Laguna de la Leche (Milk Lagoon)

Laguna de la Leche ("Milk Lagoon")

Laguna de la Leche, Ciego de Avila, Cuba

This is largest natural freshwater lake in Cuba. It’s located about 5 km north of the town of Morón in the province of Ciego de Avila, and about 70 km (to reach the main entrance) from Cayo Coco; see the interactive map at the bottom of the page. This large lagoon is a popular stop in many of the organized tours offered in the resorts of the cayos of the Jardines del Rey (King’s Gardens) Archipelago. You can also easily go there by yourself if you rent a car (or taxi).

The name comes from the whiteness of its waters. The white color is caused by lime particles that are released from its limestone bed by the disturbance caused by tides and waves. It has a volume of about 100 million cubic meters and a total surface of 66.5 km2, with an average depth of about 3 meters. The lake is a refuge for many different types of birds, including a colony of flamingos.

You can find on-site: A water sports center (various boating options), an over-water restaurant and bar called Atarraya specialized in seafood and paellas, and the Cabaret La Cueva (a nightclub in a cave on the southern shore of the lagoon). Other activities include: fishing (largemouth bass, landlocked tarpon, snook, tilapia, etc.) and duck hunting. Guided fishing trips can be arranged at the main south entrance. The Laguna de la Leche is also the venue for the annual Morón Aquatic Carnival, usually held in September.

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