Varadero, Cuba

Holidays are all about relaxing, especially around Varadero. However, there are plenty of opportunities for more exciting activities if you ever tire of lounging under a palm tree. The following 6 attractions are guaranteed winners!

Swimming with dolphins is a unique experience. Varadero offers you the opportunity in the dolphin see aquarium, a natural, enclosed bay about 7 miles from the city. There are three half-hour shows every day, after which you can spend 45 minutes swimming with these elegant, playful mammals. Highly recommended!
Carretera Las Morlas, (Punta Hicacos), Varadero

Designed by Canadian golf course architect Les Furber, the Varadero course is the first golf course on Cuban soil. Playing the 18 holes is an experience in itself, as the 2-mile course weaves its way through hotels, bars and restaurants. The legendary - and not to be missed! - Xanadu Mansion is located on the golf course, built in the 1930s by millionaire Irénée du Pont.

Mention 'Varadero' around divers and you'll have friends for life. The seaside town is located close to one of the world’s largest coral reefs, where you see flora and fauna put on a spectacular show. The 2,700-square mile area also includes several well-preserved shipwrecks and underwater caves. Never dived before? Varadero is home to three renowned diving schools: Aqua Diving Center, Marina Chapelin Aquaworld and Barracuda Scuba Cuba.

Like almost everything else in Varadero, Parque Josone is luxurious. The green oasis, located in the center of Varadero, features an artificial lake, a swimming pool, four restaurants (Italian, Creole, Seafood and International), a disco, a bowling center and stages featuring Afro-Cuban shows. All that for an entry fee of only 1 American dollar. This recreation and amusement park is located on the former estate of dictator Fulgencio Batista (1901-1973).
Avenida 1ra. y 56, Varadero

International (live) music, with an emphasis on the 1950s; a genre much loved by Cubans, heavily featuring woodwind and brass instruments.
Carretera de Las Morlas

In this authentic theatre, located next to Varadero’s first hotel, the same variety shows that were playing 50 years ago are still being performed. With a young generation of Cuban dancers, of course! Spend the evening, starting with dinner; by the time dessert rolls around, the first notes will be ringing through the hall. This explosive, energetic cabaret show will continue as a disco into the early hours of the morning.
Carretera Las Américas (next to Hotel Internacional)