Isla de la Juventud

Isla de la Juventud ("Isle of Youth") is the second-largest Cuban island. It was called the Isle of Pines (Isla de Pinos) until 1978. It is located 50km south of Cuba, across the Gulf of Batabanó in the Caribbean.

Isla de la Juventud is one of Cuba's premier dive destinations. The waters are crystal clear, and there are corals, caves, and even a few wrecks to explore.

Punta Francés is a national maritime park, with a beautiful stretch of white-sand beach fronting a calm and protected sea on the south western tip of the island. From here, many of the island's best dive sites are easily accessible.

Cuban leader Fidel Castro was imprisoned in the Presidio Modelo from 1953-55. The prison, now closed, is a museum.

In downtown Nueva Gerona, the Museo Provincial is housed in an old building dating from the 1830s, and features a wide range of exhibits illustrating the island's history from pre-Columbian times to the modern era.

Nueva Gerona's downtown park, the Parque Julio Antonio Mella, is a good place to chill out or people watching. A small colonial, mission-style church, Nuestra Señora de los Dolores, is located on the northern edge of the park, and the Art Deco Cine Caribe is on the eastern edge.

Beginning at the park's western edge and running north for 5 blocks, Calle 39 (aka Calle José Martí), is a pedestrian-only street and where most of the town's shops, restaurants, and bars can be found. Popular buys include rum and cigars.

About 27km south of Nueva Gerona is a botanical garden dubbed La Jungla de Jones, the gardens have a broad and varied collection of tropical flora.

Further south, beyond the town of La Fe, you'll find the Criadero de Cocodrilos, a crocodile-breeding project.

Other attractions include Finca Museum "El Abra", Cuevas de Punta del Este (caves) which contain significant examples of early pre-Columbian art and the Sea Turtle Hatchery.

Try some fresh fish and seafood as well as local dishes of rice and beans or 'ropa vieja' (shredded beef in tomato-based sauce). Cuban desserts are known for their sweetness and many desserts use citrus peel, cinnamon and/or anise seed to add flavour.

Cruise ships anchor and tender passengers ashore.

Taxis are plentiful on the island and especially around Nueva Gerona, the main city. Car hire is available at the ferry terminal and visitors can also take horse-drawn taxi rides.