Excursions from Varadero

During our two-week stay at the Iberostar Tainos hotel we went on three excursions, we had planned to do more but it's amazing how lazy you get when you have a beautiful beach on your doorstep. The first one we went on was the Catamaran trip, this was a great day out (see comments below regarding the two different types) the boat had around 30 people on-board, we were on the boat around an hour before arriving at the dolphin pen. We were then split into two groups and you all get in to the water and the dolphins swim around you, you then have the option to have your picture taken with them and also to be pulled around the pen, each of these were an extra ten pesos, I done both and the only tip I would give is make sure your bikini straps are nice and tight as these dolphins go very fast!

We also went on the the Havana excursion, we decided to go for the "Gold Package" as we had heard that the one-day tour is very tiring and you don't get back to your hotel room in Varadero until gone 2am. It took around 2 hours by coach to get into the city, where we were then guiding around by a lovely man who was fluent in English, we went to all the most popular sites and attractions, and had a chance to walk around one of the flea markets. We were then taken to our hotel where we were able to wash, change and have dinner before heading off to the Tropicana show. The show was amazing, you are sat at long tables where you get a bottle of Cuban rum and can of cola to share, then it was back to the hotel for the night. Breakfast in the morning then back to the city where you are allowed to go off and explore Havana on your own.

I had read, prior to our visit, that people hassle you A LOT in the city for money, although we did come across this it wasn't nearly as bad as I was anticipating, I don't know if it was because of the time of year we went, but please do not let this put you off from going as the old city in particular is very beautiful, it was like stepping back in time. You are requested to wear an evening dress for the show and Gentlemen have to wear long trousers, you also have to bring your passports, some people got copies made rather then bring them, I would check this with your rep when booking. We were also told to bring a bottle of water and sun cream.

Our final excursion was my favourite, the Dolphin Swim in Varadero, the Dolphinarium is a 5 minute coach ride from the Iberostar Tainos hotel. The place itself is very small and we had some time to spare before the show, so we had a look around the couple of shops on-site to kill some time. The show lasted around 30 minutes it wasn't anything spectacular, but was still very entertaining, after the show you are then split in to groups of 8, life jackets are provided so if you're not a strong swimmer don't worry as everyone has to wear one.

You are then asked to get into the water, here is the only downside, as it is a lagoon the water is very murky and yes a bit smelly, but once you are in there and you start interacting with the dolphins you forget all about it, you get to do a number of different tricks with them, we had three dolphins in our group of 8, we all had our picture taken with them which you can then pay for after the swim if you want to, each person is pulled along by the dolphins fins and they saved the best trick to last, you are asked to lay on your front, while two dolphins swim up behind you and push you up out of the water by your feet. To anyone who is in two minds about doing this trip my advice is simple just do it, it was something I will never forget.

Our Photos of excursions in and around Varadero

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The photos cost around 10 pesos each and you do have to pay an extra charge to bring in cameras I think we paid around 5 pesos. For anyone who decides to walk back to the hotel rather then wait for the coach DON'T, we had the clever idea of doing this but the land in between the Dolpinarium and the Iberostar Tainos is very marshy and after losing my flip flops half a dozen times and getting caked in mud we were then ambushed by mosquitoes.

Here are some of the excursions that were on offer to us.

Havana Bronze Package

Whistle stop excursion taking in all of the most popular sites, an early start means that you will be back at your hotel by dinnertime. Price around 67 Pesos (£40.00)

Havana Silver Package

1 Day tour of Havana exploring the city and the in the evening dinner and change at a nearby hotel then off to the Tropicana show. Price around 135 Pesos (£85.00)

Havana Gold Package

2 Day Havana tour, visit the historical sites with an English-speaking Guide. Wash change and dinner at hotel then off to the Tropicana to watch the show then back to the hotel. Breakfast in the morning then back to the city free time to explore on your own. Price around 165 Pesos (£100.00)

Platinum Package

Overnight excursion, first day is spent exploring the city taking in all of the most popular sites, and in the evening a trip top the world famous Tropicana show. Day two spent exploring the Vinales Valley. Includes meals, tour guide and overnight in a hotel. Price around 195 Pesos (£120.00)

Catamaran Seafari Cayo Blanco

Sail around the coastline of Varadero, where you will visit a deserted island were you have lunch and then get time to lay back and enjoy the Caribbean sunshine, then head off to watch the dolphins perform at the Dolphinarium in Varadero. Price around 75 Pesos (£50.00)

Hint - This was the only Catamaran trip that our tour company was offering in their brochure but prior to our holiday I had done some research and I knew that there was another Catamaran trip where you get to swim with the dolphins in a sea pen, it is an extra ten pesos and we was able to book it with our rep and I would defiantly recommend doing this one.

Boat Adventure

Priced around 39 Pesos (£25.00), spend either the morning or afternoon speeding around the mangroves in your own aquaray.

These are just some of the main excursions that were on offer to us, your tour company should provide you with all the details at your welcome meeting.

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