Cayo Iguana (Iguana Island)
Cayo Iguana is a coral island located off the northwestern tip of Cayo Largo. As its name suggests, it is populated by hundreds of iguanas of the species Cyclura Nubila, also known as the Cuban rock iguana, Cuban ground iguana, or Cuban Iguana. This herbivore species endemic to Cuba is one of the largest lizards in the Caribbean, some males can even reach up to 1 meter and a half long.
These harmless prehistoric-looking saurians roam freely in this protected sanctuary. They love to bask in the sun on the rocks overlooking the sea, motionless like little stone statues, watching the arrival of boats and catamarans carrying tourists. Curious and fearless (and a little glutton too!), they do not hesitate to mingle with humans who come to the island, and take the pose for nice photos. The on-site attendant will give you some leaves to feed them if you wish. Do not bring food from your hotel, especially sweets (cookies, cake, etc.); these iguanas are mainly herbivorous.
It's relatively easy to approach them and even pet them, but BE CAREFUL, although they are generally calm and friendly, they are still wild and unpredictable animals. Their bite is quite painful and can transmit many germs. These reptiles also have long claws, and can give powerful tail strokes. Avoid sudden movements, and always follow the instructions and guidelines of the guide or on-site attendant; not all iguanas can be safely approached.
Cayo Iguana is a protected nature reserve, there are no tourist facilities on the island. Only a small dock has been installed to allow boats and catamarans to dock and disembark tourists. The terrain is rocky and uneven; people with reduced mobility, as well as people who are frightened by these “miniature dinosaurs", can still see them quite easily from the dock or without getting off the boat.
Other islets of the Canarreos Archipelago near Cayo Largo also shelter a population of iguanas, such as: Cayo Rico, Isla Mujeres Arena, Cayo Alcatraz, etc. They can be found on Cayo Largo also, especially on the most secluded east side of the island.
The following catamaran trips include Cayo Iguana in their itinerary:
Catamaran Super Reef
Sunset Tour
One can also do only the visit of Cayo Iguana:
Boat transfer to Cayo Iguana
Other catamaran, trimaran or yacht cruises also include Iguana watching, but on one of the other keys of ther archipelago
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Lily & Normand
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