and Holguin, Canadian travel to Cuba is slowing right now. thanks for the Update I bet it was beautiful

[@Finding-Fish]

thats on my Bucket List!!!!!

[@mambicubano7303]

My friend, good morning, I tell you that these days I had two families who went to Meliá Costa Rey, and both gave me different opinions, but both were satisfied, that's how it is, not everyone , we do not all have the same points of view or desires or tastes

[@Finding-Fish]

Absolutely We are all different in Life

[@mambicubano7303]

@@Finding-Fish The hotel only had 300 guests.

[@Sam-gw9qv]

Another great video. I completely agree with you. This year February we went to playa cayo Santa Maria hotel... food and beach was excellent....we love it... 💯 Recommended... Disliked the long bus ride without the toilet other than that wow wow wow

[@Finding-Fish]

Ya the toilet on the Bus needs to be solved!!!! Absolutely 👍 Best beaches thanks for Sharing Sam Mike

[@Sam-gw9qv]

@@Finding-Fish I love your honest opinions... you're a kind person with a beautiful soul... keep it up brother. Much love and respect Please do comparison videos. BTW I loved your Thai videos too... next year planning to go to Thailand, Japan... let's see how the macro economy goes

[@sunshiner9204]

Was there once in December and we had many days of jelly fish. Got caught by a couple of them.

[@Finding-Fish]

thats too bad!!!

[@brumalerie]

It’s a shame and so disappointing that Air Canada and Air Transat and Westjet and now Sunwing don’t fly to Cayo Santa Maria from Vancouver anymore. I use to go once a year. Now we are limited to just Veradero and it’s just not the same as Cayo. I hope to see you stay and review Hotel Playa Cayo Santa Maria soon. It’s my fav from the 5 i stayed at. Cheers from VanCity!

[@erictremblay5448]

bonjour j aimerais savoir si vous avez visite le angsana sayo santa maria

[@deanwoermke6590]

question..Santa Maria has a cloting optional section of beach I've heard. Do you have any experience or knowledge of the area close to there and best places to stay within walking distance?.

[@Finding-Fish]

Down in Perla Blanca I see people topless and naked

[@vitvit8344]

In which part of the island is the location, which is at <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="555">9:15</a>?

[@Finding-Fish]

i'll look Probably Perla Blanca Santa Maria

[@kirkgraham3012]

CSM is quiet but Starfish is always a party!

[@Finding-Fish]

Oh really. lol

[@vlee7964]

Any videos in the future about allergies? Just wanted to know how the resorts are like handling a peanut or dairy allergy. Thank you.

[@Finding-Fish]

Probably not Cuba is so up and down!!! And if I mention something and 2 weeks later it changes !!! Hard to make that content

[@vlee7964]

@@Finding-Fish No problem at all. If it's us adults, I have no problems going to Cuba. With children with allergies I am more hesitant.

[@carollem5580]

Jelly fish season? I was there in may and got stung but what about november , is it still high season for them? It is so beautiful in Santa Maria

[@Finding-Fish]

I don’t really know!!! I’m here all the time and they never bother me!!!! No do I offer see them

[@brumalerie]

Hey homie! Another great video. Cayo Santa Maria is my fav place to visit in the Carribean even with the long bus ride and flight from Vancouver. I’ve stayed at three different resorts. Starfish was absolutely horrible. Food bad. Cockroaches. But the best one Hotel Playa Cayo Santa Maria was AMAZING!!! food was fresh. Food selection was huge. Rooms big and clean. And the beach was wow! I always wanted to stay at the Royalton but it seems to never be cheap or have a deal. What is your fav overall resort there at Cayo Santa Maria? Thanks homie.

[@Finding-Fish]

Hotel Playa Cayo Santa Maria!!!! might put that on my radar!!! thanks so much for sharing with me!!! I love Santa Maria!! Too MIKE

[@NaraMurphy]

Thanks for the info! I am considering booking Cuba with small children for the first time. I’m thinking of booking Vila Gale Cayo Paredon from Canada for March break, but I cannot really find reviews like you did. Have you ever heard of that resort? I can't find any information about kids' clubs. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! :)

[@Finding-Fish]

I’m here right now!!! Vila Gale !!! Nice resort!!! Good for families Video out next Saturday Thanks for watching and the Support Mike

[@EricTremblayAdventures]

Heading you Cuba for the first time at the end of January, after a month of research, we settled on Royalton Hicacos. Overall it sounded like the best spot in Varadero, have you not been there or made a video there? How safe is it for camera gear & recording content in Cuba? I create Rocky Mountain content & really eery bringing anything worth money for camera gear in Cuba. Thanks for the content, ✌cheers!

[@Finding-Fish]

No Drones!!! Not allowed in Cuba!!! Royalton Hicacos nice Resort a little older We went there when it was a Sandal’s Property!!! I think we’ve been like 5-7 times over the years!!!! As for cameras!!!!🎥 I always carry my camera and gear bag with me at all times!!! Never leave it in the Rooms un attended!! Ever!!!! There are a lot of good people in Cuba 🇨🇺 But Expensive Camera Gear is Expensive Camera Gear!!! Thanks For watching Enjoy Varadero The beach will be amazing

[@juliallllgggg]

Me and my fiancée are planning a honeymoon to Varadero and having a REALLY hard time choosing the best all inclusive hotel. Priority: luxury. Could you please give us a suggestion? Thank you 🙏🏻

[@Finding-Fish]

you want the BEST!!!! Every hotel has bright spot!!! Each hotel will have something unique about it finding it will be the highlight!!! Look at Melia Internacional Video I made!!! Great Hotel!! Royalton, Great Older Hotel, Sol Palmeras Resort Review out This Saturday. Melia Las American good Resort!!! Mike

[@juliallllgggg]

Mike, thank you so much! We loved your Sol Palmeras review and were almost going for it, but then we searched a little about Royalton and it stole our hearts! 😂 We’re going for Royalton! Thank you!! P.s.: you need to book a trip to Brazil and make some videos! We have paradises with resorts here too, in the north and northeast of the country 😘🥂🥰

[@BobbyJ-cl5gr]

The Sanctuary Grand Memories Varadero 🎉

[@SG-bc9bg]

Hi, Santa Maria was a bit too quiet and boring for me plus the 1.5 hour drive each way from the airport. I prefer Cayo Coco. Both beaches are gorgeous. But the vibe in Cayo Coco was more upbeat and only 30 minutes from airport.

[@Finding-Fish]

yup like i said it can be very quiet maybe too quiet

[@jacquelinemorris1049]

Please comment on the power blackouts

[@Finding-Fish]

Power black outs come and go!!!! What would you like to know????

[@cathybildson-cardoso6485]

Not yet

[@jameswyatt2662]

from sarnia

[@airgunsfreedom700ssp3]

Please don’t get me wrong, I love your videos and Cuba. I have watched all of your videos, and the only ,niggler, that I have, is that after all the trips to Spanish speaking countries, you still pronounce places like a newbie . By now you should be fluent in Spanish. Anyway. Keep em coming.

[@jenniferfisher4912]

We are doing our best- and we continue to learn

[@Finding-Fish]

you lost me at "YOU SHOULD BE"!!!!! walk in my shoes for ONE DAY!!!

[@robreid3101]

To far from the airport