Cayo Coco, Tropical island in Jardines del Rey archipelago, Cuba
Cayo Coco is an island in the Jardines del Rey archipelago, featuring expansive stretches of white sand beaches and clear Atlantic waters. The interior supports dense tropical vegetation that extends across the landscape.
Spanish explorers named the archipelago Jardines del Rey in 1513 to honor King Ferdinand. Fishing communities lived on the island until 1955, after which the place took a different direction.
The island takes its name from the white ibis, locally called coco birds, which remain part of the landscape today. This connection between the place and its wildlife shapes how people experience the land.
A 27-kilometer causeway connects the island to mainland Cuba, making vehicle access straightforward from the coast. An international airport on the island has served tourist flights since 2005.
The island retains much of its original vegetation, providing habitat for over 200 bird species. Flamingo colonies use these natural conditions as a refuge, making it a significant breeding ground.
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