The Mexican Caribbean is one of the most beautiful regions of Mexico for which institutions of the Government of Mexico, such as the National Commission of Protected Areas (Conanp) have declared it as a Reserve of the Biosphere of the Mexican Caribbean, home to a great variety of species of terrestrial fauna, as well as the most representative marine mammals of the Mexican Caribbean.
Join us to learn about the great diversity of exotic species that inhabit the crystal clear waters of the Mexican Caribbean and their eating habits, as well as important information about the programs for the conservation and protection of marine mammals in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo.
Which are the Most Representative Marine Mammal Species in the Mexican Caribbean?
In the Mexican Caribbean, various species of marine mammals have been recognized, mostly dolphins from various families, including the bottlenose dolphin, rough-toothed dolphins, and spotted dolphins.
Likewise, in the Mexican Caribbean, the manatee is another of the most representative marine mammals, although it is important to have in mind that it is also a species protected by Mexican institutions such as Semarnat and Profepa.
The Dolphins of the Mexican Caribbean
Dolphins are perhaps one of the most representative marine mammals species of the Mexican Caribbean as they are well known for various dolphin habitats such as Dolphin Discovery where they receive various care and many programs for their conservation are carried out.
Interesting Information about Dolphins
- Dolphins are social mammals and live in pods
- Just as human beings raise and nurse their young
- They have toes and paw bones in their flippers!
- They communicate through whistles, and it is believed that this is the way to name a member of their pack
- They use echolocation for hunting fish, as well as to recognize the area where they are
- Like any other mammal, they need to breathe air to live, so they regularly rise to the surface
- When they sleep, they keep an eye out for potential predators
Manatees: The “Mermaids” of the Mexican Caribbean
Manatees belong to the “Sirenia” family of marine mammals and are a protected species due to the very low reproductive rate of this species.
Interesting Information about Manatees
- They are an endangered species and have been protected in Mexico since 1921
- They are related to elephants
- They are mostly herbivorous but may also occasionally feed on small fish
- Its reproductive rate is very low, having a calf every two to five years
- Their life span is of 60 years
- Its highest death rate is from human causes, mostly
- When they swim, they can reach a speed of up to 30 km/h
Sea Lions
Sea lions are not an endemic species of the Mexican Caribbean; however, thanks to their ability to adapt, these friendly marine mammals are the guests of honor in various habitats such as Dolphin Discovery, where they receive all the necessary care for their development and conservation.
Interesting Information about Sea Lions
- They are social animals and enjoy eating and swimming together.
- They are very playful.
- The whiskers on its snout give them greater sensitivity to their sense of touch.
- Their diet is based on small fish, octopus, and squid; sometimes, they eat stones!
Care and Conservation Programs for Marine Mammals in the Mexican Caribbean
In the Mexican Caribbean, there are dolphin habitats such as Dolphin Discovery that are located in various cities such as Isla Mujeres, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel, and Mahahual.
These marine mammal habitats in the Mexican Caribbean not only offer you the possibility of fulfilling your dream of swimming with dolphins and meeting the cute manatees and sea lions but also have conservation programs endorsed by various international institutions such as the AMMPA (Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums) that accredits animal welfare and care.
Dolphin Discovery, through The Dolphin Company, has established various programs such as “Miracle” that not only preserve the life of these marine mammals but also allow the reproduction of these species under the care of our marine specialists.
Similarly, The Dolphin Company provides educational programs to make children and adults aware of the importance of marine mammals through visits to schools and educational tours in the different habitats of Dolphin Discovery in the Mexican Caribbean.
Now that you know which are the most representative marine mammals of the Mexican Caribbean, tell us which one is your favorite and why!