This is the top bird watching area in Cuba and home to an exciting variety of species including some that are little known and rarely observed, as well as being the winter home for flocks of migrating species. Much of the peninsula is a national park and this is the largest and most diverse ecosystem in Cuba and in addition to some 190 species of bird, is also home to 31 species of reptile including crocodiles and mammals like the jutia and manatee. More than 900 plant species can also be found in the park, some 115 of them endemic. This area of south central Cuba is covered by large sections of mangrove swamp, savannah, selva, semideciduous forest, salt pans and coastal habitat.
It is also here that the famous 'Bay of Pigs' is located and propaganda billboards still tell of Cuba's historic victory over the Yanqui imperialists in 1961.
There are two worthwhile beaches to be found in Zapata, Playa Giron and Playa Larga, both fronted by small resort hotels and this is where you will be based during your stay here. Between the two resorts the sea is an exceptional colour, like lapis lazuli flecked with aquamarine and both the diving and snorkelling are very highly rated, as is the sport fishing and fly -fishing.