Cuba Guide
Varadero and Matanzas
class="box">
Boat trips
1 Boat Adventure Opening time: Daily 9am–4pmPrice: $39CUC per personA two-hour excursion on double-seater ski-bikes or two-man speedboats which stops off at a cay where crocodiles, iguanas and other creatures can be observed. There are a number of departures from Marina Chapelin.
2 Caribbean Cruise Price: $85CUC per personThis is the flattering name given to the seven- to eight-hour excursion to Cayo Blanco out of Marina Gaviota. It includes a snack, cocktail, time at the beach and lunch at Cayo Blanco as well as snorkelling (gear supplied). There's a minimum requirement of six people. Book at the marina or through the Coral.
3 Nautilus Price: $30CUC per personThis glass-bottomed boat leaves from the Marina Gaviota and explores the coral reef around Cayo Blanco. The comprehensive trip around Varadero lasts five hours and includes the dolphin show at Rancho Cangrejo. Contact any of the hotels in the Gaviota Group, such as the Coral or Villa Caleta, to book for the Nautilus, or ring the marina direct.
4 Seafari a Cayo Blanco Price: $75CUC for adults and $38CUC for children; private parties minimum total cost of $350CUCYou'll need to book in advance for this tour, which leaves Marina Chapelin on a daily basis. Most of the day is spent on a sailing yacht, and there's an open bar and lunch at Cayo Blanco in addition to musical entertainment, snorkelling opportunities and a dolphin show.
5 Seafari Crucero del Sol Price: $85CUC per personOne of the best offers available at the Marina Gaviota. It combines all of the best aspects of the other two cruises, but is on a fantastic catamaran and includes a ten-minute swim with dolphins.
6 Seafari Exclusivo Especial Price: $65CUC per person, or $75CUC with an open barOut of Marina Gaviota, this is a similar excursion to Caribbean Cruise with the same minimum number requirement but with the added bonus of a dolphin show at Rancho Cangrejo.
7 Varasub Price: $35CUC for adults, $20CUC for childrenThis glass-bottomed boat leaves from the Laguna de Paso Malo and heads out to the coral reef near Boca de Guamarioca west of Varadero, where you'll generally get 30–40 minutes' viewing time of the reef. Book through any of the information centres.