
Coral Beach Playa Coral
Discover Coral Beach, a Cuban paradise with stunning white sands, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and vibrant underwater life perfect for snorkeling.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

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Best Time
Fewer crowds, calmer waters

Coral Beach Playa Coral
Best Time
Fewer crowds, calmer waters

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Coral Beach, a Cuban paradise with stunning white sands, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and vibrant underwater life perfect for snorkeling.
"Amazing snorkeling and clear waters make Coral Beach a must-do excursion in Cuba!"

🐠 Snorkel Gear Recommended
Bring your own snorkel gear for the best experience, or rent it on-site. Many visitors rave about the amazing underwater sights!
🥥 Piña Colada in a Coconut
Don't miss trying a piña colada served in a fresh coconut – a refreshing treat after a swim!

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Vibrant Coral Reefs
Underwater
Explore a diverse underwater world teeming with colorful fish and intricate coral formations. A must-see for snorkelers and divers!

Pristine Sandy Shores
Beachfront
Relax on soft, white sands and soak up the Caribbean sun. The perfect backdrop for a day of leisure and stunning ocean views.

Crystal-Clear Turquoise Waters
Ocean
Immerse yourself in the breathtakingly clear, turquoise waters that make this beach a tropical paradise.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Coral Beach
Getting to Coral Beach
Best Times
Insider Tips
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🐠 Snorkel Gear Recommended
Bring your own snorkel gear for the best experience, or rent it on-site. Many visitors rave about the amazing underwater sights!
🥥 Piña Colada in a Coconut
Don't miss trying a piña colada served in a fresh coconut – a refreshing treat after a swim!
🚗 Taxi Costs
Taxis to Varadero can be around $100 USD one way and take about two hours. Consider alternatives for budget travel.
🤿 First-Time Scuba Divers
If you're new to scuba diving, the guides are patient and knowledgeable, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
🐠 Snorkel Gear Recommended
Bring your own snorkel gear for the best experience, or rent it on-site. Many visitors rave about the amazing underwater sights!
🥥 Piña Colada in a Coconut
Don't miss trying a piña colada served in a fresh coconut – a refreshing treat after a swim!
🚗 Taxi Costs
Taxis to Varadero can be around $100 USD one way and take about two hours. Consider alternatives for budget travel.
🤿 First-Time Scuba Divers
If you're new to scuba diving, the guides are patient and knowledgeable, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
The Caribbean sun is strong! Pack plenty of sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Coral Beach for its excellent snorkeling opportunities and beautiful, clear waters, highlighting the friendly and knowledgeable guides. While some note it's not the most colorful reef, the overall experience is described as amazing and a must-do excursion. The beach itself offers a pleasant environment for relaxation.
"Not the most colorful, but regardless a great experience here. Really made me want to try scuba diving."
Hypo
"I have been snorkeling before in Jamaica and this place was amazing! A definitely must do excursion! The staff was friendly, patient and knowledgeable. They had a team of two take you in, one in the front and one at the back. If it is your first time, let them know. You are in safe and capable hands. The person on the tail is constantly watching to make sure everyone is safe and all goes smoothly. Well done, I will definitely be back just for this!"
Rohan Negandhi
"Good snorkeling through a very nice reef. The guides are very friendly and the dogs are too. I highly recommend getting a piña colada in a coconut if you go."
Joe
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Coral Beach is approximately a 30-minute drive from Varadero. Taxis are a common option, though they can be pricey. Some visitors opt for rental cars for more flexibility.
Coral Beach is a well-known spot, especially for snorkeling tours. Following signs for snorkeling excursions or asking locals for directions to 'Playa Coral' should guide you there.
From Havana to Varadero, you can take a taxi, which typically costs around $100 USD and takes about two hours.
Yes, Coral Beach is a popular day trip destination from Varadero. You can arrange snorkeling tours or simply enjoy the beach for a few hours.
While specific public bus routes directly to Coral Beach might be limited, local buses often run along the main routes in Varadero, and you might be able to connect or take a short taxi ride from a bus stop.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
A typical 40-minute snorkeling tour at Coral Beach, often combined with a visit to Saturno Cave, can cost around $45 USD. Snorkeling tours specifically for the reef are often around 10 CUC.
It's advisable to book snorkeling tours in advance, especially during peak season, to secure your spot. You can often book through your hotel or local tour operators.
Coral Beach is a public beach, so there are generally no entrance fees to access the sand and water. Fees typically apply only for organized snorkeling or diving tours.
Snorkeling tours usually operate during daylight hours. It's best to check with specific tour providers for their exact schedules, but mornings are often recommended for better visibility.
Absolutely! Bringing your own gear is a great option if you prefer your own equipment and want to save on rental costs. You can then explore the reef independently.
🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience
Snorkeling is the most popular way to see the diverse fish and coral. Scuba diving is also an option for a more immersive experience.
Yes, the guides are highly praised for being friendly, patient, and knowledgeable, especially for first-time snorkelers or divers. They ensure everyone's safety.
Visitors report seeing a wide variety of fish species and vibrant coral formations. It's described as an amazing experience with different species.
Yes, Coral Beach is generally suitable for families. The calm waters and guided snorkeling tours make it accessible for various ages, though younger children should be supervised.
Nearby attractions include Saturno Cave for swimming and exploring. Catamaran trips to Cayo Blanco are also popular excursions from Varadero.
🍽️ 🍹 Food & Dining
While Coral Beach is primarily known for its natural beauty and snorkeling, there are often vendors selling drinks, including the popular piña coladas in coconuts. For full meals, you might need to head back towards Varadero.
Yes, bringing your own snacks and drinks is generally permitted. This can be a good way to save money and ensure you have your preferred refreshments.
The main dining hub is in Varadero, which offers a wide range of restaurants from local Cuban cuisine to international options. Some resorts also have on-site dining.
Definitely! Local Cuban drinks like piña coladas are a must-try, especially when enjoyed right on the beach.
Varadero is famous for its all-inclusive resorts, many of which offer access to beautiful beaches and various amenities. Meliá Internacional Varadero is one such resort mentioned.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots of the white sand, turquoise waters, and vibrant marine life while snorkeling. Sunsets can also be spectacular.
Yes, if you have a waterproof camera or a waterproof phone case, you can capture incredible underwater photos of the coral and fish.
Early mornings offer softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for serene beach shots. Late afternoons provide beautiful golden hour lighting for dramatic sunsets.
Drone regulations can vary. It's best to check local rules and regulations before flying a drone, as they may be restricted in certain areas or for privacy reasons.
Influencers often capture wide shots of the beach, close-ups of the clear water, and action shots of snorkeling or relaxing on the sand.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider bringing kid-friendly snacks and drinks, as on-site options might be limited. While the beach itself is free to access, the cost of snorkeling tours should be factored into your budget. Many families find the experience of seeing colorful fish together to be a highlight of their trip.
💰 Budget Travelers
Packing your own food and drinks is also a smart way to save money. Instead of relying solely on resort dining or expensive beachside vendors, a picnic can be a delightful and cost-effective alternative. Look for tours that offer combined packages, like snorkeling with a visit to Saturno Cave, to maximize your experience without additional travel costs.
💑 Couples
Consider booking a private snorkeling tour for a more intimate experience, or simply find a secluded spot on the beach to enjoy each other's company. Sharing a piña colada in a coconut while watching the sunset is an quintessential romantic Cuban experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Varadero's Beaches
Beyond the visual appeal, Varadero's beaches are steeped in history, with tales of figures like Al Capone having residences here. This adds a layer of intrigue to the otherwise idyllic scenery. For travelers seeking the quintessential Cuban beach experience, Varadero delivers with its consistent beauty and range of activities, from simply lounging under a palm tree to engaging in water sports.
When exploring Varadero's beaches, it's worth noting that while the main beach is easily accessible, some smaller coves or specific snorkeling spots like Coral Beach might require a short journey. This often means a taxi ride or a dedicated tour, which can add to the adventure and discovery of the area's diverse coastal offerings.
Snorkeling and Marine Life at Coral Beach
The guided tours are particularly recommended, especially for those new to snorkeling or diving. Guides are known for their patience and expertise, with one guide often in front and another at the back to ensure everyone stays safe and enjoys the experience. The tours typically last around 30-40 minutes, providing ample time to observe the marine life.
Beyond the reef, the water clarity at Coral Beach is exceptional, allowing for excellent visibility. This makes it easy to spot the various marine creatures and appreciate the intricate details of the coral. For those who have experienced snorkeling elsewhere, many find Coral Beach to be a standout location due to the richness of its underwater environment.
Traveler Tips for Varadero and Coral Beach
Beyond logistics, embracing the local flavors is a highlight. Many visitors highly recommend trying a piña colada served in a fresh coconut – a refreshing and iconic treat. For those looking for a complete resort experience, Varadero boasts numerous all-inclusive resorts, offering convenience and a range of amenities, with Meliá Internacional Varadero being a notable example.
Finally, for photography enthusiasts, the late afternoon golden hour provides stunning light for capturing the beach's beauty, while early mornings offer a more tranquil setting with fewer crowds. Remember to pack ample sun protection as the Caribbean sun can be intense.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit