CubaPLUS Magazine

With an area of more than 26,000 hectares, most of which are occupied by large marine extensions, to the south of the western province of Pinar del Río is the plain submerged and islets of San Felipe-Los Indios.

This rich ecosystem proposed as a National Park is accessible only by sea from the fishing port of La Coloma and from the port of Batabanó, as well as from tourist centers such as the Hotel Colony International Diving Center and the María La Gorda International Diving Center. This natural complex bears the name of San Felipe, in honor of King Philip II of Spain, following a very old custom.

Experts believe that San Felipe and its group of islets and keys are part of a nascent coastal plain of carbonate origin, separated from the rest of the island by natural faults. Mangrove massifs cover about 60 % of the earth's surface, with the presence of the four species reported in Cuba, which are red (Rhizophora mangle), dark (Avicennia germinans), patabán (Laguncularia racemosa) and yana (Conocarpus erecta).  Its splendid flora is also enriched with more than 66 species of plants, located in 35 families. Also with the official status of Protected Area, it presents endemic subspecies of fauna, especially reptiles and birds, such as the Cayo Real chipojo (Anolis luteogularis sanfelipensis) and the correcosta or culverina (Ameiva auberi sanfelipensis); among the birds, the juan chiví (Vireo gundlachii sanfelipensis) and woodpecker jabao (Melanerpes superciliaris sanfelipensis).

The prehistoric and harmless iguanas live there in a very favorable environment for their existence. Its species have a guarantee of conservation and are only threatened by hurricanes that sometimes cover or flood their usual refuges among the stones of the coast. But in the end, they know how to survive. Within the rich marine platform there are, in addition to mangroves, seibadales and reefs, the ecosystems of greatest ecological and economic value.

There life bustles in coral reefs of beautiful colors and in which a multitude of other species also inhabit, about 200. This extraordinary area has some 20 sites classified as ideal for practicing respectful diving, which does not admit predation or excessive hunting on the platform.

You cannot ignore the beaches with very fine white sand and crystal clear waters. The waters are almost so virgin that species of turtles still come to them gently to nest, for which they have the protection of scientific institutions established in the surrounding radius of action.