Explore Underwater World with Manatees in Bavaro, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic (SCUBA Diving)
Last June, manatees made a rare appearance on the coast of Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Our friends at Bavaro were fortunate enough to scuba dive with these magnificent sea cows. Known for their friendly and playful nature, these gentle creatures allowed divers to touch and even dance with them. The manatees appeared to be at ease, descending to the seafloor and mimicking the movements of dogs.
Though often confused with mythological sirens in the past, manatees are a type of marine mammal, reaching lengths of 3 to 4 meters and weighingup to 1,200 pounds. Their musical sounds and size may have contributed to the siren myth, as sailors could only see their tails after they surfaces.
Manatees are capable of swimming long distances, typically covering around 500 miles each season, and are often found in warm, shallow waters, such as estuaries, mangroves, and kelp forests where food is abundant. Scientific evidence suggests that their migrations are driven by the approach of new predators as the water temperature drops. However, their primary threats predominantly stem from human activities like poaching, pollution, and habitat destruction.
Sadly, the West Indian manatee remains vulnerable to overhunting for its meat and bones. Although laws protect these animals from such activities, poaching still occurs. During our last encounter with manatees at the Bavaro base, we witnessed a tragic confrontation with a group of poachers, who illegally hunted a manatee. Fortunately, a harpoon struck a remora on the manatee's back, sparing its life. Our team immediately alerted the coastguard, and the poachers were arrested and brought to justice.
Manatees continue to face numerous threats, including habitat loss, entanglement in fishing nets, and accidents with boats. The IUCN lists the West Indian manatee as vulnerable, and conservation efforts are underway to protect these sentinels of our oceans. Preserving manatees and their habitats supports a balanced marine ecosystem, providing valuable insights into the interconnection between marine life, climate change, and human activity.
Scuba diving with manatees can offer a unique insight into their playful lifestyle, making it a thrilling travel experience. After observing the manatees' interactions with divers, one might question the origins of the ancient myths that associate them with mythological sirens.
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