Just a few yards from the center of Varadero, Cuba's sprawling and popular beach resort town, is the popular Delfinario Varadero attraction. Visitors here can be entertained by dolphin shows or the experience of swimming with the resident dolphins in a lagoon rather than the sea. The water is somewhat murky, but free shower facilities are available for guests. Situated in Punta Hicacos Natural Park, the delfinario (dolphinarium) offers an opportunity to swim with dolphins for CUC$65 for 30 minutes.
Cayo Naranjo is a resort villa located on the eastern part of the island in a province called Holguin. The dolphin aquarium is situated on a man-made island in the bay. Speedboats transport both spectators and dolphin swimmers alike to and from shore. The aquarium charges CUC$40 for adults and CUC$20 for children. Once you're returned to the mainland, you can enjoy one of the five beaches situated on the 19 miles of coastline.
The city of Cienfuegos, in the province of the same name, is located on Cuba's southern coast. The delfinario in Cienfuegos charges an admission price of CUC$5 for adults and CUC$3 for children. A 20-minute swim with the dolphins will cost an additional CUC$30. This location is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and is closed Sunday and Monday.
Baconao, on the southeastern tip of Cuba, has its own aquarium and accompanying dolphinarium in a larger national park. General admission to the park is only CUC$1. That includes all the park exhibits, but the dolphin swimming is extra and the price at Baconao tends to fluctuate, so check with the local tourist board upon arrival. The park is open every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Dolphins naturally inhabit the waters around Cuba. They are generally friendly and docile creatures, so venturing off to find some on your own is safe and easy. Check with your travel agent or hotel staff about planned scuba or snorkeling trips. Any coastal resort on the island will be able to point you in the right direction toward spending some time with the dolphins in their natural habitat.
