Nestled in the southeast of the Canarreos archipelago, just south of the Zapata Swamp in Matanzas Province, Cayo Largo del Sur is a breathtaking tropical paradise renowned for its unspoiled beaches and rich biodiversity. This idyllic destination stands as a premier tourist hub, attracting visitors with its remarkable natural values—both on land and beneath the waves. Here, visitors can explore magnificent oolitic sandy beaches, ancient fossil dunes that form the island's geological foundation, diverse flora and fauna, vibrant underwater landscapes featuring coral reefs and expansive seagrass meadows, as well as critical nesting sites for a significant number of seabirds. Notably, it serves as the primary nesting area for green and loggerhead turtles in Cuba and is one of the most vital nesting grounds in the Caribbean.

In an effort to protect local flora and fauna while highlighting the natural charms linked to tourism, the Cayo Largo Marine Turtle Rescue Center has implemented interactive activities for visitors that promote conservation. 

Key initiatives include:

• Environmental Education: Engaging programs designed to raise awareness of marine turtle conservation among tourists and local workers alike.
• Nesting Monitoring and Relocation: Proactive measures to monitor and collect turtle nests in the vicinity of hotels, ensuring their safe transfer to the Marine Rescue Center to prevent damage.
• Collaborative Research Initiatives: Partnerships with research institutions and environmental organizations, including the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Environment of Cuba, to enhance conservation efforts for these marine species.
• Nesting Site Education: Identification of nesting beaches that allows tourists to understand the importance of these species in Cuba’s main nesting areas, along with detailed information during nesting count tours along the coastline.
• Neonate Releases: Involving tourists in the release of hatchlings (neonatal turtles) into nearby mangroves and beaches, fostering a sense of responsibility and care for these remarkable creatures.
• Tagging and Monitoring: Initiatives focused on the tagging and study of sea turtles to monitor population dynamics and behavior.
• Nesting Observation: Programs that encourage guests to witness and appreciate the nesting behaviors of sea turtles.

These endeavors establish a vital framework for the sustainable development of Cayo Largo del Sur. They provide guests at Blue Diamond Resorts Cuba with the opportunity to participate directly in conservation activities, fostering a sense of environmental stewardship while enjoying unforgettable vacations in this captivating paradise.

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