This Thursday, a group of dolphins provided an unexpected natural spectacle for those strolling along Havana's famous Malecón, offering a delightful break from the usual summer heat and routine. The event was captured on video by a Facebook user named Primera Mano and quickly went viral in the "Fotos de La Habana" group.
"Dolphin pod spotted today, August 14, at the Malecón of Havana. Truly a wonder," the user wrote alongside two videos that show the distant dolphins gracefully swimming in the sea. Within minutes, the post was flooded with comments.
"It's a beautiful sight and a great blessing," a local woman commented. Another lamented, "I wish I had been there to see them." Some recalled previous sightings, like that of a manatee in the area, while others took the dolphins' appearance as a positive omen: "They say seeing dolphins is a sign of good fortune... May God make it so! Our CUBA needs it," noted a small business owner.
Recurring Phenomenon on the Island
This isn't the first occurrence of Cubans encountering dolphins in nearby waters. Earlier this year, in January, a group of these marine mammals was filmed swimming alongside a boat in Matanzas Bay, leaping and keeping pace with the vessel for several minutes. Experts have pointed out that their presence suggests a healthy ecosystem, as dolphins are drawn to clean waters rich in food.
Matanzas Bay has been the site of other remarkable events, such as the sighting of a sperm whale—the largest toothed whale in the world—in December 2024, an extraordinary event for the region. In August 2023, a Cuban walking near the bay was pleasantly surprised to spot the fins of two dolphins swimming peacefully in the water.
When Dolphins "Break Free"
Not all dolphin interactions have been as spontaneous. In August 2022, several dolphins reportedly escaped from a Cuban aquarium, prompting an unusual maritime effort to retrieve them and sparking a wave of jokes on social media. "Even the dolphins can't take it anymore," quipped some users, while others celebrated the "escape" as a quest for freedom.
Nature's Resilience
In a landscape where much of the news from Cuba focuses on the economic crisis, power outages, and migration, the sight of a pod of free dolphins off the Malecón offers a moment of respite and a reminder that, despite everything, nature still holds surprises for the capital. As one young woman commented, "How beautiful! Let's hope they bring us some luck."
Frequently Asked Questions about Dolphins in Cuba
Why are dolphins spotted near Havana's Malecón?
Dolphins are often drawn to areas with clean water and plentiful food sources, which suggests a healthy ecosystem near Havana's Malecón.
Have there been other notable marine sightings in Cuba?
Yes, Matanzas Bay has seen other significant sightings, such as a sperm whale in December 2024 and various dolphin sightings throughout the years.
What happened with the dolphins that escaped from a Cuban aquarium?
In August 2022, dolphins reportedly escaped from an aquarium in Cuba, leading to a maritime operation to retrieve them while sparking humor and discussions about their "search for freedom" on social media.