Satellite images captured at the end of October 2026 and analyzed by the independent outlet elTOQUE reveal that Cayo Piedra, an island enclave off the southern coast of Matanzas, remains in apparent good condition and shows signs of recent activity. This location was spotlighted by U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Mike Waltz, during the General Assembly as a symbol of the privileges enjoyed by the Castro elite.
On October 27, Waltz presented a map titled "Castro's Cay" amid the annual debate on the resolution calling for an end to the U.S. embargo against Cuba. He described the island as an exclusive retreat for Fidel Castro, his family, and guests, featuring a marina, private boat, floating restaurant, and dolphin lagoon. He contrasted this luxury with the hardships faced by the Cuban populace.
Waltz's criticism extended beyond the island. He also showcased two Rolex watches attributed to Castro, valued at $40,000—equivalent to 55 years of the average Cuban salary. Additionally, he mentioned a 14,000-square-meter beach residence in Varadero equipped with pools, marble floors, a sauna, and a jacuzzi, as well as a 50-meter yacht requiring about 15,000 gallons of fuel.
Later, Secretary of State Marco Rubio intensified the denunciation on social media with a satellite infographic detailing Castro's main residence on the cay, a guest house, a pool, a helipad, a dock, a floating restaurant, a dolphin enclosure, and a missile launcher in the northern area. He accompanied the post with the message: "Private island of the corrupt regime in Cuba."
An examination by elTOQUE of images from Google Earth Pro, Google Maps, Soar Atlas, and Sentinel Hub, dated October 26 and 28, confirms the presence of these structures. Aerial views reveal several buildings with red-tiled roofs, paved pathways, and clear grassy areas. The primary construction is labeled as "Fidel Castro's protocol house" on Google Maps. A semi-olympic rectangular pool retains water, covering more than half its capacity, and figures resembling people are discernible in some detailed views on pathways and around buildings.
The cay's two sections are connected by a concrete bridge over 260 meters long. In the central area, a paved expanse aligns with the helipad identified by Rubio. Near the coast, submerged structures with compartments are visible, suggesting a dolphin enclosure, though images don't confirm if it's operational.
Evidence of recent investments includes findings by researcher Luis Domínguez from the Foundation for Human Rights in Cuba. According to Martí Noticias, Domínguez compared satellite images from April 2 and September 27, 2026, identifying structures consistent with solar panels on a guest house and a warehouse near a power plant. This energy upgrade occurred amid Cuba's severe electricity crisis, with prolonged blackouts impacting millions daily.
The complex has a documented history. According to Castro's former bodyguard, Juan Reinaldo Sánchez, in his book "The Hidden Life of Fidel Castro" (2014), the Cuban leader discovered the site after the Bay of Pigs invasion in 1961 and transformed it into a private refuge. Major developments occurred in the 1970s under Osmany Cienfuegos' direction, with notable guests like Gabriel García Márquez, Ted Turner, and Erich Honecker visiting. Sánchez claims to have accompanied Castro there "hundreds of times" between 1977 and 1994.
Waltz's remarks led to a tense confrontation with Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, who approached the podium, prompting Assembly President Khalilur Rahman to briefly suspend the session. Despite this, the resolution against the embargo passed with 130 votes in favor, 17 against, and 25 abstentions, marking the worst outcome in the history of this initiative since its introduction by Cuba in 1992.
Key Insights on Cayo Piedra and Its Impact
What facilities are present on Cayo Piedra?
Cayo Piedra features a marina, private boat, floating restaurant, dolphin lagoon, main residence, guest house, pool, helipad, and a missile launcher, among other amenities.
How did Mike Waltz use Cayo Piedra in his address to the UN?
Mike Waltz presented Cayo Piedra as a symbol of the Cuban elite's privileges, contrasting its luxury with the hardships faced by everyday Cubans during his address on the U.S. embargo resolution.
What recent developments have been noted on Cayo Piedra?
Recent satellite images indicate new solar panels installed on the island, reflecting ongoing investments despite Cuba's nationwide electricity crisis.