Coral gardens and incredible rock formations are just offshore from lovely Varadero. There are several dive shops to be found along the peninsula, locals who know the best places to find wildlife.
Head to the Coral Negro wreck, the Neptuno wreck or the Caribe wreck, all of which make for some great photographs and memories to take home. There are even a couple of caves to explore during your time on Varadero. Check out the cenote as well as the El Brinco Cave.
A bit further out is Cayo Piedra and several other small islands and islets. Some of the best, most unspoiled diving can be accomplished out here, mere meters from the tip of the peninsula.
You can see all sorts of reef fish, as well as small sharks. Rays and eels can be spotted here near the reefs. Dolphins frolic offshore.
Fly into Kawama or Jose Marti International Airport. Once in Varadero, useful to visitors is the double decker hop on-hop off bus that runs up and down the peninsula. Because the region is so small, renting a bike or moped is a great alternative to a car.