Manatees: Gentle Giants Among Mangroves and Cenotes

Manatees: Gentle Giants Among Mangroves and Cenotes

Who Are the Manatees?

Manatees (Trichechus manatus), also called “sea cows,” are robust marine mammals—large yet peaceful—that live in the warm waters of the Americas. Within the Caribbean manatee, two main subspecies are recognized today:

• Florida manatee (T. m. latirostris)
• Antillean manatee (T. m. manatus), which frequents the Mexican Caribbean and the Riviera Maya

Physical Characteristics

As adults, they typically measure 2.7 to 3.5 meters long, though some record specimens have reached up to 4.6 m. Their average weight ranges between 200 and 600 kg, with a remarkable record of 1,655 kg.

In the wild, manatees live about 50 to 60 years. Their skin is generally gray, but may take on shades of green or brown when algae or other organisms grow on it. They have paddle-shaped (spatulate) tails and flexible front flippers, allowing graceful movement either on the seabed or floating near the surface.

Diet: 50–100 kg of Vegetation Daily

Manatees are obligate herbivores, feeding on more than 60 species of aquatic plants. They consume between 4% and 10–15% of their body weight per day—up to 50 kg of vegetation. Feeding can occupy 7 to 8 hours daily, using their split lips and sensitive vibrissae to gather seagrass and mangrove leaves.

As an adaptation, they continually replace worn molars throughout their life—a process known as "marching molars." Though rare, there have been documented cases of manatees ingesting small invertebrates and fish trapped among algae or abandoned fishing nets.

Reproduction and Development

• Sexual maturity: Females at 3–7 years old; males at 5–10 years
• Gestation: 12 to 14 months
• Offspring: One every 2 to 5 years, on average
• Parental care: Calves stay with their mothers for up to 2 years, learning foraging routes and safe zones

When females come into estrus, they are often followed by multiple males, forming what is referred to as a “mating herd.”

Range and Global Conservation Status

• Caribbean manatees inhabit coastal zones of Florida, the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, and northern South America—including islands such as Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Antilles.
• Globally, the current population is estimated at 8,000 to 2,500 individuals. In Mexico, the estimate is 1,000 to 1,500, with approximately 200 in Quintana Roo.

They are listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN, though in regions like Mexico they may be considered Endangered due to low population density and specific threats.

Where to See Manatees in the Riviera Maya & Peninsula

• Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve
  Recognized by UNESCO; home to mangroves, coastal lagoons, and reef platforms in southern Quintana Roo. While sightings are sporadic, it offers prime habitat for the Antillean manatee.

• Laguna Yalahau / Laguna Conil (Yum Balam, Holbox)
  From 2011 to 2016, 15 confirmed sightings occurred, with groups up to 15 individuals including mother–calf pairs, suggesting the species is recovering after decades at historical lows.

• Bay of Chetumal & Mahahual
  These coastal zones with shallow waters occasionally yield sightings. In responsible Mahahual snorkeling tours, individuals may still be observed—typically alone and always at a respectful distance.

• Tulum & Coastal Cenotes
  Locals report that manatees regularly entered Casa Cenote (Tulum), which was sometimes nicknamed “Cenote Manti.” Although such visits are now rarer, occasional sightings still occur.

• Xel-Há Park
  Near Tulum, this aquatic and ecological park runs a permanent rescue and conservation program for the Antillean manatee. It includes at least three adopted individuals now under veterinary care. Visitors can participate in an optional Manatee Encounter (not included in general admission), combining environmental education with a respectful water interaction experience (20 minutes on platform + 20 minutes snorkeling alongside the manatee). Group size is limited to 10 participants, aged over 10 years, and includes snorkel gear, life vests, and a certified instructor. This initiative is part of Xel‑Há’s broader Manatee Conservation Program, which covers rescue, rehabilitation, education, and ecological monitoring within its sustainability framework.

• Isolated Case: A Florida Manatee in Cancún
  In 2020–2021, a Florida manatee passed through Cancún from the north. It bore boat scars and represented the first documented case of subspecies mixing in the region.

Ethical & Safe Viewing Tips

1. Do not touch or feed manatees; maintain at least 5 m distance
2. Operate boats at low speed in shallow areas, especially where seagrass grows
3. Only enter cenotes or wetlands with certified guides, especially in protected sites
4. Use passive snorkeling when offered: avoid flippers that may disturb them
5. Support local conservation projects

Why Manatees Matter in the Riviera Maya

• They are ecosystem engineers, maintaining healthy seagrass beds that serve as nurseries for fish, turtles, and other marine life
• They can become focal points of ecotourism, steering visitors toward sustainable destinations over heavily commercialized ones
• Their presence is a valuable indicator of water quality and the overall health of mangrove and cenote systems

Conclusion

Though sightings are rare, the presence of the Antillean manatee along the coast and in the cenotes of Cancún underscores the urgent need to conserve their habitats. These gentle, long-lived animals with their herbivorous diets play a vital role in coastal marine ecosystems. Any encounter with a manatee offers a meaningful connection to one of the most emblematic mammals of the Mexican Caribbean.