Bay of Pigs

The Bay of Pigs is a bight on the southern coast of Cuba in Matanzas Province, stretching between two coastal settlements and opening to the Caribbean Sea. Coral formations line the western side, while mangroves grow along the shallower eastern waters.

In April 1961, a group of Cuban exiles trained by the CIA landed here in an attempt to overthrow the government of Fidel Castro. The invasion failed within three days when Cuban forces defeated the attackers.

Local fishers head out before dawn when the surface is still and the wind has not yet picked up. Their wooden boats return by midmorning, and you often see them cleaning the catch on the shore near Playa Girón.

The water stays warm year-round, making it suitable for swimming and diving, with visibility usually clear enough to see the reef formations. Access points to the water are found at several spots along the coast, especially near the two coastal villages.

A deep natural pool lies a few kilometers south of Playa Larga and attracts divers who want to descend into the clear water. The sinkhole opens right beside the coastal road and is surrounded by rocks that make entry easier.

Location: Matanzas Province

Part of: Gulf of Cazones

GPS coordinates: 22.21667,-81.16667

Latest update: December 12, 2025 17:52