About three kilometers west of Guardalavaca in the Holguin province, lies the Bahia de Naranjo nature reserve. This stunning national park is fringed by mangroves and has an abundance of surrounding flora and fauna. Where cliffs overlook crushed coral sand beaches and waterfalls cascade to rivers that wind through thick green forest. Playa Esmeralda is located in this un-spoilt wilderness, along a beautiful powdery white sand beach. Not only is this the ideal spot for the sun worshiper, there is also a multitude of activities and excursions for the nature lover.

Places of interest include: Reserva Ecologica Las Guanas, and ecological preserve with archaeological sites; the Cueva Cigoney, a cave with petroglypgs, and an interpretive center offering an excellent introduction to the flora and fauna; the Acuario Cayo Naranjo, a dolphinarium where it is possible to swim with the dolphins.

This land of discoveries also provides its visitors with the opportunity of enjoying unforgettable days in the most divers natural scenarios. Guardalavaca, Playa Esmeralda and Pesquero are beaches of limpid, warm and transparent waters; fine sand, abundant coastal vegetation, surrounded by a particularly irregular topography. There are in this place excellent conditions for the practice of snorkeling in a garden of corals grown in the midst of an irregular and complex sea bottom.

The closeness to other places of interest reinforces in a considerable way the beach resorts of Holguín. In the outskirts of Playa Esmeralda you will be able to visit the natural park known as Bahía de Naranjo, also located very close to Guardalavaca, el Chorro de Maita (large archaeological site with a unique museum of its kind in the West Indies); the Taino Village, a replica of the way of life the potter Aruaca natives; and the city of Banes, known as the capital of archaeology in Cuba.