Caves Near Varadero: Saturno, Bellamar and Varahicacos

Verified July 20, 2026.

The caves near Varadero offer a useful alternative to the beach, but the sites are spread between the Hicacos Peninsula and the Matanzas region. Current prices, opening hours and access arrangements should be confirmed locally before departure.

Quick comparison of four caves

Cueva de Saturno: swimming in a cave

Cueva de Saturno is located in Matanzas Province near the route connecting Varadero with the airport and Matanzas. Its main attraction is a clear underground pool where swimming and snorkelling are commonly offered.

Stalactites and stalagmites may continue below the water. The site is relatively compact and is better suited to a short outing than to a long caving expedition.

Before visiting

• Confirm that swimming is permitted that day.
• Ask whether a flotation vest is available or required.
• Wear footwear with good traction.
• Do not jump from an unauthorized height.
• Supervise children continuously because the water may be deep.
• Protect your phone, money and documents from water.

Cuevas de Bellamar: the major underground system near Matanzas

Cuevas de Bellamar is the most significant geological destination in this group. Cuba’s official tourism portal presents it as the country’s oldest tourism centre and a National Monument.

The guided visit highlights stalactites, stalagmites and other underground formations. The section open to visitors represents only part of the larger cave system.

What to expect

• A descent involving many steps.
• Warm temperatures and high humidity.
• A guided or accompanied route.
• Floors that may be slippery.
• A visit focused on geology rather than swimming.

Cueva de Ambrosio: pictographs and bats

Cueva de Ambrosio is in the Varahicacos area toward the end of the Hicacos Peninsula. It is known for Indigenous pictographs and bat colonies occupying parts of the cave.

This is different from Bellamar. It is shorter, darker and more closely connected with the human history of the area. Natural openings allow beams of light inside, but a small light may still be useful when permitted.

Precautions

• Do not touch pictographs.
• Do not direct a strong flash toward bats.
• Do not remove stones or archaeological material.
• Wear closed shoes.
• Avoid the visit when darkness, bats or uneven ground would cause serious discomfort.

Cueva de los Musulmanes: nature and archaeology in Varahicacos

Cueva de los Musulmanes is part of the Varahicacos Ecological Reserve. The surrounding area combines coastal vegetation, trails, archaeological evidence and protected pictographs.

The name is commonly linked to nineteenth-century Cuban smugglers who reportedly referred to themselves as “Muslims” and used vegetation and caves to hide goods. The area is also associated with archaeological discoveries and ancient burial practices.

Which cave should you choose?

• For swimming: Cueva de Saturno.
• For large geological formations: Cuevas de Bellamar.
• For pictographs and bats: Cueva de Ambrosio.
• For nature, hiking and archaeology: Cueva de los Musulmanes and Varahicacos.
• With young children: choose according to comfort with steps, darkness and deep water.
• With reduced mobility: request detailed accessibility information before booking because several routes include stairs and natural ground.

Transportation from Varadero

Saturno and Bellamar generally require a taxi, private driver or organized excursion. Ambrosio and Varahicacos are on the peninsula, but the actual distance depends greatly on the hotel location.

Always ask:

• the total round-trip price;
• how much waiting time is included;
• whether admission is included;
• which vehicle will be used;
• the exact return time;
• the cancellation policy when the site is closed.

Use the Transportation in Cuba guide before arranging the outing.

What to bring

• Closed or non-slip footwear.
• Drinking water.
• Swimsuit and towel for Saturno.
• Waterproof bag for important belongings.
• Mosquito repellent for Varahicacos.
• A small light only when permitted.
• Small cash denominations.
• Personal medication and travel-insurance information.

Safety and weather

Rain can make natural paths and steps more slippery. Heat and humidity remain important even when part of the visit is underground. Bring water and avoid treating a cave visit as an escape from all weather risks.

Read Heat and Sun Safety in Cuba and Rainy Days in Varadero.

Frequently asked questions

Which cave is closest to Varadero?

Ambrosio and the Varahicacos sites are on the peninsula, although the actual distance depends on where the hotel is located. Saturno and Bellamar require travelling toward the airport or Matanzas.

Can you swim in every cave?

No. Saturno is the main swimming cave in this comparison. Bellamar, Ambrosio and Cueva de los Musulmanes offer different geological, historical or nature experiences.

Are the caves suitable for children?

That depends on the child’s comfort with deep water, darkness, bats, steps and uneven ground. Ask for current conditions before booking.

Are the caves wheelchair accessible?

Do not assume so. Several sites involve stairs, narrow areas or natural trails. Request precise accessibility details before paying.

Can a cave visit replace a beach day during bad weather?

Sometimes, but heavy rain can also affect roads, trails and site operations. Confirm current conditions and keep a second backup plan.

Sources

• Cuba Travel — nature excursions including Cueva de Saturno
• Cuba Travel — Cuevas de Bellamar excursion
• Cuba Travel — Cueva de Ambrosio and Cueva de los Musulmanes

Related English guides

• Best Day Trips from Varadero
• Snorkelling in Varadero
• Matanzas from Varadero
• Cuba Travel Backup Plan
• Varadero Travel Guide