from 3 reviews
One Day
Daily Tour
30 people
English, Espanol
Discover the Zapata Peninsula
Journey by way of safari into the wild and colorful Zapata Peninsula
When Deciding To Visit The Cienaga De Zapata National Park by Jeep, You Can See The Many Species Of Migratory Birds That Come To This Wonderful Cuban Landscape, Its Geological Formations, Beautiful Coral Reefs And Most Importantly The People Who Are Engaged In Investigate And Take Care Of All Flora And Fauna That Make This Wetland A Reserve Of The Biosphere.
Surround yourself with the wildlife of Zapata National Park Experience the explosion of color and sound by immersing yourself into the different ecosystems laden with some of Cuba’s most beautiful flora and fauna to be found. From lush mangrove forests and grasslands to sparkling lagoons and colorful coral reefs, this is truly a biosphere rife with unique vegetation and animals alike.
Discover and observe many of Zapata’s birds The stars of this tour will surely be the many beautiful and endangered birds protectedand cared for by the knowledgeable conservationists of the National Park. There are over 175 species of birds found here, including 65 who are considered migratory. Parrots, parakeets,warblers, and hawks in a rainbow of colors call Zapata their home, as well as various reptiles and the endangered Manjuari, a gar native to Cuba. A walk down Bermeja path will lead you to the home of the world’s smallest bird, the Bee Hummingbird, an especially lovely breed of hummingbird endemic to Cuba.
You’ll truly get the safari adventure when our four-wheel drive jeep picks you up from your Hotel to transport you to Zapata Peninsula. There will be plenty of sunshine and walking during this journey, and many photo opportunities of the wildlife you’ll find.
This day trip would not be complete without a tour of the Enigma of the Rocks. You’ll discover rocky terrain and incredible caves along this winding trail, complete with the fascinating wildlife which makes the caves its home. Bats, insects, brilliant schools of shining fish, and even large snakes can be found along the way, along with pools of sunlit water.
The Criadero de cocodrilos, established in 1962, is home to not only the Cuban Crocodile but also two endangered species. This amazing scientific glimpse into the life cycle of the crocodile includes opportunities to see these powerful reptiles at different stages of their lives, from breeding and reproduction to adult growth.
Children will especially enjoy the chance to hold a baby crocodile.
You’ll find many delicious samplings of local food at the private cove of Caleta Buena,which offers both an unlimited buffet and open bar, making this a perfect spot to refuel and enjoy lunch, perhaps relaxing with a drink.
Umbrellas and beach chairs dot the shoreline to truly appreciate and take in the beauty of this location.
Once you’ve had your fill of lunch, dive on into Caleta Buena’s cove for a bit of snorkeling! Perfect for the beginner, the water can easily be entered via ladders along the cove, which can be explored within a short amount of time. Despite the cove’s small size, you will find an abundance of sea life, including moray eels, sturgeon fish, sea urchins and butterflyfish. Sprays of hard and soft coral also call this sheltered cove home.
After such a safari adventure, you’ll have plenty to talk about upon returning to Varadero and the hotel.
Your camera roll will be filled with beautiful shots of wildlife, terrain, and plants, and your head filled with the memory of a true Cuban safari.
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Atticus Martin
The best snorkeling organization in Cuba