No vacation is complete without time spent on the beach, in the culture, and on an adventure. Varadero, Cuba, offers these experiences and more.
You can have the quintessential Cuban holiday in this gorgeous beach town.
Besides staying in one of the luxurious beach resorts, what’s on your itinerary? You’ll have plenty of time to sip mojitos, but Varadero has much more to offer. Keep reading for seven of the best things to do in Varadero, Cuba.
1. Visit the Bellamar Caves
The Bellamar Caves are one of the oldest tourist destinations in Cuba, discovered in 1861. These caves are a sight you’ve never seen before. Among the two-miles of cave systems, there are six halls and 17 galleries.
Crystal domes adorn the walls. Stalagmites and stalactites rice from the floor and hang from the ceiling. You’ll also see beautiful limestone formations and underground streams.
The tour starts with a visit to the small museum before the caves. Learn about the history of Bellamar and the science behind cave formations. There’s also a snack shop, souvenir shop, and a playground area for kids.
Then, you can enter the caves. Wear sturdy, non-slip shows because the humidity can make surfaces slippery. The cave’s halls are well-lit so you don’t need to bring a flashlight.
2. Lounge on the Beach
Varadero is an international beach destination. Tourists, especially Canadians and Europeans, spend vacations on these sands in all seasons.
You have 20 KM of beach to soak in the sun from. Varadero sits on a thin peninsula with water on both sides.
Most of the big resorts sit along the main section of the beach. No matter where you stay, you’ll have access to sand and surf. Enjoy sunbathing, snorkeling, and exhilarating water sports.
You may notice in some areas of the beach lay grandiose mansions that stick out like a sore thumb. Take some time to learn about the history of the peninsula. It used to be where the wealthy spent their time; many of these mansions were once owned by powerful elites.
3. Check Out Varahicacos Ecological Reserve
For a break from the resort life, head over to the Eastern part of the peninsula. The Varahicacos Ecological Reserve is a protected green space home to thousands of species. Here you’ll find rare flora, fauna, and wildlife.
There are hiking trails throughout the reserve. They get rocky and quite narrow, so bring proper footwear and gear. It’s also a great idea to pack bug spray.
Within the reserve are two limestone caves. Tour either one and you’ll see bats, fossils, and aboriginal paintings. Hire a guide to learn about the history and biology of the reserve.
4. Ride in a Vintage Cuban Car
In the 1950s, it was common for everyone to drive these colorful cars. Today, vintage cars are part of the quintessential Cuban experience. You must spend a day driving around in one.
Hire a vintage car tour guide to take you around Varadero. Learn about this fascinating city from the driver. Stop at all the perfect photo op locations; make sure you take a couple with the car!
For the full VIP experience, sign up for a Varadero Beach Day Tour. It’ll take you through Havana, the countryside, and the beaches of Varadero. Plus, plenty of stops at local attractions and a restaurant for lunch.
5. Dive at Cayo Piedra Underwater Park
The Northeast coast of the peninsula has some of the best snorkeling and diving in the country. Head down to the water’s floor to see sunken ships, a plane, and military tools.
As you scuba dive through this underwater park, pay attention to the wildlife. Among sunken man-made vehicles are large schools of fish. You’ll see crustaceans, sea turtles, and maybe even sharks.
This activity isn’t for beginner divers. Consider signing up for some scuba diving lessons first. Or, stick to the surface and enjoy world-class snorkeling.
There are over 25 different dive sites in Varadero, so check out more than one. You’ll never see underwater scenery like this in the rest of the Caribbean.
6. Swim in Saturno Cave & Coral Beach
Have you ever gone swimming in an underground cave? At Saturno Cave you can, and the crystal-clear waters are as warm as a bath.
Visitors come to this cave to swim, snorkel, dive, and to witness the beauty. The water reaches depths of 22 meters down with an average temperature of 20-23 degrees Celsius.
If you like scuba diving, Coral beach will be the place and it is only 5 minutes drive from Saturn cave, while Scuba diving keep an eye out for lobsters, green morays, and barracudas. You can arrange a dive like this with one of the many diving clubs in Varadero like Scubalibre varadero dive shop
But, if you just want to swim and snorkel, you can rent equipment on site. It’s only open during the daytime hours, so plan your day accordingly. There are fewer tourists early in the morning.
7. Explore a Street Market
There’s nothing like visiting a market to get a sense of Cuban culture. Each one has unique vendors selling food, clothes, and home décor. Find a souvenir to take home or just enjoy the walk through the stalls.
In the Varadero Street Market, you’ll have tons of dining options. Sit down in a restaurant or sample dishes from street vendors.
There are tons of artisan-made goods produced by the locals. While many things will have price tags, you’re welcome to barter with stall owners.
Even if you don’t have more room in your suitcase for souvenirs, the market is worth a see. It has awesome people-watching and areas for kids to play. You can even ride in a horse-drawn carriage!
Want More Things to Do in Varadero, Cuba?
Havana gets a lot of publicity in Cuba, but Varadero is no less spectacular. Travelers looking for a full Cuban experience should check out this gorgeous peninsula.
From awesome diving to beach lounging and cave trekking, your itinerary will be full. There are endless things to do in Varadero, Cuba!
How are you going to get around in Cuba? The best way to make your trip even more exciting is to hire a vintage car tour or transfer. You’ll be riding in style as you explore the beautiful region of Varadero.