Cuba: Cayo Coco or Varadero for snorkeling?

[thegrandpoohbah]

Looking to book a trip for early April. Trying to keep this one relatively inexpensive as we are saving for a 4 week trip to Europe next year. Has anyone been to both who can comment on the quality of the snorkeling at these two locations?

 

[LizSpinks]

We were in Varadero for a week in 2009. We stayed at Sandals Hicacos. While the white sand beach was lovely, the snorkeling at this property was non-existent, no fish or reefs at all that we could find. We were very disappointed and wouldn't return to Varadero again.
We did however go on one of those party Catamarans that take you to Cayo Blanco (Seafari Adventure). They stop midway in open water and throw food for the fish and let everyone snorkel for awhile. Then there is some snorkeling off of Cayo Blanco after lobster lunch on the beach. They pair this up with a dolphinarium visit.
Hope that helps, and I'd say don't miss Havana!

 

[Steeveen79]

Looking to book a trip for early April. Trying to keep this one relatively inexpensive as we are saving for a 4 week trip to Europe next year. Has anyone been to both who can comment on the quality of the snorkeling at these two locations?

Hi.
In Varadero unless you join a catamaran or a boat trip to reach the coral reef... there is not any site for snorkeling.
You may go to Playa Giron which is closer to Varadero than Cayo Coco... otherwise go straight to Cayo Coco or Cayo Largo.
Also..as suggested from LizSpinks do not miss Havana. Any trip to Cuba is worth at least 2/3 days in Havana apart from snorkeling or diving