Catamaran Excursion to Cayo Blanco: Precautions to Take
The Cayo Blanco catamaran tour from Varadero is a popular choice among travelers, and for good reason! However, as in any natural environment, it is essential to exercise caution around wildlife.
Shared by Linda Arsenault on January 31, 2019:
"If you go to Cayo Blanco by catamaran, you will encounter large rodents, the size of cats, roaming the island. They are so tame that people take pictures with them, pet them and feed them. There was one incident where a rodent jumped on a tourist's foot, seriously injuring him. Far from hospitals, rabies treatment may be difficult to obtain. Be careful!"
Cuban members confirmed to us that this animal is a jutia, a herbivorous rodent:
Gabriella Bm: "In Cuba, they call it JUTÍA, pronounced HUTIYA. Almost extinct. Its Latin name is CAPROMYS PILORIDES."
Let's be respectful of the local wildlife and avoid disturbing them.
Admire them from afar, but it is best not to approach them.