A great day on a Catamaran with Nexus Tours

Some travel days feel rushed. Others feel unforgettable in a quiet, effortless way.
This one? It was absolutely the latter.

Welcome to Cayo Iguana

While staying at Memories Del Mar, I headed out on a catamaran excursion to Cayo Iguana—and it turned out to be one of the most relaxed, enjoyable days of my time in Cuba.


An Easy Start to the Day

The morning began with an 8:30 am pickup directly from the resort, which instantly set the tone: no stress, no scrambling, just an easy start. From there, we travelled by bus to the marina, where we had time to grab a coffee at a small café while waiting for the rest of the group to arrive.

Nothing felt rushed. Even before we boarded, the pace felt calm and well-organized.

Once everyone was accounted for, we boarded the catamaran and officially set off for the day.


The Journey: Comfortable, Scenic, and Uncrowded

The catamaran itself can hold up to 80 passengers, but there were only 28 of us onboard, which made a huge difference. There was plenty of room to move around, stretch out, and truly enjoy the ride.

Drinks were included and served throughout the journey, adding to that relaxed, vacation-mode vibe.

The trip took about 2.5 hours, but it didn’t feel long at all—especially since we stopped along the way to snorkel off a small reef. We spent around 40 minutes in the water, and there were a lot of fish to be seen. Visibility was great, and it was an unexpected highlight of the day.


First Impressions of Cayo Iguana

As we arrived, we were met first by the eating area near the dock, and honestly—it felt like stepping onto a deserted island. No buildings, no permanent residents, just nature and sea air.

Cayo Iguana is uninhabited, and you really feel that the moment you step off the boat.


Iguanas, Wildlife, and Island Life 🦎

The iguanas tend to gather around the docking and eating area, and yes—they come very close, clearly hoping for food. It’s fascinating to watch them up close and see how comfortable they are around people.

Beyond the iguanas, there was so much wildlife to notice:

  • Tons of hermit crabs
  • A pelican hanging out on the beach, completely unfazed by us
  • Conch shells scattered along the shore

Despite the wildlife and free-roaming animals, everything felt very safe and extremely well-managed.


Lunch on the Island

Lunch was included and genuinely impressive.

We enjoyed a relaxed meal featuring:

  • Rice and beans
  • Yucca
  • Vegetables
  • A delicious seafood stew

Both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks were included, and the quality of the food was surprisingly good—far better than a typical “excursion lunch.”


Beach Time & Space to Breathe

The beach itself was beautiful—warm water, soft sand, and a peaceful atmosphere.

What stood out most for me was the space. It never felt crowded. I was able to take a quiet walk around the island, find my own spot, and simply enjoy the sun and sand in total calm.

Those moments alone made the day special.


A Quick Reality Check (Important to Know Before You Go)

As perfect as this day was, there are a few important things travelers should know before booking:

  • This excursion is not mobility-friendly.
    Bathrooms are accessed downstairs via a ladder-style staircase, and the island itself is not suitable for anyone who uses a walker or wheelchair, or who has difficulty walking on uneven sand.
  • If you’re afraid of lizards, this is not the excursion for you.
    The iguanas come very close, especially around the eating area.
  • Not ideal for small children or anyone who is not a confident swimmer, as swimming and snorkeling are key parts of the experience.

Who This Experience Is Perfect For

This excursion is ideal for:

  • Solo travelers
  • Couples
  • Families with older children
  • Anyone without serious mobility issues who loves nature, wildlife, and a relaxed pace

Final Verdict

Rating: 10 out of 10

This was one of those days that felt easy, well-run, and genuinely special from start to finish. I would absolutely do this excursion again—without hesitation.

If you’re looking for a laid-back catamaran day with snorkeling, wildlife, great food, and plenty of space to unwind, Cayo Iguana is a standout experience from Trinidad.

And yes… I’d go back in a heartbeat 💙

A huge shout out and thank you to Nexus Tours for offering this amazing excursion.

You can see all of my travel review here

Watch my full Cayo Iguana catamaran experience on YouTube.


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