Top 5 best scooter rentals in Varadero

Picture this: no waiting for a taxi outside your resort, no shuttle timetable to work around — just the open road along Playa Varadero stretching out ahead of you, with a warm breeze and the sea on one side. That's the appeal of a scooter here. You can stop wherever the water looks good, duck into Parque Josone for a shaded coffee break, or ride up to the clifftop terrace of Mansión Xanadú for a view over the golf course and the Atlantic. None of that comes easily if you're relying on a hotel shuttle.

Varadero is built for this kind of freedom. It's a long, flat, narrow peninsula with essentially one main road running its length, light traffic and short hops between hotels, beaches and town. You don't need highway speed or off-road grip — just a scooter and a bit of curiosity to reach the quieter beaches, caves and villages that organized tours tend to skip.

Top 10 things to see in Varadero by scooter

1. Playa Varadero — the main 20km beach strip; ride Autopista Sur or Avenida Primera end to end to hop between hotel zones, town, and quieter coves.
2. Parque Josone — a leafy park with a lake, gardens and restaurants in the town center, and an easy, shaded stop mid-ride.
3. Mansión Xanadú (Casa DuPont) — a clifftop 1930s mansion at the golf course, now a bar/hotel, with sea views from the terrace.
4. Cueva de Saturno — a natural cave with a freshwater swimming pool near the airport, a popular ride-and-swim stop.
5. Cueva de Ambrosio — a cave with pre-Columbian rock paintings further east on the peninsula, worth the longer ride.
6. Reserva Ecológica Varadero (Punta Hicacos) — a nature reserve at the eastern tip with trails, caves and a lagoon, the natural end point of an eastbound ride.
7. Delfinario Varadero — a dolphinarium in a lagoon near the nature reserve, easy to pair with the eastern-tip ride.
8. Puente de Bacunayagua — Cuba's highest bridge, with a dramatic valley viewpoint on the coastal road toward Havana.
9. Cuevas de Bellamar — one of Cuba's oldest tourist caves, just outside Matanzas, reachable on a day ride off the peninsula.
10. Cárdenas — a historic colonial town with horse-carriage streets and a small-town feel, a short ride south of Varadero.

What do you need to rent a scooter in Varadero?

Most agencies ask for a full national driving licence — the exact class depends on the operator and the engine size of the scooter, so it's worth checking when you book. An International Driving Permit isn't formally required, but carrying one alongside your licence is a sensible extra. Minimum age is usually in the low twenties, and you'll be asked for a deposit, either in cash or blocked on a card — note that cards issued in the US typically won't work in Cuba.

How much does it cost to rent a scooter in Varadero?

Average rental prices run from around 1600–2000 CUP per day in low season up to 2500–3500 CUP per day in high season, with premium models reaching 3500–4500 CUP per day.

• Prices peak from December to March and again in July and August, when demand is highest.
• They drop in May–June and September–October, the shoulder and low-season months.
• Cuba's exchange arrangements shift often, so confirm the currency and payment method with your operator before booking.

When to book a rental scooter in Varadero?

If you want the best combination of weather and price, aim for the shoulder months of May–June or September–October, when rates are at their lowest. December through April brings the dry season and the best riding conditions, but also the highest demand, so book ahead if you're travelling then. High season also has a secondary peak in July and August. Whenever you plan to go, booking a little early secures better availability and price.

Local traffic rules in Varadero

Cuba drives on the right, with overtaking on the left, and roads are shared with horse carts, bicycles and pedestrians, so real-world speeds stay well below the posted limits. Helmets are compulsory for scooter riders, and most rental agencies supply one with the vehicle. Posted limits are typically 50 km/h in built-up areas and 90 km/h on rural paved roads, though they can drop sharply near junctions and crossings. Drink-driving rules are strict, so treat it as zero alcohol before you ride, and keep your passport, licence and rental contract on you — checkpoints on intercity roads are routine.

Types of scooters available

On our website you can rent the following types of scooters: classic scooter, Vespa, moped, motoroller, motoscooter, with a sidecar, with automatic or manual gears, three-wheeled scooters, large, maxi-scooter, touring, scooters with a windscreen and a roof, underbones, electric scooters.

Models of scooters available

On our website you can hire scooters from the following manufacturers: Adly, Aeon, Aprilia, Piaggio, Bajaj, Benelli, Beta, BMW, Derbi, Gilera, Honda, Kawasaki, Kymco, LML, Malaguti, Peugeot, PGO, Suzuki, SYM, TVS, Vespa, Yamaha.

Which insurance is provided with my rental scooter?

Usually basic third-party insurance is included in the rental price. If you wish to have more protection you can purchase additional CDW insurance, which limits your risk to the amount of your deposit. If you wish to rent a scooter without a deposit and with zero risk, you will need to add full insurance to your reservation.

Extra services available

When you make an online scooter reservation you can also order the following extra services and equipment: integral helmet, GPS navigation, intercom, unlimited mileage, top case, side cases, boots, jacket, gloves, individual guide or tour, map, full insurance, one-way rental, delivery to your hotel, delivery to your address, delivery to the arrival point of your choice.

Why use BikesBooking.com?

• Find the best deals for scooter hire;
• Compare prices of scooter rental companies;
• Read reviews of previous customers;
• Reserve a scooter online with the Best Price Guarantee!

Most of our local moped rental companies have many years of experience and will provide you with a well-kept scooter, helmet, lock, top case, GPS, insurance and friendly service. The number of companies we work with is increasing every day, so if you want to rent a scooter, just use the search form at the top of the page. Have a nice trip!