Varadero's main activity is the beach — 20 km of white sand with calm Caribbean water — and most visitors don't need much else. Beyond the sun and sea, the Varahicacos Ecological Reserve at the eastern tip of the peninsula has pre-Columbian cave paintings and nature trails. Parque Josone in the centre of town is a pleasant shaded garden with a lake and rowing boats. The Mansión Xanadu at the far end of the resort strip is worth visiting for its architecture and the view from the terrace. Water sports — scuba diving, kayaking, catamaran tours, dolphin encounters — operate from beach concession points along the strip.