As we mention in the introduction page, the history of naturism at Cayo Santa Maria is closely linked to Cayo Largo.

In November 2001 a strong hurricane force 4, Michelle, struck Cayo Largo and take its closure for several months. The regulars must then find another sunny destination during the convalescence period of Cayo Largo.

We were supposed to go to Cayo Largo in December 2001, but the destination was closed. The complex Villa Caprichio (the Mecca of naturism in Cayo Largo) has been completely destroyed by the hurricane. We cannot go to Cayo Largo. After reading the first travel reports of people who have discovered Cayo Santa Maria, it became obvious that it would be our choice. It was a beautiful experience. A small « Cayo » isolated with kilometers of pristine beach.

As a good proportion of regulars of Cayo Largo is naturists, these people saw Cayo Santa Maria as a unique opportunity to start a new naturist culture. An alternative to Cayo Largo!

After discussion with the management of the hotel, a beach area was designated as clothing optional, the western section of the hotel Sol Cayo Santa Maria, the last footbridge on left (see below how to get there).

At that time, it was possible to take long walks « Au Natural » all the way from the western part of the beach (hotel) up to the eastern part. Freedom in its purest form! Since the opening of the Sol Cayo Santa Maria, other hotels have opened their doors, and it is no longer possible to take a long walk in the nude towards east but it is always possible towards the west section of the Sol.

It is important to realize that naturism in Cayo Santa Maria is made possible and continues to exist through a policy of tolerance shown by the Cubans, but also because of the friendly behavior of tourists. Hence the importance of acting responsibly and in mutual respect for everyone, from both naturists and non-naturists. Nudism is officially banned in the Cuban Constitution.

Cayo Santa Maria invites you to be tempted by the sensation of being naked in the sun for the following reasons :

  The safe and peaceful side of an uninhabited island.
  The fact that there are other naturists.
  The coexistence between naturists and non-naturists.
  The spirit of naturist (contrary to opposed to nudism practiced in some SuperClubs of Jamaica).
  The curiosity to try a new experience.
  Finally ... try it and adopt it!

Our first experience of naturism was in St Maarten on Orient Beach. Since we like to relax « Au Natural » under the hot Caribbean sun. Unfortunately, there are few places where naturism is possible. In Cuba, Cayo Largo and Cayo Santa Maria that are considered « official ».

Who said we have to be dressed for swimming? : o)

Note that in this area, we find naturists, topless and even people in swimsuits.

You must realize that nobody is force to be naked. Occasionally found mixed couples (naturist and textiles).

It is a good idea to bring an umbrella or a small tent on the beach, because there is no natural shade and palapas are not sufficient.

Few pictures (2009) of the road to follow ...

Take the last footbridge on the left (west). The one near the bar « Los Flamencos ».

Beginning of the footbridge over the native vegetation of the island.

There is a shower.

Going to the beach. On your left, we see the bungalow # 2202 (superior room). We stayed in this room.

Well positioned for those who use the section of the naturist beach of Sol.

You have almost reached your destination. At left, the naturist section.

The footbridge to the beach. It was repainted in 2002 because she was colored wood. Bungalow # 2202 is about 80 meters from the beach.

As the bungalows have two floors up, they are very discreet on the beach!

There are two types of palapas in this section ... The  conventional palapas conventional and the  shelters.

Hoping this information on naturism you will make you try this experience. Many people immediately loved the experience and return to Cayo Santa Maria and Cayo Largo to relive the feeling of freedom.

Definition of naturism according to INF
(International Naturist Federation) ...

« Naturism is a way of life in harmony with nature characterized by the practice of communal nudity, with the intention of encouraging self-respect, respect for others and for the environment »

There is an excellent book about naturist beaches in the world. Unfortunately, Cayo Santa Maria is not there in the current edition. Click the image on the right to access their website.

A beautiful collection of nude beaches (over 1,000) where you can enjoy naturism (beach and / or center).

The  UK Bare Beaches. Published in England by Lifestyle Press and the United States by The Naturist Society.

To learn more about naturism, here are some useful links :

  FNI - Federation Naturiste Internationale
  FCN - Federation of Canadian Naturists
  FQN - La Fédération Québécoise de Naturisme
  Carnet d'adresses du naturiste (an impressive collection of sites)
  Clothing-Optional Opportunities
  WCANR - Western Canadian Association for Nude Recreation
  FNN - La Fédération Française de Naturisme
  FBN - La Fédération Belge de Naturisme
  TNS - The Naturist Society
  AANR - American Association for Nude Recreation
  British Naturism
  FLN - La Fédération Luxembourgeoise de Naturisme
  ANF - Australian Nudist Federation
  DFK Line - German national naturist organization (in German)
  Spanish Naturist Federation
  Naturally magazine and catalogue

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