The Cuban government's rhetoric has long echoed the idea that beaches are public assets accessible to all. However, this notion starkly contrasts with reality. At Marina Marlin in Tarará, located in East Havana, visitors are required to pay 500 CUP merely to enter, receiving an access wristband in return.
Content creator Darelis Guerra, found on Instagram as @dare.guerra, documented her experience at this coastal spot in a video she shared with her followers.
Guerra explains that after paying for entry, visitors must walk about two kilometers to reach the marina. The beach offers umbrellas and lounge chairs, which are typically well-maintained, though during her visit, the sand was covered with sargassum.
Lounge chairs can be rented for 400 CUP, separate from the entry fee. The food options available on-site were limited to warm sodas, prompting Guerra to advise potential visitors to bring their own meals.
"I had heard that the food options weren't great," Guerra notes. "So, we stopped by a café beforehand and bought some pizzas to avoid going hungry. I recommend you do the same because all we could buy there were sodas, and they were warm."
Tarará: A Quieter Beach Experience
Despite the challenges, Guerra appreciates Tarará for its tranquility compared to other beaches in the area. "I would return, considering how peaceful and safe it is, unlike the rest of the Eastern Beaches, which are crowded during this season," she remarks.
Eastern Beaches: Increasingly Inaccessible
During the Cuban summer, beach outings have transformed into a luxury not everyone can afford. The hurdles extend beyond just the entrance fee, as seen in Tarará's case.
For instance, in Boca Ciega, renting an umbrella or tent cost 9,000 pesos in May, prior to the summer onset. This amount far exceeds the average monthly salary of 6,930 CUP.
Transportation poses another obstacle for those wishing to enjoy the eastern beaches. In July 2025, the government introduced a train service to these beaches, with a fare of 35 pesos per trip. However, amid the current crisis, there is no confirmation of when it will resume operation.
Santa María del Mar, Boca Ciega, and Guanabo beaches remain free to access but suffer from infrastructure decay, trash accumulation, minimal police presence, and overwhelmed public transport, all of which hinder the enjoyment of locals.
The Unique Tale of Tarará
Tarará boasts a unique history. Its infrastructure was built in the 1940s and 1950s as a luxurious residential development with around 520 homes. Most properties were confiscated by the government in 1960, transforming the area for state use.
Between 1990 and 2011, it hosted a medical program for children affected by the Chernobyl nuclear disaster. Today, Tarará stands as a ghost town 27 kilometers from central Havana. Its streets are deserted, houses abandoned, and facilities such as schools and clinics have been closed for years.
Understanding the Cost and Accessibility of Cuban Beaches
Why do visitors need to pay to enter Tarará beach?
Visitors are required to pay 500 CUP to enter Tarará beach in exchange for an access wristband, despite the Cuban government's claim that beaches should be public and freely accessible.
What challenges do visitors face when going to the Eastern Beaches of Cuba?
Visitors face financial barriers like high rental fees for amenities and limited transportation options. Additionally, free beaches suffer from poor infrastructure, trash, and inadequate public transport.
What is the historical significance of Tarará?
Tarará was originally a luxurious residential area built in the mid-20th century. After government expropriation in 1960, it supported a medical program for Chernobyl children from 1990 to 2011, and now stands largely deserted.