Varadero Beaches and Water Sports

(Varadero, Matanzas, Cuba)

Varadero's is home to more than 20 km / 12 miles of white-sand beaches, which are regarded by many as some of the best in the world.

The sea around the Straits of Florida is a startling, clear turquoise blue, and the coastline of Varadero is a great place for diving and snorkelling, as there are many reefs and excellent dive sites in and around the bay. Lounging on the beach reading the latest blockbuster novel is another very attractive option.

General Information

In general, tourists will find that the Atlantic Ocean side of Varadero is where the main beaches reside. In contrast, the side of the Punta Hicacos fronting the Bahia de Cardenas is favoured by the locals, while the most pricey and exclusive beach resorts stand on the eastern side of the peninsula. For a pleasant and quiet beachfront, consider the stretch of sand between Calle 46 and Calle 65.

Located just 5 km / 3 miles to the north of the Plaza Las Calaveras, Cayo Piedras del Norte has become a popular marine park and an array of military boats have been sunk here over the past couple of decades, in a successful attempt to encourage more marine wildlife. Since these dive sites are relatively shallow (averaging around 20 metres / 66 feet in depth), they have become extremely popular spots for scuba diving and snorkelling, and are also regularly frequented by glass-bottom boats.

Varadero has become a very noteworthy Cuban destination for both scuba diving and snorkelling, and boasts a total of four dive centres, which appeal to beginners and more experienced divers alike. The Barracuda Diving Centre on the Calle 58 offers a mixture of dive packages and trips, while the Acua Diving Centre on the Avenida Kawama is an altogether smaller affair.

The public beach in Varadero features an array of water sports and sailboards are available for hire at various points along the beachfront itself. Tourists will also find sea kayaks and parasailing opportunities, as well as banana boats, catamaran cruises and similar beach attractions.

For the ultimate 'getting away from it all', the waters off Varadero are dotted with tiny, isolated cays with deserted sandy beaches that are easily accessible by catamaran or boat from the town's three marinas. These lend themselves to day trips, suiting those looking to escape the inevitable summer crowds.