3 Best Sights in Playa Giron, Western Cuba

Just east of Playa Girón, the sea has formed a series of natural pools by entering through underwater caves, creating the largest flooded cavern in Cuba. The bottom of sponge and coral is a polychromatic marvel, as are the many tropical fish. Experienced, well-equipped divers can follow a 25-meter (83-foot) tunnel through the limestone leading out to the sea. The on-site dive shop charges CUC$25 for a dive, including gear; and CUC$5 to rent snorkeling gear. There's no need for boats as the dive area is close. Night dives can also be arranged. The on-site restaurant is open until 5 and specializes in shrimp and lobster. There's a CUC$15 charge that includes lunch and drinks, and access to the natural pool. In spring, be prepared for roads covered with dead land crabs and their attendant vultures.

Propaganda aside, this museum celebrating "the first rout of Yankee imperialism in Latin America" is a sobering testament to the harsh social conditions that provoked the Revolution, especially in this historically poorest part of Cuba, where there were no schools or hospitals pre-Revolution. The main focus is on the counterrevolutionary events after 1959 leading up to the Bay of Pigs invasion, and the story of the invasion itself. Particularly affecting are the photos of fallen Cuban soldiers, accompanied by such personal effects as photos of their families or an old-fashioned fob watch. There's also a 15-minute film to watch. For military buffs, a restored British Hawker Sea Fury plane, used by the Cuban Air Force, stands guard at the museum entrance. For an extra CUC$2, you can hire a guide to elaborate on the exhibits.