Memories Jibacoa Resort
Memories Jibacoa is the resort recommendation you get from travelers who have done Varadero twice and want something different. It sits in a mountainous, forested stretch of Cuban coastline about 50 minutes from Havana, and the location alone sets it apart from every other Cuban all-inclusive. The beach is not the classic white-powder Caribbean strip - it's rocky in places and more rugged - but what's offshore more than compensates: a live reef teeming with sea turtles, parrotfish, and coral gardens that serious snorkelers describe as the best in-Cuba reef access they've found anywhere. That snorkeling is the resort's signature, and it's the right reason to book here.
Before you book in Cuba
73% of Cuba's hotels are closed, every international chain but one has pulled out, and no card from any country has worked there since June 2026.Read what actually changed →Traveler Insights
Pros
- +Exceptional live reef snorkeling right off the beach with sea turtles, colorful fish, and healthy coral that rivals dedicated diving destinations in the Caribbean
- +Stunning, secluded location backed by lush green mountains with the Caribbean in front - a landscape that feels genuinely unspoiled and far from the resort strip mentality of Varadero
- +Fresh bread and pastries baked daily at the buffet, consistently called out as a highlight by travelers who rank it among the best buffet baked goods they've had in Cuba
- +Nightclub and nightly entertainment kept up a reliable social energy throughout the week, with staff actively engaged in creating fun rather than just running through the motions
- +The small, community feel of Jibacoa village nearby gives travelers a taste of authentic Cuban daily life just a short walk or bike ride from the resort
- +Excellent value for the experience offered - Jibacoa sits in a price tier below Varadero's larger resorts while delivering a beach and reef quality that competes with, and often beats, pricier options
- +Tennis courts and the full activity program including aqua exercise, yoga, and beach volleyball give active travelers plenty to do beyond the beach
- +Gym and fitness facilities are available on-site, a meaningful amenity at a resort this size and in Cuba's resort landscape
Cons
- −The beach is a coral and pebble mix rather than the powdery white sand of Varadero, which is a dealbreaker for travelers whose priority is walking on soft beach
- −The resort is visibly aging and in need of renovation across several areas, from rooms to public spaces - a recurring theme in traveler reviews spanning multiple years
- −Food variety has noticeably declined according to repeat visitors, with supply chain limitations creating gaps in the buffet that weren't present in earlier visits
- −Cuba's island-wide internet limitations apply here fully, and consistent connectivity cannot be relied upon - guests needing to stay in touch with work or family face real challenges
- −Check-in times are frequently delayed well past the stated 1pm arrival time, with some guests waiting 2 to 3 hours for their rooms with no clear communication about the delay
- −The resort drinks are served in very small plastic cups, an ongoing complaint that feels especially incongruous at a beach resort where larger, proper drink-ware would meaningfully improve the experience
- −The remote Jibacoa location, while peaceful and beautiful, also means no other dining, shopping, or entertainment options within easy reach if you want a break from the resort
- −Diving certification or familiarity with proper reef etiquette matters here - the reef is genuinely special but travelers have noted that not all guests treat it with appropriate care
The resort experience itself is classic Cuba - warm, genuine staff doing their best within real supply-chain constraints, nightly entertainment that punches above its weight, and a buffet that has good days and lean days depending on what made it into port that week. The food situation is honest and manageable as long as travelers go in with calibrated expectations rather than all-inclusive expectations shaped by Mexican or Dominican resort experiences. The bread and pastry program is legitimately excellent by any standard, and the à la carte options help fill variety gaps when the buffet is limited. The nightclub and social calendar give the property energy that keeps it from feeling like a passive beach resort.
Memories Jibacoa is best for travelers who have done Cuba before and want to explore beyond the Varadero bubble, or adventurous first-timers who specifically want snorkeling and authentic surroundings over pristine sand. It's particularly popular with Canadian and European repeat visitors to Cuba who prioritize reef access over resort polish. The proximity to Havana makes it ideal as either the first or last stop on a Cuba itinerary that includes a few days in the capital. Price-wise it undercuts Varadero's large resorts while delivering a nature experience that most cannot match.
Common Questions
How good is the snorkeling at Memories Jibacoa?
Is the beach here comparable to Varadero?
How close is the resort to Havana?
What is the food situation like, honestly?
What activities are available at the resort?
Is Jibacoa a good choice for a first trip to Cuba?
What's nearby
Matanzas35 min drive · 23 mi
Playa Jibacoa6 min drive · 2.0 mi
Bacunayagua Bridge viewpoint20 min drive · 10 mi
Santa Cruz del Norte25 min drive · 11 mi
Museo Farmacéutico, Matanzas35 min drive · 23 mi
Yumurí Valley viewpoint35 min drive · 20 mi
More things to do (17)
- Playa Arroyo Bermejo · beach6 min walk · 0.3 mi
- Playa La Laguna · beach3 min drive · 0.8 mi
- Abra de Canasí · nature11 min drive · 3.8 mi
- Base Náutica de Puerto Escondido · marina14 min drive · 7.5 mi
- Jardines de Hershey · nature20 min drive · 9.8 mi
- Puerto Escondido Beach · beach20 min drive · 11 mi
- Yumurí Valley viewpoint · viewpoint30 min drive · 17 mi
- Castillo de San Severino (Slave Route Museum) · historic site35 min drive · 22 mi
- Teatro Sauto · historic site35 min drive · 23 mi
- Ermita de Monserrate · viewpoint35 min drive · 24 mi
- Playa Guanabo · beach40 min drive · 25 mi
- Cuevas de Bellamar · nature40 min drive · 25 mi
- Playa Santa María del Mar · beach45 min drive · 28 mi
- Museo Memorial El Morrillo · historic site50 min drive · 28 mi
- Escaleras de Jaruco · nature50 min drive · 23 mi
- Cueva de Saturno · cenote55 min drive · 34 mi
- Playa Coral · beach55 min drive · 34 mi
Amenities
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Style & Rooms
Atmosphere
Seaweed & sargassum
Varadero gets sargassum, typically worst May through August, in heavy bloom years.See the month-by-month guide →Google Reviews★ 4.4 · 1,150 reviews
“Beautiful resort with a forest surrounding. Staff is super great and helpful. Every restaurant was great and to me, it's worth getting the Premium Package. Large pool and excellent beach . If your looking for a great vacation without the strip mall l...”
“It is one of the best places for beach snorkeling. The rooms are good and clean. The food is among the best we have had in Cuba. There is a great entertainment program, including a hike to a nearby hill and evening performances, plus a piano bar wher...”
“Just returned from a fantastic rejuvenating getaway. This place checked off all my wants for my solo travel. Location is picture perfect, with a beautiful clean beach and mountain views. The coral reef is amazing too. The staff are truly wonderful, e...”
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