A group of manatees was recently spotted swimming in the San Juan River, right in the heart of Matanzas city. This sight was captured in a video shared by Facebook user Dariel Vicedo, quickly gaining the attention of thousands.
The footage reveals the river stretch between Narváez and Comercio streets, a bustling area in what is known as the "City of Bridges."
The video narration captures the serenity of the river's surface, which hides the activity below, stating, "The apparent calm above doesn't reveal the wonders beneath," as a large shadow moves between the banks, with manatee nostrils emerging for air.
Interestingly, the locals appear unfazed by the presence of these creatures. "Even the fishermen seem oblivious," notes the video, before revealing that "a family of manatees is playfully enjoying the calm waters of the San Juan River."
Recurring Manatee Sightings
This is not the first time these gentle giants have been seen in this river. Back in March 2022, a family of manatees was documented in the San Juan River of Matanzas. Additionally, students from the "Julio Pino Machado" school reported seeing four individuals in the area about two years prior, indicating that this river may serve as a regular passageway for these animals between the bay and inland areas.
Manatee Appearances Across Cuba
In recent years, sightings of manatees across Cuba have become more frequent. For instance, in August 2023, a manatee was seen beneath the Iron Bridge in Havana, and in September of the same year, the residents of Matanzas Bay were surprised by their presence. Further, in October 2025, researchers confirmed sightings in the Laguna del Tesoro within the Zapata Swamp, a place historically referred to as the "Lagoon of the Manatees."
The Conservation Challenge
The Antillean manatee (Trichechus manatus manatus) is critically endangered in Cuba, with only a few hundred individuals estimated to live across the archipelago. Internationally, it is listed as an endangered species on the IUCN Red List.
In Cuba, the species benefits from protection under Resolution 160 for Species of Special Importance. Despite this, they face severe threats from illegal hunting, accidental capture in fishing nets, pollution, habitat loss, and boat collisions.
In June 2020, at least four manatees were observed near La Isleta in a protected bay ecosystem, suggesting a broader presence of the species in Cuban waters than previously believed.
Conservationists view these repeated sightings as an encouraging sign of a partial recovery in some areas of the country. However, they caution that the population remains critically low, and any disruption to their habitat could lead to irreversible consequences.
Frequently Asked Questions About Manatees in Cuba
Why are manatees critically endangered in Cuba?
Manatees face critical endangerment in Cuba due to illegal hunting, bycatch in fishing equipment, habitat destruction, water pollution, and collisions with boats.
What protections exist for manatees in Cuba?
Manatees in Cuba are protected under Resolution 160 for Species of Special Importance, which aims to safeguard critically endangered species.
Where are manatees commonly seen in Cuba?
Manatees are frequently spotted in the San Juan River in Matanzas, around the Iron Bridge in Havana, Matanzas Bay, and the Laguna del Tesoro in the Zapata Swamp.