Diving in Varadero

Explore 24 dive sites in Varadero, Cuba. Ocean conditions, marine species, and dive centres.

Best Time to Dive in Varadero

The warmest water temperatures in Varadero occur in January, averaging 26.1°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 26.1°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 26.1°C (air: 23.8°C)
  • February: 26.1°C (air: 24.1°C)
  • March: 26.1°C (air: 24.7°C)
  • April: 26.1°C (air: 25.7°C)
  • May: 26.1°C (air: 26.7°C)
  • June: 26.1°C (air: 27.7°C)
  • July: 26.1°C (air: 28.7°C)
  • August: 26.1°C (air: 28.8°C)
  • September: 26.1°C (air: 28.5°C)
  • October: 26.1°C (air: 27.5°C)
  • November: 26.1°C (air: 26.3°C)
  • December: 26.1°C (air: 24.6°C)

Marine Life in Varadero

Home to 107 recorded species including 82 reef fish, 13 hard corals, 6 whales & dolphins, 2 jellyfish, 1 other, 1 sharks & rays.

Dive Site Difficulty in Varadero

Varadero has 6 beginner, 2 intermediate dive sites - suitable for divers of all levels.

Recommended Packing List for Varadero

Based on average water temperature of 26.1°C.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 26°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Marine Protected Areas in Varadero

  • Cayo Santa María - Wildlife Refuge (IUCN Category IV)
  • Cayos de Ana María - Wildlife Refuge (IUCN Category IV)
  • Sistema Espeleolacustre de Zapata - Natural Outstanding Element (IUCN Category III)
  • Caguanes - National Park (IUCN Category II)
  • Centro y Oeste de Cayo Coco - Ecological Reserve (IUCN Category II)
  • Lanzanillo-Pajonal-Fragoso - Wildlife Refuge (IUCN Category IV)
  • Buenavista - UNESCO-MAB Biosphere Reserve (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Cayo Francés - Wildlife Refuge (IUCN Category IV)
  • Correa - Wildlife Refuge (IUCN Category IV)
  • Humedales de Cayo Romano - Protected Area of Managed Resources (IUCN Category VI)
  • Humedales del Norte de Ciego de Avila - Protected Area of Managed Resources (IUCN Category VI)
  • Jardines de la Reina - National Park (IUCN Category II)
  • Las Picúas-Cayo Cristo - Wildlife Refuge (IUCN Category IV)
  • Ojo del Mégano - Natural Outstanding Element (IUCN Category III)
  • Península de Zapata - Protected Area of Managed Resources (IUCN Category II)
  • Buenavista - Protected Area of Managed Resources (IUCN Category VI)
  • Los Caimanes - National Park (IUCN Category II)
  • Cayo Cruz - Wildlife Refuge (IUCN Category IV)
  • Cayos de las Cinco Leguas - Wildlife Refuge (IUCN Category IV)
  • Delta del Agabama - Wildlife Refuge (IUCN Category IV)
  • Delta del Higuanojo - Wildlife Refuge (IUCN Category IV)
  • Guajimico - Protected Landscape (IUCN Category V)
  • Guanaroca-Punta Gavilan - Wildlife Refuge (IUCN Category IV)
  • Las Loras - Wildlife Refuge (IUCN Category IV)
  • Buenavista - Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Gran Humedal del Norte de Ciego de Ávila - Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Cayo Mono-Galindo - Ecological Reserve (IUCN Category II)
  • Macurije-Santa Maria - Wildlife Refuge (IUCN Category IV)
  • Ensenada de Rancho Luna - Protected Landscape (IUCN Category V)
  • Loma de Santa María - Wildlife Refuge (IUCN Category IV)

Getting to Varadero - Nearest Airports

  • Máximo Gómez Airport (AVI), Ciro Redondo - 66 km away, approx 87 min travel time
  • Abel Santamaria International Airport (SNU), Santa Clara - 68 km away, approx 89 min travel time
  • Ignacio Agramonte International Airport (CMW), Camaguey - 185 km away, approx 216 min travel time

Dive Sites

Dive Centres