Manatee Lagoon

Manatees are mammals of the Sirenia order that live mainly in rivers, lagoons and mangroves.  Manatees are strange beings: they always swim very slowly, dropping to the bottom of their aquatic habitat to feed off plants that they hold between their fins while they eat, like a baby holding its bottle. In like manner, females rise up vertically in the water and hold their young in their fins to nurse them, just like a human mother breast-feeding her child.

The principal species found in Mexico is the Trichechus manatus, which is in serious danger of extinction.  In August 2001, at the request of the Mexican Environmental Protection Agency (PROFEPA) and the Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources, a pair of manatees living in a seriously polluted lagoon and in critical condition due to malnutrition, was rescued by Xcaret.  They now live in one of the Park’s crystal-clear lagoons and are cared for, fed and protected by experts from Via Delphi who have vast experience in the care and protection of marine mammals.

Come and visit the manatees, and meet one of the most strange and unique marine mammals in the world!