Visiting Varadero, Cuba

Varadero, Cuba

I visited Varadero out of season for a last minute bargain booking break with my mum. Just a relaxing vacation for 1 week. The hotel was basic but the island itself made up for this; the most beautiful beach I have ever been to was just yards away with white soft sand and a clear shallow tide. It rained a few times however it was barely noticed as it stayed warm and cleared away after 5 minutes without a trace. For more weather information check the weather guide. 

It is very safe off the resort, there are people that will approach you and beg for pesos who can be persistent.
Money exchange...

"Soft white sand, wide shallow tide and clear blue water - the perfect beach"

Covering Cuba’s narrow Hicacos Peninsula, Varadero is a popular beach resort town not too far from Havanna. Along its 20km of Atlantic Ocean coastline is a string of all-inclusive hotel and spa complexes, and a golf course. Near the peninsula’s eastern tip is Reserva Ecológica Varahicacos, a preserve with trails and an ancient burial cave. Parque Josone is a park with a pond, gardens and music performances.

TO DO

Town centre (strip) worth a visit to get off resort for a meal and a drink, we went during the quiet season so it wasn't packed with the hustle and bustle of tourists. In the day it is great for the scenic views and spotting all the colourful old cars. Very easy to get around walking/taxis/horse carriages. there is a Hop On, Hop Off bus that goes along the strip and costs 5 CUC's.

We hired a horse and carriage for the day.

Cuban food

Very average. Taxi driver recommend small back street restaurant

Catamaran excursion

dolphin swimming, snorkelling and deserted Island

This full-day excursion is a great activity option in Varadero. Setting sail from the Marina Chapelin, a large and comfortable catamaran will take you off-shore to enjoy the beauty of the turquoise waters surrounding the Varadero’s peninsula; you can relax on the shaded areas or on the nets as you glide gently over the waves.

The first stop is a coral reef where you can enjoy snorkelling (equipment is provided), you are taken to  off-shore to "Rancho Cangrejo" whih is an open-sea dolphinarium. You can swim and interact with dolphins for approximately 30 minutes and perform a variety of tricks and exercises with these intelligent and gracious marine mammals, such as: touching, kissing, jumping, acrobatics, etc and then the catamaran drops anchor off the gorgeous and virgin beach of Cayo Blanco (a small deserted island) where you will enjoy a delicious lunch with several options (lobster, fish, shrimp, squid, chicken, etc.) while listening to the sound of live traditional Cuban music, and have free time to swim in the ocean, play games, do some non-motorised water sports, or simply relax on the beach.

Street Markets

These are great for a wander and to collect some handcrafted/ personalised souvenirs. I like to collect photo albums. People are very friendly and open to bartering which is all apart of the fun.

 

For more information to plan your trip check out these resource links:
http://www.varaderoguide.net/index.html